February 22, 2022

                                                     SAFETY  HARBOR  GARDEN  CLUB

                                   Minutes, Membership Meeting February 16, 2022

The Club’s first indoor monthly meeting in two years was attended by 35 members, including new members and guests (= hopefully future members). Some members contributed delicious food, assisting Jennifer, Hospitality chair, in hosting the social part of the meeting, offering  coffee and treats.

The meeting, held at Moccasin Park, started at 9:30; called to order by President Gary at 10:09 who opened the business part of the meeting by greeting and welcoming all, including twelve new members who joined during Covid, as well as several returning members. He thanked the steady group of volunteers who are continuing to work, every Monday and Tuesday AM, at Folly Farm Preserve, maintaining and growing the gardens there.

Gary reminded that Folly Farm is also available for social activities, for example Friday 5PM dinners (BYO), and chats around the fire pit.

“We are on a mission”, said Gary. Our three-part agenda is:  1. Social   2. Beautification               3. Education.  And “the word is out”:  On Monday, February 21, the Club will receive two awards:  1. from the city of Safety Harbor, 7P at city hall, for all the accomplishments at Folly Farm Preserve   2. The prestigious state-wide award for Folly Farm: the Florida Master Gardener Award of Excellence for Beautification and Enhancement 2021.

Gary added that members in good standing will receive a free SHGC t-shirt.

Budget: Balance $ 6,368.06, including $2.K of various donations.

Membership:  Paula H.  To date, there are 63 paid memberships. (47 used the new on-line option to pay the membership fee.)

Web site:  Judy Z. created a new Facebook page. Anyone can post, with music even; also a new Garden Club web site:  safetyharborgardenclubsafetyharborflorida.com.  This new site offers many options for information.  Password needed to view ‘members only’ information. 

Garden Manager:  Leslie Z. thanked all volunteers who come to help, especially to Folly Farm, rain or shine.  Leslie encourages members to bring their plants to the Park for the Saturday plant sales, properly labeled.  Pollinators preferred.

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Master of Folly:  Nancy M. introduced the speaker Craig N. Huegel, PhD, her friend and teacher. Well-known author of books including “The Truth About Pollinator Gardens”. A man of many talents, Craig is an Adjunct Professor at St. Pete College, “Ecologist, Educator, Experimental Grower and Gardener”.

Craig gave a very interesting presentation re. many gardening topics, with humor and personal touches. He strongly reminds us to “garden with joy” and “let’s be effective”. Hat we do is important!”   “DO NOT USE PESTICIDES, and herbicides only in extreme situations.”

There will be opportunity to become “Master of Folly” soon.

Upcoming:  March 6, 10 – 2, “Enchanted Garden Fest” at Folly Farm. Free.

Meeting adjourned at 11:50A

Respectfully submitted by Gisela Bennie  (for Karen Isaak)