Two changes were made: adding temps, contractors and consultants to make Society officially inclusive; and changing “those who may not have space or capability of growing their own” to “Unified Garden Society Members”. Mission Statement and By-Laws were adopted with those changes.A healthy discussion ensued about the true meaning of consensus versus majority vote.
Discussion about Logistics
Planting schedule: Tina distributed a handout showing appropriate planting times for various food crops. A suggestion was made that, due to the late start, teams consider planting nursery seedlings and intersperse those with seeds to get immediate results as well as satisfaction from seed growing.
Planters: There was discussion about adding two interested newcomers to existing teams or purchasing additional planters. The suggestion was made to get existing planters started with growth before purchasing new planters. Newcomers were added to existing teams.
Craig will inquire about rounding up some additional concrete planters from around the District that aren’t being used and having them brought over.
Jan suggested bringing a request to the ELG, but a discussion ensued that this is strictly a volunteer project to benefit the Society members. There may be interest in Port support in the future, but for now we have all agreed to be self-sufficient.
Watering: Many members have commented about watering. Tina, Kelly and Craig divide their watering duties with Craig on Mondays, Tina in Wednesdays and Kelly on Fridays. Tina has provided a watering can for the ground-level teams. 2nd floor teams will need to procure a watering can. Eventually, Crais hopes to install a solar-powered drip irrigation system.
Cleaning up: Members need to be diligent about keeping all planting areas neat and cleaning up after themselves. Tina will donate a dustpan for the purpose and Craig will try to find a broom. Teams can’t leave messes or create extra work for gardeners or custodians. Craig will look into finding an appropriate storage area for broom, dustpan and other group supplies.
Sharing Tips and Advice
Santina suggested starting a list of what each team is planting. Lori agreed to start the document in DM5 and send it around. Cynthia suggested adding to the list whatever seeds members have available to share, as a seed bank. Tina has a few gardening books that she will loan to interested members (but members will have to sign them out).
Jeannie offered to bring an unused rotating composter. Craig asked her to first provide photos and dimensions to make sure we have room for it.
Café Ole is currently putting some of their green waste into the compost bin. It is already at capacity, so members can’t yet put their waste into the bin. We are investigating the possibility of adding composting capacity. Eventually, we hope to generate enough compost for the Port to use on planted areas close to the water, to replace synthetic fertilizers.
Lori suggested having the Port reimburse the Society for the compost. Craig discussed the idea of setting up a barter system. We could also set up a “farmer’s market” table, just outside of Café Ole, where any Port employee could leave surplus produce from their gardens to share with all other employees.
Upcoming Speakers and Field Trips
September 4: Bill Tall from City Farmer’s Nursery will give a presentation on home composting titled “Lunchtime Trash: How to Eat it Again.” Kelly will send details and advertise the presentation Port-wide.
Those present agreed that lunchtime was a good meeting time. Tina will send the next appointment and ask for a volunteer to put together the next meeting agenda and lead the meeting.
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