Minutes from the April 4, 2005 Meeting

President Susan R called the meeting to order at 7:08pm.

Announcements from the President
Susan passed around a list for speaker suggestions and officers/board members for 2006.

Susan stated that she is planning a tour trip to the Willow River State Park in May. If you are interested, sign-up for the tour. The exact date for the tour in May has not yet been set.

Sunday, July 31 is the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden Tour. Sign up if you want to attend. The tour will be during a recommended summer flowering time.

The plant sale sign-up list is being passed around. Please sign up! The plant sale sign-up list will also be passed around at the May meeting.

Soil test kits are available with instruction. Susan will discuss the specifics later in the meeting.

The club needs volunteers for refreshments for the June, October and November meetings.

As there were no additions or corrections to the March 2005 minutes as printed in the April newletter, a motion was made, seconded and passed to accept the minutes.

Treasurer's Report
Total net worth as of today is $6,953.04

This consists of the following accounts:

Activity since the last report on March 7 was as
follows:

Net decrease of $327:

Income of $82:

Expenses of $409:

New Business
Board Meeting
The next board meeting will be on Saturday, April 16 at the River Falls Public Library at 4:00pm. The primary topic will be planning for the plant sale. Please attend if you have any interest in being on the board or serving as an officer.

Garden U Reminder
The St. Croix Valley Master Gardeners are hosting Garden U on Saturday, April 9 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Hudson. The fee, which includes lunch, is $20.

Soil Samples
Susan R passed out soil sample bags and instructed members on how to take a good soil sample.

Soil test bags can be dropped off at the UWRF Agriculture Building. The Ag Department will send in the soil sample for the public.

A member noted that Sue F works for the UWRF Ag Sci Department. Perhaps she would be willing to help members with soil samples.

Announcements, Tips and Reminders
Slug control
Nancy S told members that she has used chicken grit, which is crushed oyster shells, to control slugs in her garden. The sharp edges of the grit deter the slugs. Susan Reese said she used crushed eggs shells for the deterring slugs. Another member suggested blasting crystals, or sharp sand, for slug control. The blasting crystals are black and thus blend in with the soil.

Tips for cut flowers
Ursula P displayed the flowers sent from the club for her husband's funeral. Mae W picked the arrangement from examples on the internet and had the following tips: select flowers that are not yet fully opened; carnations and lilies are especially long lasting; and do not limit the arrangement by topic such as funeral, wedding etc. There are lots of great general arrangements such as Ursula's displayed arrangement.

Art in Bloom display
Maggie D told members that the Minneapolis Institute of Art is having the annual Art in Bloom display from Thursday, April 28 through Sunday, May 1. The display is free and there will be plant related items for sale. For more information:
http://www.artsmia.org/art-in-bloom-2005/
or call 612-870-3045.

Plant Sale
Susan reminded the members that the plant sale is coming up on Sunday, May 21. The details of the plant sale will be discussed at the May meeting and there will be information about the sale in the May newsletter. There will be a supply of pots and plastic tags available at the May meeting and from Kim at the River Falls Public Library after the meeting.

A motion was made to end the meeting. The motion was seconded and the meeting ended.