Community Garden RIP

the news 
---The garden board met Monday and made the official decision not to continue with plans to move to Redeemer. We are all disappointed, but we feel that there is  not a strong enough interest and potential participation to guarantee a success. 

---It has been a wonderful 5 years and something we can all be proud having been a  part of. We thank all who have participated in the community garden--have given their time, their creative ideas, their hard work to make the garden a success.

loose ends 
---There are a few things left in the garden that need clearing out. If you or anyone you know can use anything, help yourself. (The shed will be moving up to the Stone Point Garden)
   *cardboard-needs to be recycled or thrown out. If you have a use for it, take it.
       If you have a vehicle that can be used to carry it off, let me know. 
       I'll help get rid of it.
   *picnic table   
   *the wooden box
   *compost for your garden or yard
   *the blue water pipe
   *palettes

---Finances--Your plot registration included a $10 deposit for clean up and work hours. Many of you have told me that you don't want your deposit back. If you do want it back, let me know by December 1, and I'll arrange to get it to you. 

---Our bank balance is pretty close to zero. The board decided to leave any money remaining in the account for a few months as potential seed money for the next generation of community garden.

the future 
---Hope springs eternal in the heart of a gardener. While the entire garden board and coordinator (me) is officially stepping down, I'm sure that there are some of you who want to see a continued presence of a community garden in Winona. If you are one of these people and want to work on the next generation of garden, contact Mary Kaye Perrin or Stewart Shaw. Much of the preliminary footwork is in place.

And keep on gardening!
Jan

State of the Garden

Work day 

--Thanks to the 15 people who came out to dismantle the garden. We accomplished more than was on my list. It was a bittersweet success. 

--The compost bins were taken apart, leaving a couple of piles of great compost. If you would like some, bring a bucket and help yourself.  

--The tomato cages are free to a good home. As is the picnic table.

Shed 

--We need 3 strong people to help move the shed. Moving it will involve tilting it onto the back of a truck, then tilting it off again when it gets to its destination. Tentative moving date is next Sunday (depending on the weather and when people are available).

Annual meeting 

--Don't forget the annual meeting and potluck next Saturday--Holzinger, 5:30 p.m. The meeting itself will start about 6:30, if you want to come for just that part.

Your Input 

--If you haven't given your feedback about the garden next year, please do so, either at the meeting Saturday or respond to this email.  

----Do you plan to return to the garden next year (yes/no/undecided)  

----What are your thoughts about which garden site to go with 

----Are you able to help with transitioning the garden to a new site (i.e., serve on the Board)

Change is always hard, and this change is one no one wanted. If we can get through this transition successfully, it should be smooth sailing for a few years.

Jan