Colwood Garden Society

Barb Sibbald called  the meeting to order at 11:00am with 23 members attending the AGM at the garden site. Barb then introduced the current board members.

Naomi Ellis gave the financial report in the absence of Magda Kernel the treasure. It was reported that the bank balance in September of 2023 was $7702.01. The current balance to date is $9753.53. We welcomed 22 new members. Naomi Ellis made a motion to accept the treasure’s report as presented. Gail Hook second the motion.

There was a discussion led by Barb Sibbald regarding a gazebo for the garden. There was an example of a possible design presented and passed around for members to observe. Estimated cost and installation was discussed. Jacquie Laurie made a motion to pursue construction as presented with the total cost not to exceed $4000.00. A vote with show of hands was all in favor with the exception of one member. Naomi Ellis second the motion.

Barb Sibbald addressed the election of new board members.

President: Barb Sibbald nominated Enzo Divito (who was not in attendance) Approval was unanimous. Elected by acclamation.

Vice President: Marnie Latour volunteered for the position. Approval was unanimous. Elected by acclamation.

Treasurer: Magda Kernel (who was absent from the meeting) has stated that she will remain as treasurer. Elected by acclamation.

Secretary: Val Kowalko stated that she would continue in the roll of secretary. Elected by acclamation.

Membership Secretary: Naomi Ellis stated that she will remain as membership secretary. Jacquie Laurie agreed to assist Naomi in this role. Both were elected by acclamation.

Members at Large: Gail Hook shall remain as a member at large. New volunteers include: Stacey Howard, Susan Howard and Robert Fraser.

The meeting was adjourned by Barb Sibbald at 11:45.  It was a beautiful day to remain in the garden to enjoy tea, coffee and goodies. All the members attending enjoyed the sunshine and time to socialize.

September 28, 2024

Barb Sibbald called  the meeting to order at 11:00am with 23 members attending the AGM at the garden site. Barb then introduced the current board members.

Naomi Ellis gave the financial report in the absence of Magda Kernel the treasure. It was reported that the bank balance in September of 2023 was $7702.01. The current balance to date is $9753.53. We welcomed 22 new members. Naomi Ellis made a motion to accept the treasure’s report as presented. Gail Hook second the motion.

There was a discussion led by Barb Sibbald regarding a gazebo for the garden. There was an example of a possible design presented and passed around for members to observe. Estimated cost and installation was discussed. Jacquie Laurie made a motion to pursue construction as presented with the total cost not to exceed $4000.00. A vote with show of hands was all in favor with the exception of one member. Naomi Ellis second the motion.

Barb Sibbald addressed the election of new board members.

President: Barb Sibbald nominated Enzo Divito (who was not in attendance) Approval was unanimous. Elected by acclamation.

Vice President: Marnie Latour volunteered for the position. Approval was unanimous. Elected by acclamation.

Treasurer: Magda Kernel (who was absent from the meeting) has stated that she will remain as treasurer. Elected by acclamation.

Secretary: Val Kowalko stated that she would continue in the roll of secretary. Elected by acclamation.

Membership Secretary: Naomi Ellis stated that she will remain as membership secretary. Jacquie Laurie agreed to assist Naomi in this role. Both were elected by acclamation.

Members at Large: Gail Hook shall remain as a member at large. New volunteers include: Stacey Howard, Susan Howard and Robert Fraser.

The meeting was adjourned by Barb Sibbald at 11:45.  It was a beautiful day to remain in the garden to enjoy tea, coffee and goodies. All the members attending enjoyed the sunshine and time to socialize.

9:30 at Barb Sibbald’s Residence

1. Opening and welcome: Susan Howard – President.
   
   
2. Attendance: Jean Brodie, Rita Anderson, Enzio Di Vito, Susan Howard, Gail Hook, Magda Kernel, Barb Sibbald, Naomi Ellis, Val Kowalko.
   
   
3. Membership Report: Naomi reported that all the memberships have been paid. We welcomed 18 new members. At the time of the meeting there were two beds that had not been allocated.
   
   
4. Financial Statement: Madga reported that we currently have a balance of $10,398.05 The liability insurance of $460.00 has been paid for 2024. After some discussion regarding a donation to Royal Bay Gardens, Magda suggested we defer that decision until after the cost of garden bed maintenance and possible rabbit fencing has been established.
   
   
5. Old Business: There was some discussion regarding the current bylaws. Naomi suggested leaving the bylaws as they are for now. All members were encouraged to re-read the bylaws and discuss again at a future meeting.
   
   
6. Royal Bay Community Garden Updates: Naomi and Barb continue to monitor the progress. Discussion on the ideal location continues with Ben from Gablecraft and the City of Colwood.
   
   
7. Future Work Party: Discussion on a work party to complete weeding and mulching of the Indigenous beds as well as bed maintenance on the existing beds. It was decided that March 9 at 9:30 will be the date. Magda agreed to research the cost of soil purchase and drop off for general beds and Indigenous garden. Magda will also research pricing and amount of grave needed to complete the Indigenous garden. Bob has been assigned the task of organizing the repair to the current beds. In conjunction with Susan and Barb they will decide how much lumber and supplies are required. Barb will contact Dave Groves at City Hall regarding a liaison for the work party. Gail requested that there be a group designated to work on the herb garden. Barb is to ask Chris to adjust timing on the irrigation system and to ensure the water is turned on by March 9 work party.
   
   
8. New Business: Rita led the discussion regarding the ongoing rabbit issue. Possible solutions were discussed. One possibity mentioned was the use of chicken wire along the bottom portion of the exterior garden fencing. It was mentioned that the gates will then require some work and adjustments. In regards to the sticking locks Susan suggested we hold off on purchasing any further winter maintenance.
   
   
9. Living Edge Garden: The Living Edge at the Masonic Hall on Goldstream Avenue is to be relocated. Barb will continue to monitor the future relocation.  It was decided that until further notice we will continue on with planting the two Living Edge beds.
   
   
10.  New Garden Tools: Magda is to put together a list of new garden tools needed and purchase them.  Fred Kowalko is to ensure that the lawn mower and grass trimmer are in good running order before March 9 work party. There was discussion regarding purchasing a gazebo for the garden space. Barb will check with Colwood City Hall regarding regulations and whether a permit is required. Magda will check on a few designs and the costs involved.
    
    
11.   Seedy Saturday: A date of April 6 from 9-12 was suggested. This would involve and exchange of seeds and plants among garden members. Refreshments will be available. Discussion regarding having a Master Gardener visit the garden for a seminar has been deferred to a future date. Our next meeting will be held on March 9 in conjunction with the Spring Work Party.
     
    
    

Meeting was adjourned at 11:20 by Susan.  Coffee and goodies were enjoyed by all.

March 9 2024 9:30 at Colwood Garden

1. Opening and welcome by Susan Howard – President.
   
2. Attendance: Susan Howard, Barb Sibbald, Naomi Ellis, Gail Hook, Jackie Laurie, Val Kowalko.
    
3. Val read minutes from February 10 meeting.
    
4. Financial Report: The financial report was sent by Magda – $10,453.85 is the current balance.
    
5. Old Business: Discussion was held on the estimated price of the gazebo sent from Magda. Barb is going to speak with City Hall to receive a permit and approval to build the gazebo on garden property. As well Barb will acquire the water bill from City Hall. Susan moved that we pay $450 to have 5 yards of soil delivered and it was approved by all in attendance. Delivery date and having someone there to receive and pay for it will be determined.  Discussion and approval of funds up to the amount of $500 for repair work at the garden. The purchase of chicken wire to rabbit proof the garden was put on hold for the time being.
    
6. New Business: Susan addressed the upcoming Seedy Saturday on April6 from 10:00-1:00 for members only. It was decided that on that day membership will vote on approval of the gazebo. Barb is to coordinate refreshments and supply the tent for that day.  Jackie agreed to bring an extra table for setup.
   
   
7. The next meeting will be on April 20 at the garden. The meeting was adjourned by Susan at 9:50.   A very successful work party with approximately 25 enthusiastic members followed.

March 25 2024  6:30pm at Barb Sibbald’s Residence

1. Attendance:  Naomi, Jackie, Gail, Susan, Magda, Barb and Val .
    
2. Opening and welcome by Barb. Noami addressed the group regarding the relocation of the Colwood garden after recently conferring with City Hall. Barb will question City Hall as to who will provide the layout for the new garden location. A list of expectations well be provided. A question of will there be any unexpected expenses will be noted. Barb will check on what is expected regarding the relocating of the irrigation system. Susan requested the entire executive board be in attendance with the meeting at City Hall. The date is to be announced at a later date. Barb will send a newsletter to general membership regarding the move. Susan will provide an announcement poster for the bulletin board.
    
3. Noami presented an update on the Royal Bay Garden development. Basically it is to the point where the new committee will take the lead on the project.
   
   
4. Discussion was held regarding the upcoming Colwood City Hall Spring Fair on April 27. Gail moved that a budget up to $300 is to be allotted for Colwood Community Banner for the event. Naomi seconded the motion. Barb will recruit volunteers to manage the table on April 27. Barb will work on a pamphlet for distribution at the spring fair.
   
   
5. Barb requested help establishing a Colwood Garden Society Executive Board. Positions will include: President, Secretary, Treasurer, one person at large to represent each garden. Barb has volunteered to be the liaison person.
   
   
6. Barb adjourned the meeting at 7:45pm.

9:30 am at Colwood Community Garden

• Susan Howard – President called the meeting to order at 9:30 and welcomed all attending.

• Attendance: Susan Howard, Barb Sibbald, Naomi Ellis, Magda Kernel, Enzo DiVito, Jacquelyn Laurie, Val Kowalko.

• Financial Report: Magda reported that the current bank balance is $9,786.27. It was noted that there is additional funds to be deposited from bottle returns.

• Membership Report: Naomi led discussions regarding 2 members in particular that are not maintaining their garden plots. Susan offered to call both members to inquire what the problem is.

• Naomi spoke regarding the proposed garden move. It was reported that there will be no move for possibly 2-5 years. The gazebo was discussed again and Enzo is to check on a possible choice from Costco.

• Work Party: It was decided to defer any bed repairs to the spring. A date of August 24 at 9:00 was set for a fall maintenance work party. A major area of concern for the work party will be weeding and maintenance of the Indigenous garden. Barb was also going to check on the water schedule of the Indigenous garden and possibly increase the amount of water to that and the herb garden.

• Royal Bay Community Garden Update: An update on the progress on the project was given by Barb. It was stated that there are no major updates. Barb has an upcoming meeting with Mark at Colwood City Hall and will report on that at a later date. Barb will also speak to Blue Host regarding a new email account.

• AGM: The annual general meeting was set for September 28 at 11:00. The current executive will meet at 9:30 for set up and meeting preparation. Susan will coordinate tea, coffee and goodies to be served following the meeting. Barb will provide the tent.

• 9. Susan adjourned the meeting at 10:45.

Saturday, Aug 10, 10:30 at the garden.

Attendance: Susan, Barb S, Naomi, Irina, Gail, Suelaine

Financial Report: None

Royal Bay garden: Barb is waiting to hear from Ian Ward. She has a meeting with David Grove, Colwood Councillor and Ben Mycroft of Gablecraft to help get the plans underway for a community garden in Royal Bay. First step will be to approach Royal Bay’s planning department.

Annual General Meeting:

To be held September 16, 2023 at 10:30 at the garden. All Board members are asked to please submit a short report, up to August 21^st, 2023, to Barb Sibbald by Sept 9.

Election of officers: Please let Susan or Gail know if you are interested in putting your name forward for election to any of the Board positions – President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Membership.

After the meeting, there will be a lunch provided as a thanks to gardeners. Susan will approach supermarkets about trays of sandwiches, a fruit tray, a veggie tray and an assortment of desserts.

Barb Sibbald will request Bob Sibbald’s help in picking up the lunch for approximately 11:30.

Barb will chair a Board meeting on September 9 to make final plans and set the agenda for the AGM. All reports by Board members should be sent to Barb by that time.

Other business:

Rabbits: Most people have fenced their plots. If you have, and still have rabbit damage, please report it to a Board member.

Work Party: August 26 beginning at 9:30 a.m. Susan and Barb have painted lovely rocks with the names of plants and herbs in the indigenous garden. Once we have trimmed and weeded the beds, they will add the rocks to identify the plants growing there.

Many thanks to Marg and Herb Hamlyn, Marie Pawluk and Scott McDonald and Gail Hook for tending their sections of the Indigenous and Herb Gardens. I hope you will be able to come to the work party August 26 to supervise efforts. Gail is unable to attend that day, but will try to get a friend to take her place.

Rocks: Susan and Barb will paint a Colwood Community Garden rock to add to the rock snake started by a little girl in Oak Bay on Bowker Street and near the entrance to Willows Beach.

Table: Irina will purchase a table (likely at Costco) for use by Living Edge and for other events. She also will provide produce boxes for Living Edge deliveries.

Important Reminder: Be sure to lock gates when you leave. Some vandalism has been reported, and if we are diligent, that should stop.

Meeting adjourned at 11:30.