LPPG Meeting Minutes
October 8, 2025
Members Present via Zoom: Jon and Joan Dodd, Rosanne O’Hara, Liz O’Hara, Betsy and State Lawrence, Pam Norwood, Eliza Reed, Ashley Shawyer
1. Older News / September Recap
Land Size: Confirmed by Jon — over 20,000 sq. ft. Steering committee to take a holistic approach moving forward.
Donations: Extra water barrel donated by Eliza and Will Reed.
Planting Update:
Grasses to be planted around utility boxes (Maureen to cut back, divide, and plant).
Confirmed grasses should be native species.
Pumpkin Beds:
Metal pumpkin beds to be removed by Edie (not yet completed).
Next year’s focus to shift from pumpkins to true pollinators.
Acknowledgments:
Huge thanks to Tom, Mary, and Bob for lawn and weed maintenance.
Thanks to Ashley and Q for managing rain barrels.
2. Garden Wrap-Up
Ongoing Tasks:
Weeding still needed.
Annuals in raised beds will expire; perennials from Sharon can be moved to the new quadrant.
Discuss ways to create a seed nursery for next spring to maintain dormancy.
Northeast quadrant still needs cleanup — Mary will notify group via text when organizing workday.
Brush pile becoming untidy; monitor and tidy as needed.
Keep weeds controlled this fall to prevent invasive growth.
Storage & Winter Prep:
Black wire fencing: to be taken down and stored under the community house.
Rain barrels: empty and turn over to prevent ice buildup (remain in garden).
Water pack: to be stored at Joan’s house.
Chairs and benches: to remain in place.
3. New Items & Next Steps
Outreach & Events:
Consider publishing an educational/informative newsletter on the website about garden changes in fall/winter, possibly including a recap and photos of kids’ plantings from May.
Potential collaboration with Bruce Feldman (budget: $100).
Repeat Bee Box Event next season.
Plan “Friend or Foe” educational program in Chatterbox next summer (Eliza to lead).
Winter Fundraising Ideas:
Holiday market table — accept donations or sell honey/items.
Mini Adirondack chairs for donations.
Seed bombs to sell at local fairs.
Repurpose shed parts for donation opportunities.
Possible community entertainment events:
Annemarie Show or Paul Mercurio event.
Additional fundraising strategies to be discussed at the next board meeting.
Consider hiring a consultant for planning and grant guidance.
Shed Planning:
Jon to lead exploration of shed installation.
Topics to consider:
Permits, cost, style, usage, and aesthetic.
Potential uses:
Educational center or public information hub.
Rainwater collection via gutter system.
Water gathering at corners.
Material ideas: cedar with corrugated tops for runoff collection.
Possible placement on cinder blocks.
Estimated cost: a few thousand dollars.
Engage the board for design and funding approval.
Purchasing Goals:
To be discussed: shed, chairs, benches, and other garden infrastructure items.
4. Next Committee Meeting — April 16, 2026
Agenda Items:
Cutting, clearing, planting, and watering plans.
Potential Plant Swap event.
Jon’s Presentation next summer — possible admission fee with proceeds donated to LPPG.
Explore matching donation opportunities.