February General Meeting

Attendees: Larry and Beverly Allen, Norma Chiaramonte, Joe and Wendy D’Virgilio, Tessa Ellis (visitor),Debbie Haluch, Liz Hearn, Bea Huriega, Marsha and Dave Mausolf, Ian and Nicole McWilliam, Ellie O’Connor, Cathy Oland, Mike Owens, Alma Rielly, Ann Sansbury, Dale Smothers, Ruth Westra (visitor)

Speaker: Mike Shoup, owner of Antique Rose Emporium, spoke on  “How and old rose schooled me”. Mike talked about his journey to discovering antique roses.  Easy care and gratification of roses that have roots over 100 years old.

Refreshments: Refreshments and door prize were provided by Mike Owen

Minutes –  January 13 Meeting Minutes – a motion was made by Norma and seconded by Liz to dispense with reading of the minutes.

Treasurer’s Report - Treasurer Report was given by Secretary/Treasurer, Ann Sansbury and approved by all.

Birthdays – We celebrated birthdays for Lindey Bortz and Cathy Bortz.

Old Business:

·       IMS has won the bid for the landscaping contract in Phases 1 and 2.

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      Ann Sansbury and Debbie Haluch gave an overview of organic fertilizers and native plants, specifically native milkweed. Arbor Gate will be carrying organic plants beginning in April. Plants for All Seasons carries a huge selection of organic soils and fertilizers.

New Business:

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Joe Sykes from the MUD District reported on the water mitigation required by Towne Lake to prevent flooding in Cypress Creek Lakes. Towne Lake will be building two retention ponds, one on the north side and one on the south side of Cypress Creek.

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      Mike Owens received a magnolia tree in honor of Peggy Sue. IMS has cleared the area near the splash pad and planted the tree.

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Mike Owens reported on a new plan to fix the brick pathway at Butterfly Garden 1. Total cost will be $300.

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Marsha Mausolf  is planning a trip to the Bluebonnet Tour. It will be March 26 in Brenham and the cost is $25. Last date to register is March 8.

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      All members should consider getting their yards certified as butterfly gardens. For NABA certification, you need 3 nectar and 3 host plants. The application is $15 and the sign is $15.

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      Ellie O’Connor will be heading up the contest to name the two butterfly gardens. She will present more information at the March meeting.

Gardening Tips of the Month:

·       From Buchanan Native Plants blog:  Apply pre-emergent to stop spring weeds such as crabgrass, good grass and dallis grass before they start. Corn gluten meal is an organic approach.

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      Consider applying Azomite to your yard and beds to add minerals for soil health.

Our next meeting  will be Monday, March 9, 2020. The speaker will be Tricia Bradbury. She will be speaking on growing and using fresh herbs.

Magnolia Tree Planting

Garden Club member Peggy Sue Owens was honored with a Magnolia Tree Planting.  Matt and Mark Owens wanted the community to remember their mother.