Planning for 2013

I had a lot of fun at our last meeting talking about answers to some of the questions I posed on the website prior to the meeting to get us all thinking about what we want to do in 2013. While I did not write down specific answers (I'm such a bad note taker), here are some of the things we talked about:

Meeting new people, talking about gardening, visiting gardens and sharing gardening information are some of the reasons why we joined the club whether more recently or as founding members. I think we all like the refreshments as well!

Becky's favorite garden tool is a short shovel that can be used from a kneeling position to dig weeds or plant.

Preen and Osmocote, for weed suppression and time release fertilizing, are favorites among gardeners in the club. Liquid Fence and Deer Stop (from Menards) were mentioned as deer and rabbit repellents. Deer Stop is pleasant smelling and will not clog spray nozzles.

Spray Roundup along the edges of gardens to keep grass from encroaching on beds--be careful to use a narrow spray to avoid killing desirable plants! Can also be used next to fences and buildings as well as sidewalk cracks. Can also be applied to a broom and swept on weeds to avoid contaminating desirable plants (done by an Amish garden, I believe).

Linnea, though not at the meeting, mentioned at the summer potluck and container garden competition in August that she likes to add a little Miracle Grow to her watering can once a week to give her containers and hanging plants a boost.  She has luscious planters and pots.

Weeds being the most disliked part of gardening, animal and bug pests are also high on the list, as well as soil that needs amending. Testing your soil was recommended. This can be done through the University of Wisconsin.  Here is a handy link for testing http://uwlab.soils.wisc.edu/lawn-garden/. Kits are also available at garden centers.

If anyone remembers any other specifics discussed, please make comments on this blog and I will follow up.


Most popular topics for 2013

I handed out a list of possible topics for presentations in 2013 for members to indicate what topics appeal to them. Here is the tally of the results (I misplaced or did not get back one of these handouts. I got back 4 but thought there were 5 so I will update this list if I find the 5th handout). I combined a few and noted these.  Slash marks indicate individual interest in the topic. I included topics with 3 or more members indicating interest.


/// Bulbs, spring blooming

///// Construction, any type of hardscaping such as walls, pathways, trellises, pergolas, etc

/// Cooking freezing canning drying with garden produce

/// Flowers, perennials, flowers which are winter hardy in Minnesota, selection and propagation.

/// Ferns, all aspects of gardening with ferns

/// Fruit, berries, grapes, any type of small fruit such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and grapes

///// Garden Art, introducing art and whimsy to the home garden combine with hands on workshops in willow weaving, trellises, and making benches and planters

/// Gardens, shade, selection of plants, design and maintenance of gardens designed for shade

/// Gardens to visit, gardens to tour in Minnesota

/// Ground covers, selection and propagation of plants that act as a dense covering for the ground.

/// Irrigation, use of man-made watering systems

//// Landscape renovation of current for low maintenance or new ideas including landscaping around water not to include water gardening.   combined

/// Pest control includes all types of pest control such as organic, chemical, biological, or integrated pest management

/// Vegetables, plant selection and general methods of vegetable gardening

/// Wildlife, living with, methods of gardening and living with wildlife, includes methods of animal control.

Our next meeting is:

October 11, 6:30 Grantsburg High School, room 111. Idea sharing with Pine City area Clubs. Members for other clubs are invited to talk about their clubs events and programs. This should be a great opportunity to infuse fresh ideas into our 2013 planning!! Business includes dues, program planning and signup for 2013. Also, Holiday in the Park planning!! Rosemary and Janet will provide refreshments.

Reminders will be sent out early next week.