University of Illinois Extension

Master Gardener Meeting

Effingham County

Tuesday June 10^th, 2008

Call to Order

Normalie Strickland, president called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. In attendance were Leslie Niebrugge, Karen Hakman, Purnima Shah, Brenda Roedl, Normalie, and Rita Kemme.

Minutes

The minutes of the May meeting were read. No corrections. Motion to approve by Karen and a second by Purnima and the motion carried.

Financial

Leslie reported that we have received our monies back since the governor has relented and allowed the U of I to again be at least partially funded. The monies in our treasury stand at $2003.00 and the Cross money is $901.00. Financial statement attached.

Brenda's Notes

Office Help and Move: As one of the cost saving ventures the unit staff is moving to the south east section of the building. Rooms will be painted and Brenda will be moving into the area now the workroom. All has to be moved out so that it can be painted. Karen will help in the morning with the moving.

Cross: Karen and Brenda have planted purple cone flowers, black eyed Susan, and purple asters to give seasonal color around the flagpole. The area needs to be mulched and they have also moved some of the blocks from the fairgrounds in anticipation of placing them around the flagpole, to provide a mowing strip and help keep the grass out of the area. They plan to bury the blocks ground level. Water from the recent 5 inches of rain has caused major problems with the plants both on the east side and at the swale. Suggestion was made to put in a drain pipe from the gutter drain on the east and run it to the road. A turquoise one has been seen at Menard's and would possibly be partially covered by the Liriope and not be so noticeable. Leslie brought in a material piece of hers that shows a labyrinth for those of us that had not seen a labyrinth. It would be a beautiful, but extensive undertaking.

Lakeland: has called and would like tomatoes, and raised beds and pots planted. The raised beds need soil in order to be planted.

Old Business

None to report.

New Business

Mystery Camps: will again be held this year. On July 1^st, 11 students are scheduled with the mystery of the dead fish, and on July 8^th, Ballistics will be the topic. Both run 9A.M. to 3P.M. and are for ages 10 and up. The day before will be for set up. Can you help any of these days? Karen will help on the 1^st.

Leaf mulch: Purnima said she will have many oak leaves in the fall if anyone is interested in mulch.

Ballard Nature Center: will be the site for the Big Tree Inspection Workshop to be held on June 21^st. Call the office to register. $10.00 fee. Jay Hayak, Tony Braasch, and Brenda will host Time is 10:00 A.M. to 2P.M.

Summer Telenets: On June 24^th the telenet will be on Roses. July 8^th will be summer and fall perennials and July 22^nd will be fall blooming trees and shrubs.

Monday June 16^th at 7P.M. a workshop will be held at the extension and how to get more local produce into the stores. A push for more organic foods.

Adjourn

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 P.M. with a move by Karen and a second by Purnima.

Submitted by: Rita Kemme, secretary