Greene Acres Community Garden

Meeting Minutes
August 11, 2003

AGENDA
1. Introductions.
2. Rainwater project update.
3. Event with middle garden.
4. Dodder update.
5. Unattended plots.
6. Ayana's class.
7. Winter preparation and presentation.
8. Meeting agendas.
9. Old business/new business.

MINUTES
1. Introductions.
Michael from NYRP came to the meeting to give a presentation about the rainwater collection project. Rob, a consultant for NYRP, also came to the meeting to learn more about Greene Acres.

2. Rainwater project update.
Michael from NYRP said that they are getting an engineering estimate on the design with the elevated water tank. Since the elevated design is more expensive than NYRP orginally thought, Michael presented a second design concept. 

The second design uses a three foot high superadobe platform to support the water tank. The tank would be encircled with willow branches, which would take root. It would have two entrances and be similar to a pergola. The water tank is seven to eight feet high (the whole system would be approximately ten feet tall), and the willow would grow around and over the tank. It would take two to three seasons for the willow to completely cover the tank. Greene Acres would need a source for the willow. This design can be tied into an irrigation system. For example, it could have underground hoses that could by plugged into the tank. Greene Acres should contact the 6/15 Garden in Park Slope to learn about their irrigation system.  The willow stalks would be planted in Spring 2004 and the design built in Summer 2004.

Michael can send his drawings for both designs to Greene Acres to put on our cork board, in the shed, on the website and for meeting minutes. 

Do the residents of 347 Greene Ave have concerns about the design? Audrey does not favor the elevated design because the top of the tank would be eighteen feet high.

Brian from NYRP needs to be contacted regarding materials for the paths.



3. Event with middle garden.
Beryl reported that the middle garden on Greene Avenue (between Franklin and Classon) is having a community event this fall and wants to know if Greene Acres would like to participate. They plan to open their garden, have a bbq, vendors and face painting. The event could be a fundraiser. Possible dates are Saturday, October 4 or Saturday, October 11. Depending on the date, Greene Acres gardeners said that they would be interested in opening the garden the day of the middle garden's event. 

4. Dodder update.
Gardeners reported that dodder affects nastursium, marigold, onion and clover. There is still confusion about the best way to combat dodder and what to do with it once it is removed.

5. Unattended plots.
There are a few unattended plots. Greene Acres needs to figure out whose plots are neglected. The garden map needs to be updated, as does the garden roster and contact sheet.

6. Ayana's class.
What is the best way to communicate Greene Acres needs to Ayana (or any other teacher)? Rob could confer with the NYRP about various childrens programs. Dariel wants to meet the teacher to schedule work. Karen agreed to be the liaision for Ayana's class. Gardeners can discuss work ideas for the children and give them to Karen. The children could remove bricks and weed. 

7. Winter preparation and presentation.
Gardeners would like the NYRP Garden Trust to arrange a presentation on preparing the garden for winter. Gardeners are interested in the best way to care for their plots and what crops can be planted in the cold weather.

8. Meeting agendas.
Dariel suggested that an agenda be brought to the start of each meeting. The agenda should include standard items, such as membership, landscaping and treasury report. Gardeners can also add their own agenda items at the beginning of the meeting.

9. Old business/new business.