Primary Speaker

Topic

Lani

Lani called the meeting to order at 11:00 am.

New Business

Lani

Bart/Erin

 Joan/Phyllis

Maryann

 Lani

 Judy

 Bart

 Maryann

 Maryann

 Maryann

 Maryann

Lani/Becky

Bart

Becky

Approval of February 5, 2025, Minutes

Rodney made a motion to accept the February minutes. Lynn seconded the motion, and the motion carried.

FCS Programming

Erin shared EMGV (Extension Master Gardener Volunteers) + FCS (Family & Consumer Services) presentation to provide background for a proposal for approved credit hours for EMGV’s when volunteering in FCS programs, for example: Kids & Chefs. Mindy is currently involved (for Beginners and Seasoned Chefs). Erin says the program could use another EMG. An online process for background check is required. There is no fee for the process. Erin provided a handout, (Applicable Programming 2026), outlining four programs that could use volunteers: Kids & Chefs, (June), FCS at the Market (May-September), Food Preservation Workshops (Year Round) and Farm to ECE (October TBD) FCS @ the Market:  EMGV’s would answer questions about planting produce that are present in the booth in recipes, fertilizers, best season for planting, etc., and assist with set up and food prep 8:30a -noon every 1^st Saturday, working with Erin. Could this count for working at FM?  Next steps: Bart will summarize the request with specific FCS volunteer options and bring to the April meeting.

Field Trip Update

Phyllis shared information on 2026 planned field trips. In February, EMGs visited the NC Arboretum to see the troll exhibit. The next field trip is May 1, to Southern Highlands Reserve (SHR). A trip is planned for Bullington Gardens in October during the dahlia season. There will be one additional field trip, for a total of four this year. EMG has a $200 credit with SHR and a proposal to allocate that will be shared at the April meeting. Rodney shared that the SHR tour is mostly flat, yet it is 1.5 miles with some climbing, so there could be mobility challenges for some persons. That information will be communicated in planning materials.

NC Public Gardens Map Info

Maryann shared information on the NC Extension map of public gardens that can be visited within the state. The map features Silvermont and there is an opportunity to add the other three gardens to the site. To add the three gardens, lots of data would need to be submitted.  For example, when did the garden open, when was it established, provide attributed photos, and information for Wiki Commons. There would need to be extensive research and a minimum of nine features per plant provided. This is an excellent educational opportunity for volunteers who are interested. There is a person in charge at NC State who is willing to assist. This project could start small and grow. Maryann will provide information via The Transplanter to assess interest.

Discuss Activities/Options for Volunteer Hours

There was a discussion on all the options EMGV’s have to earn volunteer hours. Are there too many options? There are a great variety, and the options support the EMGV mission as stated above. Where should the focus be? These are all ways for us to learn and educate the public. People really enjoy the various options, and many think the variety is great. There is opportunity to get hours in different ways. Rodney said that last year, some of the gardens could have used more people. Volunteers often drop in number during the heat and summer weather. Some demo gardens don’t have as many volunteers. There was a recommendation to assess the Ranger Station garden again this year. Judy will communicate an idea to the garden leads to start earlier in the morning during the warm weather. Bart will work with Erin to bring forward specific FCS volunteer opportunities in April, as mentioned above in the FCS information.

All Demonstration Gardens Point of Contact Report

Judy shared that Holly and Maryellen are having a tour of the Silvermont gardens on March 17. This tour will be for leads and new volunteers. The shrubs are established in Plant This, Not That garden, and there is not more room for annuals. Steve and Barker are planning for the status quo at the Rain Garden, no plans to enlarge the garden.

Administrative Items

MG 2026 Class Update

Bart said the class is going very well. An amazing class. Very good attendance and enthusiasm. It was suggested to have Martha send a Sunshine Card to current class member Cindy Donaldson as she has missed class due to a family illness. Joan will contact Martha.

MG Educational Series Update  

The series is now complete. Judy will fill the July spot with a presentation on Deer Prevention Training

Soup Luncheon Recap

Maryann provided an update: the luncheon went well, it was only an hour, and attendees enjoyed lots of socialization. A reminder for next year: to have the luncheon on a different day than the monthly program. This will allow for easier set up and participation. We also need to tweak food quantities, in the past too much, this year Maryann thought we were light on food.

Spring Symposium Update – March 14

Signups are going well, currently 30-40, and expected to pick up. Holly is promoting the event and Bart will share on his radio appearance on Thursday.  Setup will be 4-5 pm the night before and all setup slots are filled.

Plant Sale May 9 Update

Willow and Beverly are co-chairs, and all is going well. Ingles has already given permission for the lot.

Discuss Open House for Demo Gardens

There was discussion on how often there should be an Open House for the Demo Gardens. There were Open Houses in 2022 and 2025. Rose shared information on the 2025 Open Houses. Each garden had their own Open House Day, and the garden leads chose the day. There was not a lot of turnout. Recommendation to have Open Houses in 2026, over two Saturdays, well publicized, with possible activities for children. Include a simple brochure for education. After the 2026 Open Houses, it will be determined how often going forward. Maryann shared this meets our vision of education and reaching the public.

Maryann retirement/transition plan

Due to time constraints, Bart will put this item on an upcoming agenda and perhaps schedule a separate meeting to discuss. Bart shared that the position hiring process does not open until Maryann is retired.

Current Business  

2026 Board Meeting Dates

Maryann clarified that Board Meetings are scheduled on the Monday of the week before the monthly Educational meeting. The Educational meeting is the 2^nd Tuesday of the month. In 2026, this means that we will have two Board meetings in August on August 3 and August 31.   

 Nancy thanked EMG for her recent card.

Jane shared there will be a financial review next month.

Note: Due to time constraints, the following agenda items were not discussed: Update on Basics of Gardening Class, EMG Website.