News

Garden News

Fairbanks Community Food Bank, 3pm
Board members present: all – Wendy, Karen, Curt, Dana
Items covered:
– Community Garden gardeners Jeff and Kayde, who run and maintain
their website at frostygarden.com, talked about container gardening.
They like GroBucket inserts for 5gallon buckets, and get significant
yield from having their plants grow in warm soil in a bucket.
– The board recommended that garden fees remain the same for the next
year, at $50/plot and $50 deposit. There were no objections.
– Questions from members: outlined further below.
– The board would like to pursue a permanent shelter at the garden.
The expected cost is $15-20k from a local contractor who would be sure
to build for snow loads that can be expected in interior Alaska. Wendy
is pursuing GVEA and Usibelli foundation grants, as well as borough
approval. Not likely to happen in summer 2024.
– A volunteer sheet was passed around. More chores are available.
– Gardenfest – the members present wanted to pursue gardenfest again
this year. It will be in last three weeks of July/first week of August
timeframe.
-Fall bonfire date was set for 9/14/2024.
– Meeting concluded around 4:15pm.

– Questions from members present:
– Invasive weeds: a garden member brought up the number of invasive
weeds in the garden. Delia will make displays that may be pinned up on
the notice board on the north side of the wellhouse. Ideally invasive
weeds will not be put into the compost.
– New apartments on east side: a member noted that new apartments are
going up on east side of the garden.
– It was noted the trashcans in the garden are just for incidentals –
e.g. a napkin or a small piece of trash. All members are requested to
haul the rugs/fencing, etc out themselves instead of putting it into
the garbage can
– a member noted the number of chokecherries along the river nearby,
possibly the source of chokecherry seeds/seedlings in their garden,
and asking whether the borough would be amenable if they helped to get
rid of them. Wendy will ask her contacts. However, there are many
other chokecherries in the neighborhood.
– If a garden member sees anyone camping in Hamilton Park, please call
Wendy and she will let the borough know.
– It appears that there is a plan to improve the gate to Hamilton
Park. It is not clear if it is due to this plan that the trees to the
east off the gate were cut – currently it is possible to drive around
the gate because of that.
– the Harvest Hosts have been without issues as far as we know. The
largest vehicles do not fit the space.
– Wendy was interviewed by Jo Heckman for her podcast Jos Table Alaska
about the community garden. The podcast episode was put on her website
a couple days ago.It has a great summary of the history of the garden in the first few
minutes.
– Delia asked about microgrants. The board will support her if she
wants to pursue a microgrant.
– A member pointed out the Chena Tool Library has a rototiller,
dehydrator, etc, to keep in mind for the appropriate gardening-related
work for individual garden members.

Winter Meeting 2023

The winter meeting of the Fairbanks Community Garden was held March 4th at the Fairbanks Community Foodbank. 20 people were in attendance.  The minutes from the December Board meeting were shared with the group. The board recommended that fees remain the same, $50.00 per plot rent and $50.00 per gardener deposit. The gardeners concurred.  The efforts to improve and maintain the garden in the coming year will include renting a skid steer to turn the compost, purchasing new security cameras and remarking the plot boundaries where stakes have been moved or damaged.  A fencing company will be hired to repair the portions of fence that was damaged by falling trees. High winds and busy beavers caused a lot of damage to our 22 year old fence.

Volunteer work will again be done on an individual basis. A sign up sheet was passed around to choose jobs and a list of needs will be posted and emailed to gardeners in May.

Instead of “Clean Up Day” a summer Garden Fest will be an opportunity to gather as a community and promote the garden.

We will continue to serve as a site for Harvest Hosts.  Their presence has always been a benefit to garden security and they have contributed volunteer hours and monetary donations.  Wendy manages the reservations.  Gardeners are asked to communicate any problems or concerns through Wendy and not directly with our Harvest Host guests.

The only concerns about garden rules were to be mindful that the pathways between the gardens must be kept cleared and free of tools and other material.  The volunteer that trims the pathways that have been neglected is concerned about damaging unseen tools and equipment.

We also have an amazing volunteer to dispose of garbage.  Please make this an easier job for him by disposing of your own garbage and DO NOT put dead animals in the trash cans. (Throw them in the woods where they will become part of the food chain).

Gardeners on the waiting list will be notified of the date for choosing a garden plot.

An amazing talk on seed starting was provided by Gardeners Jeff and Kayde Whiteside. Frosty Garden

Here is a video of their talk. Winter Meeting talk on seed starting

Looking forward to a wonderful gardening season!

Winter Meeting 2022

The winter meeting of the Fairbanks Community Garden was held March 19 at the Food Bank Clubhouse. The Board recommended that the fees remain the same, $50.00 per plot rental and $50.00 per gardener deposit. General consensus was that a maximum of 2 plots be allotted to each household since our wait list was so long. Existing households that have more than 2 plots will be grandfathered in  so they can keep their existing plots but encouraged to consider reducing the number of garden plots they have, especially if they are not able to garden or harvest all their plots.

The second annual Garden Fest will be held July 15 as a fund raising event.  Emily Anderson will perform. Beverages and food will be sold on site. Last years event raised over $500.00.

September 17th, 4 PM was set as our fall bonfire and garden meeting. A volunteer sign up sheet was passed around. We will continue to schedule volunteer tasks independently, just as we have since 2020. A Google Doc will be created and sent to gardeners to sign up for tasks.

Dario Canelon, the new extension agent was introduced and provided materials from the Tanana Valley Cooperative Extension Service.

Since our tool shed is to be open this year and tools again shared, all tools need to be returned to the shed when gardeners are finished with them.

We will again be a Harvest Host and encourage gardeners to greet and thank the travelers who are staying as our temporary garden hosts.

attempt will be made to improve the look of the south common area and the North perennial garden under the quilt sign.

Winter Meeting 2021

The winter meeting of the Fairbanks was held via zoom on Feb. 27, 2021. Over 20 people were in attendance.  The meeting began with a presentation on dehydrating garden produce by Tanana District Extension Agent, Leslie Shallcross. She welcomes questions about any type of food preservation. 907-474-2426, lashallcross@alaska.edu.

Following the presentation, Board president Wendy Anderson reported that fees have to be raised for the first time in many years because costs are exceeding the payments we receive.  They will be $50.00 per plot rental and $50.00 per gardener deposit.  Gardeners who did not get their deposits returned last fall or elected to have them applied to this years deposit will not have to pay any additional amount.

We realize that this is an unfortunate time to have to raise fees and encourage you to contact Wendy Anderson or Karen Bracken if you need to make some special arrangements to pay these increased fees.

In the past some gardeners have collected their deposit early in the season and then abandoned the garden, requiring FCG to spend upwards of $100.00 to have it ready for a new gardener. To avoid this drain on your gardening fees, we will be refunding the deposits in the fall after it can be determined that the plots are ready to be rented to a new gardener should it become available.

Covid mitigation policies will remain the same as last year, please pick up the tools you will need and store them in your garden.  The tool shed will remain locked. We will keep the port-a-potties clean and sanitized with your volunteer help. (We will provide supplies) Maintain distance and mask up if that is not possible.

We are hopeful that we can gather in the fall on site for our traditional bonfire and will communicate this through emails and signage if this is possible.

Volunteer tasks will be undertaken on your own time.  Gardeners will be sent a link to a google form to choose your volunteer task.

We are looking forward to another wonderful year of gardening.  See you in the garden!

Your Fairbanks Community Garden Board of Directors,

Wendy Anderson

Curt Matz

Betsy Bonnell

Karen Bracken

Winter meeting 2020

The Fairbanks Community Gardeners and Board of Directors met on March 7, 3pm at the Fairbanks Community Foodbank.  Board member Curt Matz led the meeting. President Wendy Anderson and board members Karen Bracken and Betsy Bonnell were also present.
The following decisions were made:
The fees will remain at $40.00 per year per garden and $40.00 per year per gardener.
The giant white bench by the well house will be the sharing bench where people can leave plants or produce to give away. 
Ray Bonnell will make a sign for the pit at the north end “No Dumping”.  He will also take care of the two port-a-potties, calling when they need to be emptied and restocking with supplies if necessary. 
Stan Majors will continue to empty the trash can at the south end of the garden.  Please do not put heavy items in the can.  Haul your own trash out of the garden if possible. 
Deborah Smith will again keep our fences repaired and will also assist in trimming raspberry brambles from the pathways.  If you would like to assist her with this project and get your volunteer work done early, contact Wendy
Garden NewsWinter Meeting 2023

The winter meeting of the Fairbanks Community Garden was held March 4th at the Fairbanks Community Foodbank. 20 people were in attendance.  The minutes from the December Board meeting were shared with the group. The board recommended that fees remain the same, $50.00 per plot rent and $50.00 per gardener deposit. The gardeners concurred.  The efforts to improve and maintain the garden in the coming year will include renting a skid steer to turn the compost, purchasing new security cameras and remarking the plot boundaries where stakes have been moved or damaged.  A fencing company will be hired to repair the portions of fence that was damaged by falling trees. High winds and busy beavers caused a lot of damage to our 22 year old fence.

Volunteer work will again be done on an individual basis. A sign up sheet was passed around to choose jobs and a list of needs will be posted and emailed to gardeners in May.

Instead of “Clean Up Day” a summer Garden Fest will be an opportunity to gather as a community and promote the garden.

We will continue to serve as a site for Harvest Hosts.  Their presence has always been a benefit to garden security and they have contributed volunteer hours and monetary donations.  Wendy manages the reservations.  Gardeners are asked to communicate any problems or concerns through Wendy and not directly with our Harvest Host guests.

The only concerns about garden rules were to be mindful that the pathways between the gardens must be kept cleared and free of tools and other material.  The volunteer that trims the pathways that have been neglected is concerned about damaging unseen tools and equipment.

We also have an amazing volunteer to dispose of garbage.  Please make this an easier job for him by disposing of your own garbage and DO NOT put dead animals in the trash cans. (Throw them in the woods where they will become part of the food chain).

Gardeners on the waiting list will be notified of the date for choosing a garden plot.

An amazing talk on seed starting was provided by Gardeners Jeff and Kayde Whiteside. Frosty Garden

Here is a video of their talk. Winter Meeting talk on seed starting

Looking forward to a wonderful gardening season!

Winter Meeting 2022

The winter meeting of the Fairbanks Community Garden was held March 19 at the Food Bank Clubhouse. The Board recommended that the fees remain the same, $50.00 per plot rental and $50.00 per gardener deposit. General consensus was that a maximum of 2 plots be allotted to each household since our wait list was so long. Existing households that have more than 2 plots will be grandfathered in  so they can keep their existing plots but encouraged to consider reducing the number of garden plots they have, especially if they are not able to garden or harvest all their plots.

The second annual Garden Fest will be held July 15 as a fund raising event.  Emily Anderson will perform. Beverages and food will be sold on site. Last years event raised over $500.00.

September 17th, 4 PM was set as our fall bonfire and garden meeting. A volunteer sign up sheet was passed around. We will continue to schedule volunteer tasks independently, just as we have since 2020. A Google Doc will be created and sent to gardeners to sign up for tasks.

Dario Canelon, the new extension agent was introduced and provided materials from the Tanana Valley Cooperative Extension Service.

Since our tool shed is to be open this year and tools again shared, all tools need to be returned to the shed when gardeners are finished with them.

We will again be a Harvest Host and encourage gardeners to greet and thank the travelers who are staying as our temporary garden hosts.

attempt will be made to improve the look of the south common area and the North perennial garden under the quilt sign.

Winter Meeting 2021

The winter meeting of the Fairbanks was held via zoom on Feb. 27, 2021. Over 20 people were in attendance.  The meeting began with a presentation on dehydrating garden produce by Tanana District Extension Agent, Leslie Shallcross. She welcomes questions about any type of food preservation. 907-474-2426, lashallcross@alaska.edu.

Following the presentation, Board president Wendy Anderson reported that fees have to be raised for the first time in many years because costs are exceeding the payments we receive.  They will be $50.00 per plot rental and $50.00 per gardener deposit.  Gardeners who did not get their deposits returned last fall or elected to have them applied to this years deposit will not have to pay any additional amount.

We realize that this is an unfortunate time to have to raise fees and encourage you to contact Wendy Anderson or Karen Bracken if you need to make some special arrangements to pay these increased fees.

In the past some gardeners have collected their deposit early in the season and then abandoned the garden, requiring FCG to spend upwards of $100.00 to have it ready for a new gardener. To avoid this drain on your gardening fees, we will be refunding the deposits in the fall after it can be determined that the plots are ready to be rented to a new gardener should it become available.

Covid mitigation policies will remain the same as last year, please pick up the tools you will need and store them in your garden.  The tool shed will remain locked. We will keep the port-a-potties clean and sanitized with your volunteer help. (We will provide supplies) Maintain distance and mask up if that is not possible.

We are hopeful that we can gather in the fall on site for our traditional bonfire and will communicate this through emails and signage if this is possible.

Volunteer tasks will be undertaken on your own time.  Gardeners will be sent a link to a google form to choose your volunteer task.

We are looking forward to another wonderful year of gardening.  See you in the garden!

Your Fairbanks Community Garden Board of Directors,

Wendy Anderson

Curt Matz

Betsy Bonnell

Karen Bracken

Winter meeting 2020

The Fairbanks Community Gardeners and Board of Directors met on March 7, 3pm at the Fairbanks Community Foodbank.  Board member Curt Matz led the meeting. President Wendy Anderson and board members Karen Bracken and Betsy Bonnell were also present.
The following decisions were made:
The fees will remain at $40.00 per year per garden and $40.00 per year per gardener.
The giant white bench by the well house will be the sharing bench where people can leave plants or produce to give away. 
Ray Bonnell will make a sign for the pit at the north end “No Dumping”.  He will also take care of the two port-a-potties, calling when they need to be emptied and restocking with supplies if necessary. 
Stan Majors will continue to empty the trash can at the south end of the garden.  Please do not put heavy items in the can.  Haul your own trash out of the garden if possible. 
Deborah Smith will again keep our fences repaired and will also assist in trimming raspberry brambles from the pathways.  If you would like to assist her with this project and get your volunteer work done early, contact Wendy wintergardenak@gmail.com
Raspberries: All raspberry canes must be kept out of the pathways. Beginning May 9th, volunteers will be trimming away all stems or canes that encroach on the pathways.  If you would like to prune your raspberries yourself, please do it before May 9th. Raspberry canes inside your garden boundaries will not be trimmed by volunteers.
Jeff W. will begin work on a video monitoring system for the garden.  Wendy will purchase signs to let gardeners know they are on camera.
Automatic Watering systems:  If you have a timer on your watering system, please do not disable the faucet. Your neighbor may need to turn off the water if it is encroaching on their space.  Please set the timers to run early in the morning or at night when demand is not high.
Leaky hoses in automatic systems are hard on the pump.  If you hear the pump cycling off and on but don’t see any gardens being waters, call Wendy.  There is probably a leak in the system.
Linda Kang will inventory the tools and equipment and purchase additional spray nozzles.
Please put hoses away off of the path so the mowers don’t damage them. 
We are looking for a volunteer to contact gardeners who look like they might not be able to harvest all their produce. This volunteer would also find a way to harvest and use the excess produce   (give it to the food bank or soup kitchen, share at church or share with other gardeners.) It is a shame to see great produce left in the garden and wasted.  Is this something you could do?
Gardeners who need to communicate with their gardening neighbors may get contact information from a list in the tool shed.
ATV traffic has increased in recent years in Hamilton Park, creating noise, dust and hazards to people on foot using the park.  Wendy will contact the Parks Department.

The following dates for future meeting were set:

Vacant Plot Giveaway 5/9 9am
Clean-up Day 7/11 10am – 2pm
Fall Meeting & Bonfire 9/12 4pm
The installation of our new signs will take place June 19th from 5-7PM.  Wendy and artist Summer Hahn are coordinating this process with the Borough. We plan to provide a family friendly event with music, food and other activities.
Wendy concluded the meeting with a demonstration of a seed starting technique called winter sowing. 
Contracts were signed and fees collected.

Winter meeting, March 2, 2019

The Fairbanks Community Garden held its annual winter meeting March 2nd, items of importance from the meeting:

  • Board recommends plot fees stay at $40 per plot
  • $40 deposit may be refunded, donated or designated to apply to following year
  • Vacant garden plot giveaway day May 4that 9am

o  contact is Karen Bracken

  • Clean-up date July 13th9am to 12pm

o  If unable to attend clean-up day contact Wendy Anderson for project assignment

  • Fall garden meeting September 7that 4pm
  • Water scheduled to be turned on May 20th, this date is dependent on spring temperatures & thawing
  • Water scheduled to be turned off mid-September, dependent on fall temperatures
  • Garbage removal

o  No carpet remnants in garbage containers, too heavy for removal

o  No animal carcass in garbage containers, too smelly

  • If you set traps for garden eating varmints be aware of our feathered friends and place your traps where birds cannot get to them
  • Email regarding invasive weeds in the garden and the proper disposal will be sent to garden members in the coming month

Winter Meeting, March 3, 2018

The winter meeting of the Fairbanks Community Gardeners was held March 3, 2018 at the Fairbanks Community Food Bank. The main topic of conversation was the new non-profit, Fairbanks Community Garden which has been approved as a leaseholder by the Fairbanks North Star Borough.  The directors, Wendy Anderson, Curt Matz and Betsy Bonnell assured the gardeners that the garden will operate much as it has in the past, with the added benefit of a closer relationship with the non-profit lease holder because 2 of the three directors of the non-profit are garden members.

Other business:

The rent and deposit will remain the same. $40.00 rent and $40.00 deposit

Repair of fence damage by beavers was begun by the Borough Parks Department and will be completed in the spring. Some trees will need to be removed as they are hanging over the fence due to snow load.

Garden Give Away Day: May 12th. Gates open at noon, gardens assigned at 1:00 PM

2 clean up days

June 2, 2018 1-4 PM (Darlene Matz and Connie Vargas will assist) We will paint and construct a raised bed, trim brush, repair fence, install dac latches on the vehicle gates to make them more secure and perform general repairs.

July 14, 2018 1-4 PM  (Volunteers needed to handle food and sign in table)  We will take care of turning the compost and trimming weeds, other jobs as needed.

There will be bees at the garden again this year.

A Membership Support Committee, (Linda Kang, Marion Lundquist and one other gardener) was established to assist and communicate gardeners who appear to be having difficulties maintaining their gardens. This committee will inspect gardens that appear to be abandoned and notify garden president, Wendy Anderson.

Jeff Whiteside will investigate adding additional security precautions.

A 4-way outlet will be installed on the outside of the well house by qualified electrician.

Electricity will be turned on when the garden host moves in.  Water will be turned on when the ground thaws.

Delia will assist membership Coordinator Karen.

Leon will purchase and install new locks as needed.

Stan will empty garbage can at the south end.

Robin will take care of port-a-potty maintenance. (Calling Horizon Services).

Fall Bonfire September 15, 1-4 PM 

 

 

Winter Meeting, February 25, 2017

The winter meeting of the Fairbanks Community Garden was held on Feb.25, 2017 at the Fairbanks Food Bank.  26 people attended.  The meeting began with guest speaker Leslie Shallcross of the Cooperative Extension Service discussing services available to gardeners from her agency. Next, Kellen Spillman from FNSB Community Planning reported on the upcoming changes to the zoning that will make it much more easy to establish small community gardens. This will not affect the Fairbanks Community Garden.

Garden Fees will remain the same. $40.00 rent, $40.00 deposit

Old business: Abandoned plots, weedy plots and encroaching trees were discussed. Trees by the tool shed, flagged aspen will be cut down. Robin Harlow will continue to work with volunteers to continue to trim trees that have grown up in the green space near our fence. Vetch, especially that by the tool shed will be eradicated with Delia Vargas Krestsinger’s help.  This will be a clean up day project involving covering some areas with black plastic. We will also work to fill in the holes in aforementioned area so that the grass can be mowed.  Wendy will speak to Duane and Jami Spears about mowing this area once it has been improved.  Also during clean up day we will help work on specific weedy plots as coordinated with the owners.

New Business: We are looking for a new garden host and Renee Majors will check with local property manager for help with this. The following phrase: “Gardeners may be asked to remove green houses if they present a problem for neighboring gardeners.” will be added to the handbook.  This was due to the potential 6 foot tall green house that was being erected on the north edge of a garden last year and would have shaded the adjacent garden.  The gardener voluntarily removed the structure when the problem was pointed out to them by the garden coordinator. We will begin work on setting up our own nonprofit corporation before the lease is up in 2018.  Lara Lotze will assist with this project. A second port-a-potty will be purchased to be placed at the north end of the garden.  Wendy Anderson will speak to Horizon Services about this purchase. A permanent structure for shade and shelter is needed and Delia will pursue this with a Boy Scout Troop, perhaps as an Eagle Scout Project. A single day for rototilling will be coordinated so that the person being hired can do multiple gardens in one day Jen Majors will organize this. Lara Lotze can be contacted to work with the Fairbanks Community Food Bank to harvest produce that individual gardeners can’t or don’t harvest. One dozen 100 foot hoses are needed for the upcoming season.  Water will be turned on mid-May and a notice will be placed on the tool shed and well house to this effect.  This does depend on the weather. A woodpile will be established at clean-up day for recycling usable wood for raised beds, etc.

Other volunteer duties: Laura, Delia and MK will help with the garden give away day, Jen will coordinate clean up day. Connie will purchase need supplies. Marion will purchase supplies for the fall bonfire and meeting.Karen Bracken will continue her amazing work as membership coordinator.  Yujane Chen will continue as financial coordinator. Robin Harlow will monitor the cleanliness of the port-a-potties and call for service when needed. Stan Majors will empty garbage cans at the south entrance.

 

Meeting adjourned

 

 

Winter Meeting, February 7, 2015

Hello Gardeners,

16 gardeners braved the sub zero temperature to attend the winter meeting yesterday.  Thanks to Sherry Blizzard for bringing a beautiful cake to share.  Following are the issues that were discussed and decisions agreed on.
The garden lease was renewed last year for 4 years.  When it expires we need to be ready to renew under the existing non profit (AFCSR) or create a new one.
Raspberry bushes appear to be under better control.  We are looking for a volunteer to prune the canes that block the path.  Contact Wendy if you are interested,
Finding a garden host, it was decided, would be the best way to lesson vandalism and theft.  We will look for interested parties through the Fire Service, seasonal help at the hospital and Facebook.  In addition, to improve safety: Wendy will check with Mt. McKinley Fence about repairing the north gate, check with the parks department about repairing the south fence damaged by the beavers.  Gardeners are encouraged to call or email Wendy with information about homeless camps in the area so she can contact the City Police.
Fees for the coming season will remain the same.   $40.00 rent and $40.00 deposit.  Contracts are due by May 1st, 2015
New gardens will be assigned May 15th at 7 PM.  Robin H., Emily L., Kathy F. and Linda K. will assist new membership coordinator Karen Bracken.
Clean up day will be June 6, 2015.  We are in need of pallets to build additional compost piles.  Wendy will organize other repairs and improvements and coordinate this event.
Fall Bonfire and meeting will be held September 12th at 4pm and be organized by Anna M. and Mirian L.
Yujane will continue as our Financial Coordinator when she returns.  The balance in our account is $2220.44.
Robin H will take care of the port-a-potty maintenance.  There was some discussion of the need for an additional facility at the north end of the garden and a volunteer offered to check on the price of a used one. More frequent cleanings were requested.
We ask that tools be returned to the shed and not left in the garden.  Tools will be marked with bright colors and letters to that effect.  If tools are left in your plot and other gardeners are in need of them, they may enter your plot to obtain the Community Garden tools. Additional garden carts will be purchased that are easier for people with limited mobility and strength to use.  Collapsable (as seen on tv) hoses will be tried this year as many gardeners had good luck with them last year.
A new lock will be purchased for the tool shed (we typically purchase about 6-10 locks per year as they fail and are not repairable).
We would like to have some 110 outlets available in the well house and ask if there are any qualified electricians that can do this work for us.  Contact Wendy if you or someone you know may be available.
We will continue our search for an organization to build us a picnic shelter.
Following the meeting I heard from two gardeners that were not able to attend.  Duane Spears and his family will continue to mow our pathways.  THANK YOU!!!!   Another gardener raised the question of whether or not we will allow marijuana to be grown in the garden.   Wendy will check with the FNSB lands and parks department before we proceed further with this question.  Currently our handbook discourages people from planting one of a kind items, especially near the walkways.
Regards,
Wendy Anderson, garden coordinator

Winter Meeting, March 8, 2014

The Fairbanks Community Garden members met on Saturday, March 8, 2014, at the Fairbanks Food Bank. Approximately 10 people were present.

The first item on the agenda dealt with raspberry control.  It was decided that those wishing to grow raspberries should contain them within their allotted plot space and not allow them to grow into the walking paths or 2′ from their neighbors plot.

Under New Business items we learned that the FNSB has built a new well house.  The lease for the garden is up in July and must be renewed ever four years.  Members would like to see background checks completed for garden hosts.  Virva Elliott and Sherry Blizzard will work on a Host Contract.  Handbook changes will reflect a $5 increase in the deposit.

Moved to amend and passed:  “at least 25% of the plot area must be worked.

Financial Report:  We have $3,347.19

Volunteer opportunities are needed for:

  • Spring/Fall Clean Up Days.  This includes getting refreshments, logging in who is present, and assigning jobs.
  • Locks Manager:  Someone who will either repair or replace the locks at the gates, tool shed or water house.
  • Tool Purchase and Maintenance
  • Abandoned Garden Committee
  • Fence Repair
  • Tree Removal:
  • Trash Removal: Whoever took on this job last year (2012) Thank You!
  • Port-A-Potty- Maintenance:  This involves a phone call to clean up.

Website maintenance:  Sherry Blizzard will volunteer support.

Like us on Facebook:  Fairbanks Community Garden

Returning gardeners who wish to switch plots may do so on May 14th so that their old plot is available for new gardeners on May 15th. Email Virva Elliott to add your name to the list of gardeners wanting to switch plots.  The gate lock will be changed on May 10 if you want to have a look-see if you are considering swapping plots.  Email Wendy for the new gate code on May 10.

Reminder: Keep pathways free so they can be mowed. Do not pile compost or weeds in the pathways. Do not let your pathways grow larger and larger. We will attempt to reclaim some garden area from pathways on clean up day

It was decided to increase fees by $5 to $40.00/ plot rental and $40.00 per gardener deposit. We realize that some plots are bigger than others but the fees will continue to be the same reasonable fee for all size plots.

Wendy will purchase signs to place on the gates reminding people to always lock the gates. The padlock should be locked in place even if other gardeners are still in the garden or if you intend to only be in the garden for a few minutes. Never leave the padlock hanging open and unlocked.

A gentle reminder: Though some of us have been gardening here for decades, it is important to remember that the community garden is a public place and not our back yard. Please keep your children and animals safe under your supervision.

HAPPY GARDENING!
wintergardenak@gmail.com

Raspberries: All raspberry canes must be kept out of the pathways. Beginning May 9th, volunteers will be trimming away all stems or canes that encroach on the pathways.  If you would like to prune your raspberries yourself, please do it before May 9th. Raspberry canes inside your garden boundaries will not be trimmed by volunteers.
Jeff W. will begin work on a video monitoring system for the garden.  Wendy will purchase signs to let gardeners know they are on camera.
Automatic Watering systems:  If you have a timer on your watering system, please do not disable the faucet. Your neighbor may need to turn off the water if it is encroaching on their space.  Please set the timers to run early in the morning or at night when demand is not high.
Leaky hoses in automatic systems are hard on the pump.  If you hear the pump cycling off and on but don’t see any gardens being waters, call Wendy.  There is probably a leak in the system.
Linda Kang will inventory the tools and equipment and purchase additional spray nozzles.
Please put hoses away off of the path so the mowers don’t damage them. 
We are looking for a volunteer to contact gardeners who look like they might not be able to harvest all their produce. This volunteer would also find a way to harvest and use the excess produce   (give it to the food bank or soup kitchen, share at church or share with other gardeners.) It is a shame to see great produce left in the garden and wasted.  Is this something you could do?
Gardeners who need to communicate with their gardening neighbors may get contact information from a list in the tool shed.
ATV traffic has increased in recent years in Hamilton Park, creating noise, dust and hazards to people on foot using the park.  Wendy will contact the Parks Department.

The following dates for future meeting were set:

Vacant Plot Giveaway 5/9 9am
Clean-up Day 7/11 10am – 2pm
Fall Meeting & Bonfire 9/12 4pm
The installation of our new signs will take place June 19th from 5-7PM.  Wendy and artist Summer Hahn are coordinating this process with the Borough. We plan to provide a family friendly event with music, food and other activities.
Wendy concluded the meeting with a demonstration of a seed starting technique called winter sowing. 
Contracts were signed and fees collected.

Winter meeting, March 2, 2019

The Fairbanks Community Garden held its annual winter meeting March 2nd, items of importance from the meeting:

  • Board recommends plot fees stay at $40 per plot
  • $40 deposit may be refunded, donated or designated to apply to following year
  • Vacant garden plot giveaway day May 4that 9am

o  contact is Karen Bracken

  • Clean-up date July 13th9am to 12pm

o  If unable to attend clean-up day contact Wendy Anderson for project assignment

  • Fall garden meeting September 7that 4pm
  • Water scheduled to be turned on May 20th, this date is dependent on spring temperatures & thawing
  • Water scheduled to be turned off mid-September, dependent on fall temperatures
  • Garbage removal

o  No carpet remnants in garbage containers, too heavy for removal

o  No animal carcass in garbage containers, too smelly

  • If you set traps for garden eating varmints be aware of our feathered friends and place your traps where birds cannot get to them
  • Email regarding invasive weeds in the garden and the proper disposal will be sent to garden members in the coming month

Winter Meeting, March 3, 2018

The winter meeting of the Fairbanks Community Gardeners was held March 3, 2018 at the Fairbanks Community Food Bank. The main topic of conversation was the new non-profit, Fairbanks Community Garden which has been approved as a leaseholder by the Fairbanks North Star Borough.  The directors, Wendy Anderson, Curt Matz and Betsy Bonnell assured the gardeners that the garden will operate much as it has in the past, with the added benefit of a closer relationship with the non-profit lease holder because 2 of the three directors of the non-profit are garden members.

Other business:

The rent and deposit will remain the same. $40.00 rent and $40.00 deposit

Repair of fence damage by beavers was begun by the Borough Parks Department and will be completed in the spring. Some trees will need to be removed as they are hanging over the fence due to snow load.

Garden Give Away Day: May 12th. Gates open at noon, gardens assigned at 1:00 PM

2 clean up days

June 2, 2018 1-4 PM (Darlene Matz and Connie Vargas will assist) We will paint and construct a raised bed, trim brush, repair fence, install dac latches on the vehicle gates to make them more secure and perform general repairs.

July 14, 2018 1-4 PM  (Volunteers needed to handle food and sign in table)  We will take care of turning the compost and trimming weeds, other jobs as needed.

There will be bees at the garden again this year.

A Membership Support Committee, (Linda Kang, Marion Lundquist and one other gardener) was established to assist and communicate gardeners who appear to be having difficulties maintaining their gardens. This committee will inspect gardens that appear to be abandoned and notify garden president, Wendy Anderson.

Jeff Whiteside will investigate adding additional security precautions.

A 4-way outlet will be installed on the outside of the well house by qualified electrician.

Electricity will be turned on when the garden host moves in.  Water will be turned on when the ground thaws.

Delia will assist membership Coordinator Karen.

Leon will purchase and install new locks as needed.

Stan will empty garbage can at the south end.

Robin will take care of port-a-potty maintenance. (Calling Horizon Services).

Fall Bonfire September 15, 1-4 PM 

 

 

Winter Meeting, February 25, 2017

The winter meeting of the Fairbanks Community Garden was held on Feb.25, 2017 at the Fairbanks Food Bank.  26 people attended.  The meeting began with guest speaker Leslie Shallcross of the Cooperative Extension Service discussing services available to gardeners from her agency. Next, Kellen Spillman from FNSB Community Planning reported on the upcoming changes to the zoning that will make it much more easy to establish small community gardens. This will not affect the Fairbanks Community Garden.

Garden Fees will remain the same. $40.00 rent, $40.00 deposit

Old business: Abandoned plots, weedy plots and encroaching trees were discussed. Trees by the tool shed, flagged aspen will be cut down. Robin Harlow will continue to work with volunteers to continue to trim trees that have grown up in the green space near our fence. Vetch, especially that by the tool shed will be eradicated with Delia Vargas Krestsinger’s help.  This will be a clean up day project involving covering some areas with black plastic. We will also work to fill in the holes in aforementioned area so that the grass can be mowed.  Wendy will speak to Duane and Jami Spears about mowing this area once it has been improved.  Also during clean up day we will help work on specific weedy plots as coordinated with the owners.

New Business: We are looking for a new garden host and Renee Majors will check with local property manager for help with this. The following phrase: “Gardeners may be asked to remove green houses if they present a problem for neighboring gardeners.” will be added to the handbook.  This was due to the potential 6 foot tall green house that was being erected on the north edge of a garden last year and would have shaded the adjacent garden.  The gardener voluntarily removed the structure when the problem was pointed out to them by the garden coordinator. We will begin work on setting up our own nonprofit corporation before the lease is up in 2018.  Lara Lotze will assist with this project. A second port-a-potty will be purchased to be placed at the north end of the garden.  Wendy Anderson will speak to Horizon Services about this purchase. A permanent structure for shade and shelter is needed and Delia will pursue this with a Boy Scout Troop, perhaps as an Eagle Scout Project. A single day for rototilling will be coordinated so that the person being hired can do multiple gardens in one day Jen Majors will organize this. Lara Lotze can be contacted to work with the Fairbanks Community Food Bank to harvest produce that individual gardeners can’t or don’t harvest. One dozen 100 foot hoses are needed for the upcoming season.  Water will be turned on mid-May and a notice will be placed on the tool shed and well house to this effect.  This does depend on the weather. A woodpile will be established at clean-up day for recycling usable wood for raised beds, etc.

Other volunteer duties: Laura, Delia and MK will help with the garden give away day, Jen will coordinate clean up day. Connie will purchase need supplies. Marion will purchase supplies for the fall bonfire and meeting.Karen Bracken will continue her amazing work as membership coordinator.  Yujane Chen will continue as financial coordinator. Robin Harlow will monitor the cleanliness of the port-a-potties and call for service when needed. Stan Majors will empty garbage cans at the south entrance.

 

Meeting adjourned

 

 

Winter Meeting, February 7, 2015

Hello Gardeners,

16 gardeners braved the sub zero temperature to attend the winter meeting yesterday.  Thanks to Sherry Blizzard for bringing a beautiful cake to share.  Following are the issues that were discussed and decisions agreed on.
The garden lease was renewed last year for 4 years.  When it expires we need to be ready to renew under the existing non profit (AFCSR) or create a new one.
Raspberry bushes appear to be under better control.  We are looking for a volunteer to prune the canes that block the path.  Contact Wendy if you are interested,
Finding a garden host, it was decided, would be the best way to lesson vandalism and theft.  We will look for interested parties through the Fire Service, seasonal help at the hospital and Facebook.  In addition, to improve safety: Wendy will check with Mt. McKinley Fence about repairing the north gate, check with the parks department about repairing the south fence damaged by the beavers.  Gardeners are encouraged to call or email Wendy with information about homeless camps in the area so she can contact the City Police.
Fees for the coming season will remain the same.   $40.00 rent and $40.00 deposit.  Contracts are due by May 1st, 2015
New gardens will be assigned May 15th at 7 PM.  Robin H., Emily L., Kathy F. and Linda K. will assist new membership coordinator Karen Bracken.
Clean up day will be June 6, 2015.  We are in need of pallets to build additional compost piles.  Wendy will organize other repairs and improvements and coordinate this event.
Fall Bonfire and meeting will be held September 12th at 4pm and be organized by Anna M. and Mirian L.
Yujane will continue as our Financial Coordinator when she returns.  The balance in our account is $2220.44.
Robin H will take care of the port-a-potty maintenance.  There was some discussion of the need for an additional facility at the north end of the garden and a volunteer offered to check on the price of a used one. More frequent cleanings were requested.
We ask that tools be returned to the shed and not left in the garden.  Tools will be marked with bright colors and letters to that effect.  If tools are left in your plot and other gardeners are in need of them, they may enter your plot to obtain the Community Garden tools. Additional garden carts will be purchased that are easier for people with limited mobility and strength to use.  Collapsable (as seen on tv) hoses will be tried this year as many gardeners had good luck with them last year.
A new lock will be purchased for the tool shed (we typically purchase about 6-10 locks per year as they fail and are not repairable).
We would like to have some 110 outlets available in the well house and ask if there are any qualified electricians that can do this work for us.  Contact Wendy if you or someone you know may be available.
We will continue our search for an organization to build us a picnic shelter.
Following the meeting I heard from two gardeners that were not able to attend.  Duane Spears and his family will continue to mow our pathways.  THANK YOU!!!!   Another gardener raised the question of whether or not we will allow marijuana to be grown in the garden.   Wendy will check with the FNSB lands and parks department before we proceed further with this question.  Currently our handbook discourages people from planting one of a kind items, especially near the walkways.
Regards,
Wendy Anderson, garden coordinator

Winter Meeting, March 8, 2014

The Fairbanks Community Garden members met on Saturday, March 8, 2014, at the Fairbanks Food Bank. Approximately 10 people were present.

The first item on the agenda dealt with raspberry control.  It was decided that those wishing to grow raspberries should contain them within their allotted plot space and not allow them to grow into the walking paths or 2′ from their neighbors plot.

Under New Business items we learned that the FNSB has built a new well house.  The lease for the garden is up in July and must be renewed ever four years.  Members would like to see background checks completed for garden hosts.  Virva Elliott and Sherry Blizzard will work on a Host Contract.  Handbook changes will reflect a $5 increase in the deposit.

Moved to amend and passed:  “at least 25% of the plot area must be worked.

Financial Report:  We have $3,347.19

Volunteer opportunities are needed for:

  • Spring/Fall Clean Up Days.  This includes getting refreshments, logging in who is present, and assigning jobs.
  • Locks Manager:  Someone who will either repair or replace the locks at the gates, tool shed or water house.
  • Tool Purchase and Maintenance
  • Abandoned Garden Committee
  • Fence Repair
  • Tree Removal:
  • Trash Removal: Whoever took on this job last year (2012) Thank You!
  • Port-A-Potty- Maintenance:  This involves a phone call to clean up.

Website maintenance:  Sherry Blizzard will volunteer support.

Like us on Facebook:  Fairbanks Community Garden

Returning gardeners who wish to switch plots may do so on May 14th so that their old plot is available for new gardeners on May 15th. Email Virva Elliott to add your name to the list of gardeners wanting to switch plots.  The gate lock will be changed on May 10 if you want to have a look-see if you are considering swapping plots.  Email Wendy for the new gate code on May 10.

Reminder: Keep pathways free so they can be mowed. Do not pile compost or weeds in the pathways. Do not let your pathways grow larger and larger. We will attempt to reclaim some garden area from pathways on clean up day

It was decided to increase fees by $5 to $40.00/ plot rental and $40.00 per gardener deposit. We realize that some plots are bigger than others but the fees will continue to be the same reasonable fee for all size plots.

Wendy will purchase signs to place on the gates reminding people to always lock the gates. The padlock should be locked in place even if other gardeners are still in the garden or if you intend to only be in the garden for a few minutes. Never leave the padlock hanging open and unlocked.

A gentle reminder: Though some of us have been gardening here for decades, it is important to remember that the community garden is a public place and not our back yard. Please keep your children and animals safe under your supervision.

HAPPY GARDENING!


Fairbanks Community Garden

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