Barron Manor Neighborhood Association

Minutes of October 9, 2010 Meeting

The meeting was called to order at 4 PM by President Kellie Brown.

There was a brief discussion of local crime news, including the theft of wheels and tires from a car in a driveway on Deerwood.

Special guest Grace Perry, County Extension Agent, joined in the discussion of the community garden.  Parts of the garden have been tilled and are ready for planting if an adequate water supply can be provided.  Two options were discussed: to run a series of hoses from the home of Abraham and Louise Washington, and pay them for the water used, or to try to have city water turned on and a standpipe installed near the garden.  It was decided to investigate the city water option further.

Grace Perry passed out pamphlets entitled “Growing Vegetables in Minigardens.”  They include a list of vegetables suitable for planting at various times of the year.  Although the suggested dates for planting fall vegetables have passed, Ms. Perry encouraged the group to plant some greens and perhaps other vegetables this autumn, as well as to prepare for early spring planting.

Ms. Perry also gave extensive suggestions for making compost, either for the current garden or for any raised beds that may be built.  (Ms. Perry suggested that raised beds could be constructed at low cost from scrap or cast-off lumber.)  Suitable materials for composting include leaves, newspapers and cardboard, coffee grounds and other garbage, and manure.  Members were encouraged to save materials to begin a compost pile this fall.

Other garden topics briefly discussed included warding off pests such as squirrels (the planting of garlic, hot peppers, or marigolds was suggested) and the possible flower bed on the corner.   An attempt will be made to contact Mr. Hampton, who was out of town, but who has expressed interest in the garden and has some seeds for planting.

A summary of the organization’s finances, including dues paid, was given by Louise Washington, who has prepared a spread sheet with detailed information.  As of October 9 the balance in the treasury was $227.47.  A question was raised about a proposed “sidewalk sale” to raise funds, but this idea has apparently been abandoned for now. 

The next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, November 6, beginning at 9AM at the garden site. This will be a cleanup and work session, including the construction of a compost pile, followed by a pot-luck cook-out lunch, hosted by Mary and Rick Sieger.

Respectfully submitted, Peter Limper, Secretary

October 24, 2010.