Meeting Attendees: Beverly
Allen, Larry Allen, Juanita Benjamin, Ronda Benjamin, Bonnie Buhl, Norma
Chiaramonte, Debbie Haluch, Ellen Jones, Mark Jones, David Mausolf, Marcia
Mausolf, Mike Owens, and Ann Sansbury. A
special welcome to our guests Juanita and Ronda Benjamin!
Program:
The program speaker, Ann Sansbury, a CCL resident and CCL
Garden Club member, provided an interactive discussion on Vermicomposting. She discussed the process of using red
wiggler worms along with organic material such as shredded paper, cardboard,
egg shells, coffee grounds, leaves, grass and organic foods to create a nutrient rich compost known as vermicast.
In addition to providing an
ideal growing medium for the garden, an equally beneficial outcome of using
this process is that it greatly reduces the amount of waste that would
otherwise end up in a landfill.
Ronda Benjamin was grateful
to win the speaker’s door prize of Vermicast.
Special thanks to Debbie Haluch for inviting Ann to be our speaker.
Break/Refreshments: Refreshments
were provided by Bev and Larry Allen and Debbie Haluch. Bonnie Buhl won the meeting door prize, a
fall garden decoration, provided by Beverly and Larry Allen.
Meeting Highlights:
A motion was made by Norma Chiaramonte and seconded by
Marcia Mausolf to dispense of reading of the September 10, 2018 Meeting Minutes. All meeting minutes can be found on our blog.
Monthly Treasurer Report was present by Bonnie Buhl,
Secretary/Treasurer. The report was
accepted as read.
Monthly Meetings:
Ellen Jones is responsible for the speaker
program on November 12. She advised that
CCL HOA President for Sections 1 & 2, Rob Melloy will join us. Ellen is in the process of confirming the
participation of Kelly Doyle, CCL HOA President for Section 3
Volunteers needed to attain Speaker for January
and May meetings. Ronda Benjamin
volunteered to recruit a speaker for one these months. Mark Jones volunteered to acquire a speaker
for the remaining slot and asked if there were any specific topics of
interest. Norma suggested information on
growing succulents.
Houston Garden Club Federation
Updates:
Ellen provided updates on the Federation Activities and
Awards:
New meeting location – First Christian Church 1601 Sunset
Boulevard, 2nd Friday of each Month
Holiday Meetings and Garden Symposium:
October 12 meeting at 10 am – A Witches Brew –
Holiday Flower Show
October 19-20 – Southern Garden Symposium, St.
Francisville, LA
December 14 Christmas Luncheon, 9:30 – 2:00,
$30, Silent Auction and Speaker Bill McKinley from Binz School of Floral Design
Houston Garden Club Federation awards granted to CCL Garden
Club:
10th Anniversary Certificate
Garden Angel Certificate presented to Debbie
Haluch. This award was voted on at a
prior meeting by CCL Club Members to acknowledge outstanding contribution of a
club member.
President’s Report Honorable Mention presented
to Ellen Jones for 2017-18 report
Square Foot Gardening
Workshop Initiation:
CCL Garden Club Member, Debbie Haluch invited
all who are interested to a
Square foot Gardening Presentation at her home on Saturday, October 13th
at 10 am.
Committee Chair
Updates:
Blog – Debbie Haluch – in addition to Debbie’s ongoing
commitment to maintain the CCL Garden blog, she has begun to highlight club
information on Next Door and encouraged all to “like” the CCL Garden Club page
on Facebook to create greater awareness
Brick Fundraiser – Mike Owens provided highlight information
for newcomers
Butterfly Garden Seasonal Planting – Larry Allen presented
the design plan and plant selection for the fall planting including milkweed
and zinnias. All are encouraged to
participate in planting the fall garden on Saturday November 10 at 8:00 am. Larry will also ask Kyle with IMS landscape
services to prune the Magnolia tree near the Butterfly Garden
Butterfly Garden II Implementation – Norma Chiaramonte
advised that once the new landscape contract is established for Section 3 we
will have more information on an implementation plan
Field Trip and Events – Marsha Mausolf
All who signed up for the Brookwood Luncheon Gala and
Program on Thursday October 18 will meet at the clubhouse to carpool at 9:00 am
Jr. Gardener Event – Liz Hearn and Lyn McWilliam – no
updates
Outreach – Norma Chiaramonte
There was general discussion on a holiday outreach program
focused on Senior Care Homes. Norma will
research ideas and present a recommendation at the November 12 meeting
Sign Placement – Larry Allen and Ian McWilliam – no updates
Social Gatherings – Norma Chiaramonte
Nine members enjoyed a fun evening at Café Roma last month
Social Media (Facebook, CCL website) – Norma Chiaramonte
It was agreed that emphasis on CCL website in addition to
individual member postings is necessary to create greater awareness of club
activities
Yard of the Month
The judging for October was done by Norma Chiaramonte and
Ellen Jones. The October YOM was awarded to Donald Allison and Deborah (Dee)
Vangessel
Beverly Allen has decided to retire as chairperson. All expressed appreciation to Beverly for
providing many years of dedicated service as YOM chairperson.
A Volunteer for Chair Position is needed - Next judging for
YOM is April
Gardening Tips for October:
October is best month for dividing and moving bulbs and
perennials, such as Lilies and Iris
Time to plant 10-15 onions…how they got their name? 10/15 is the optimum planting date
