Transylvania County Master Gardener Advisory Board Monthly Meeting Minutes

June 3, 2024, 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Extension Conference Room

Attendees:  Mary Miller, Betsy Bond, Maryann Mickewicz, Bart Renner, Lani Leary, Cindy Gilbert, Brenda Doroski, Phyllis Cumings, Lynn Bartosh, Martha Mayberry, Nancy Carrol

Welcome and Call to Order. Mary called the meeting to order at 11:02 a.m.

Review/Approve May Minutes – Martha motioned; Mary 2^nd; approved.

Finance Report

• Phyllis distributed the May financial report showing a balance of $7,122.75. The May expenses included $332.70 for CNN plants, potting soil and 100 kids craft kits for two farmers market days. Plant sale proceeds included $650 in credit card sales. The credit card fee will show up in mid-June.

 Plant Sale Review — Maryann

• Maryann reported that the plant sale went very well – both the quality and quantity of donated plants were better than ever.
• However, it was very frustrating that CNN cut our order in half a week before pick-up (supposedly) due to loss of plants due to overwintering. This is not the first time this has happened. Also, some of the plants didn’t look too well. Maryann is bringing the left-over plants back to life for the extension building garden. We pick up the plans in mid-April which may impact their condition.

• Karen Szafran was not happy with what transpired but is not particularly interested in finding another source. MM is open to looking for another wholesaler (maybe even one that is closer). The group discussed possible alternative sources, including:
  • Betsy is aware of an on-line wholesaler in Mills River – she will make appt to see
  • Lani recommended Henn’s in Fletcher
  • Cindy G. suggested Raymond’s may be able to provide “contract growing”
  • Banner Greenhouses in Nebo (an hour away)
  • Since customers were looking for vegetables and herbs, buy starters at Henderson’s and have EMGV pot and care for them prior to sale (added bonus would be education value)
• The group discussed and is in favor of sending a letter to CNN providing feedback on this year’s buying experience — order being cut in half at last minute and the poor quality of some of the plants.
• Another issue raised and discussed was a for-profit booth selling plants at the sale (uninvited). The board recommends the Ext Service send an official letter notifying the vendor that he doesn’t qualify to participate in this event due to his for-profit status.
• Maryann attended the Buncombe County EMGV plant sale. Their plants are organized on the ground by sections (e.g., sun, shade, native, etc.), alphabetized and have QR codes. They had a booth for garden knick-knacks, tools, pots, etc. The advisory board discussed the pros/cons of adding this type of booth and decided not to add more to our already full and successful event. Their EMGV wear buttons “Have a garden question? Ask me.”
• Maryann donated 15-20 leftover plants to Sharing House for their beautification effort.EMG Spring Tea Update — Phyllis
  • Scheduled for Friday, June 21 at the Mary C. Jenkins Center from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Workers scheduled to arrive at 1:00 p.m. There are 6 servers. Planning on 6 tables of 6 people (36 attendees total). Currently have 18 RSVPs.

Southern Highlands Reserve Board Field Trip

• Tuesday, June 18^th, meet at SavMor at 8:30 a.m. to carpool (1 hour drive). Tour from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00; followed by lunch. Return at 1:00 p.m. Bring your own water, snacks and lunch.
• Lynn and Rodney will be the docents. We have 12 tickets.
• Maryann will send a reminder email with the above information.Compost Update

• Need more shredded leaves. Cindy D. has deferred the purchased of a leaf shredder until the fall.
• EMGV Shirt Order – Maryann
  • Maryann submitted the order as agreed via email board vote. However, the manufacturer informed her that they are not authorized to print the NCS logo. Therefore, Maryann has sent the order to an authorized dealer for a quote and we will discuss again once the quote is received.

Other Items and Updates

• Betsy received an invitation from Marjorie Lillard for the EMGV to have a booth at the AD House Appalachian Day on June 29, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. This is a farmer’s market booth day. Betsy will let her know if doesn’t work for us this year.
• Maryann will give the brief announcements at the June 11^th program meeting since Betsy and Mary will not be able to attend.
• Cindy G. will schedule a garden leads meeting in June to plan for the pollinator training activity in July. The Great Southeast Pollinator Census will take place on Friday, August 23, and Saturday, August 24.
• Martha received a nice letter from the arboretum in response to our donation. Letter was given to MM.

The meeting adjourned at 12:06 p.m. Minutes submitted by Brenda Doroski, Secretary.

 Schedule for the Remainder of the Year: