Transylvania County Master Gardener Advisory Board Monthly Meeting Minutes
May 6, 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, Cindy Decker, Lynn Bartosh, Joy Evans, Martha Mayberry
Compliments of Phyllis, we celebrated Maryann’s birthday with delicious gluten-free cupcakes and tea/coffee. Happy Birthday, Maryann!
A. Welcome and Call to Order. Mary called the meeting to order at 11:10 a.m.
B. Review/Approve April Minutes (revised with a schedule of events) – Lani motioned; Martha 2nd; all approved.
C. Finance Report
 Phyllis distributed the April financial report showing a balance of $5,693.86. There will be a rebate of $161 on the insurance payment of $191.
D. Arboretum Azalea Garden Tour
 Several people expressed that the tour guide, Carson Ellis, was fabulous. The timing may have been a little early for the first group and a little late for the second, but EMGVs had a great time.  The group discussed making a donation to the Arboretum designated for the azalea garden (along with a thank you note). Cindy G. made a motion to donate $150; Lani 2nd; all approved.
 The increase in field trips this year has provided for more volunteer engagement and interaction.
E. Silvermont Garden Transition Plan
Betsy and Mary provided a brief recap of the April 19th meeting Maryellen held to discuss current concerns/future plans of the vegetable garden. Edibles, annuals, perennials and shrubs will be planted. One bed will highlight “plant this instead of that” with signage and a brochure.
Maryann suggested a “real estate” type sign that is more economical, longer lasting and UV resistant.
Brenda suggested/requested an article about the new garden plan (once finalized) be put in the TransPlanter to inform/engage volunteers who work in the garden.
Cindy D. will reach out to Mary Ellen to see if the sweet potato slips from Pitch Pine Farm are still wanted/needed.
Bart has added sulfur and selective pruning of blueberries has been done.
F. EMG Spring Tea Update — Phyllis
 The “Welcome to Summer Tea” is scheduled for Friday, June 21 at the Mary C. Jenkins Center from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. (1/2 hour before and after for set-up and clean-up).
 Phylis asked for volunteer bakers (Martha, Lynn, Cindy D., Joy) and servers (Maryann, Betsy, Lynn, Phyllis).
Maryann will send invites and manage RSVPs.
G. Plant Sale Update May 11
Maryann reported that all is going smoothly. She is creating plant labels using
plasticized paper that goes through the copy machine.
 Volunteers are caring for the native, garden, and donated plants at their homes. Maryann believes there will be lots of plants this year.
Plant drop-off is Thursday and Friday afternoon.
Renting the credit card reader needs county approval (in process now).
H. Southern Highlands Reserve Board Field Trip
 1 hour drive. Tuesday, June 18th, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Bring your own water, snacks and lunch. Carpool or park at nature gate. More info will provide closer to date.  Lynn and Rodney will be the docents.
I. 2024 MG Class Update
 Bart reported that 8 trainees completed the class this year.
J. Soil School – done for the year
K. Compost Update
 Karl Munn is back! He will partner with Mary and Cindy D. on the compost rotation.
 Maryann brought shredded leaves to top off the bins
L. Ways to incentivize participation at the demo gardens – Betsy
 The group brainstormed the following ideas for incentivizing participation in the demo gardens:
 Increase communication on the garden plan so people (outside of the board) feel
informed and engaged.
 Break down the Silvermont hours by garden (e.g., moss, perennial, vegetable, herb,
composting, etc.).
 Try a “passport system” to get folks to work at a variety of gardens.
 Try pairing up gardens (e.g., Library & Silvermont) and creating garden buddies.
 Host special work days at a garden to bring in a larger group (increase interaction).
The AD Garden will be hosting a work day on Friday, May 24 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
 Work 2 hours at each garden and earn 1 hour extra (some people were not in favor of this idea).
M. Communication with EMGVs
 Maryann shared that she frequently receives comments/questions from EMGVs
indicating they don’t know about activities (e.g., garden visit to Martha’s house). This is frustrating and worrisome since these activities are advertised in the TransPlanter and open to all EMGVs.
The group suggested Maryann send a separate email letting EMGVs know that reading the TransPlanter is the way for them to learn about all things MG – field trips, work days, and parties. Encourage folks to read it and mark their calendars. Also, this message will be conveyed during the President’s Remarks at the beginning of the monthly programs.

The meeting adjourned at 12:00 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Brenda Doroski, Secretary.