Central School Yard - Landscaping and Community Garden Committee
November 2, 2011 Meeting
November 2, 2011 Meeting
Attendees: Ron Stedman, Kelley Powers, Jen Bond, Steve Wegert, Jenny Redd, Becky DeMere, Melva Davis, Ruth Brown, Heather Robinett, Larry Robinett, Patti Paton
Organizational Framework
Committee will be co-chaired by Larry and Heather Robinett. Kelley Powers agreed to be the landscaping chairperson. Future meetings will be held the first Wednesday of each month from 4:00-5:00pm in Central's library. The group agreed to communicate via e-mail using the subject line of Central School Yard.
Organizational Framework
Committee will be co-chaired by Larry and Heather Robinett. Kelley Powers agreed to be the landscaping chairperson. Future meetings will be held the first Wednesday of each month from 4:00-5:00pm in Central's library. The group agreed to communicate via e-mail using the subject line of Central School Yard.
Landscaping
Initial brainstorming session and tour of the tiered areas to be landscaped. Ideas included replanting grass to the sidewalks on the top level, constraints for plants/flowers (no thorns for easier weeding, no fast growth, no large growth to prohibit "hiding", 3-5-7 planting rule for better appearance, and consideration for appearance from multiple angles (the street, the playground, the school, etc.) Kelley will work with Patti for ideas and investigate particular plant/flower ideas for the next meeting. Larry mentioned that Waldbart Nursery was providing 25% off products and 50% off installation through Spring 2012 for Ferguson residents as a result of the tornado damage in the area. He will e-mail Kelley the flyer in the event she wants to talk with them.
Community Garden
The group agreed to start small (2 initial garden beds) in the spring. Heather will investigate best plot sizes for the students to reach all areas as well as best spring vegetable planting options. Multiple teaching opportunities include seed/plant growth, plot measurement and calculations, soil testing and composting instruction among others.
Next Meeting: December 7, 2011 4:00-5:00pm
Action/delivery items for the next meeting:
1) Measure area along NE corner of school yard for sizing vegetable beds. A crescent layout was agreed upon. – Patti & Larry
2) Track hours of sun exposure for tiered bed area. – Becky’s class
3) Collect soil samples and reach out to MU Extension office for testing. – Larry
4) Research landscaping options in tiered beds. – Kelley & Patti
5) Different material types and costs for raised beds. – Heather & Larry
