DIGS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MINUTES: February 22, 2025
Number present: 19
1. Kevin called the meeting to order at 1:30 2. Approval of the agenda: moved by Kevin, seconded by Gerald 3. Minutes of the 2024 AGM: moved by Margaret that they be accepted as read, seconded by Barry 4. Correspondence: none
5. Business Arising from the Minutes: 1) Corinne wondered if there was any space inside the garden for native plant propagation plants? Kevin asked what happened to the $600 requested from the City for the Native Plant Restoration project. Jurgen explained that funding was provided from DIGS and the City’s money was not needed.
6. Treasurer’s Report: read by Veronica. Opening balance as of January 31, 2024 $9688.40 Revenues: $8502.26 Expenses: $2572.43 Bank Balance as of January 1, 2025 $15,618.23 Revenue over Expenses: $5929.83 Allotment Reserve per 2023 AGM motion: $1980.00 Cash on Hand: $13,638.23 Moved by Jurgen seconded by Corinne.
7.Allotment Coordinator’s Report: Jurgen 1)mentioned that allotment gardeners are strong supporters of DIGS. They mow and water the garden throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons. 2) there are 24 allotment beds 3) one person is on the wait list 4) the David/Milena E. and Lynn R. will be giving up their beds 5) Lynn R. has donated much to the garden financially and otherwise from the year the garden began, 2007.
8. President’s Report: read by Jim: Achievements this past year include: a) purchase of 2 smaller greenhouses instead of 1 large one which was going to cost too much b) DIGS is good financially largely due to our successful fundraisers 1) the garlic braid raffles have been very successful due to the efforts of Mike and Andria G. who planted, weeded, watered, harvested, dried, braided and ran the raffles. 2) the plant sale in May each year is our biggest fundraiser and is successful due to the efforts of many DIGS members.
3) the Dessert Auction: Thanks to island bakers who baked a lot of delicious desserts and islanders who made lots of generous bids it, too, was a successful event. 4) The Fall Fair is not really a fundraiser but rather an opportunity to showcase island talent and have some fun. One of the highlights was the dance, a line dance rather than a barn dance with old people and young people alike “kicking up their heels” and stomping and clapping throughout the evening. Some ways to improve the Fall Fair include: i)more entries needed in the Horticulture and Baking/Preserves categories. Even with cash prizes offered this year the lack of entries was sad. We have professional judges coming to judge the baking and preserves and there weren’t even enough entries in some categories to hand out second and third prize ribbons. To help with this problem we have been posting on the DIGS blog every month with advice about how to prepare and plan for items in the Fall Fair. And that was last year in the garden as I saw it.
9) Directors for 2025: President: Jim H. Secretary: Margaret H. Treasurer: Veronica Z. Directors: Jane F,, Jurgen G, David E. Mike G. Kevin moved and Nancy seconded that Marla T become a director. Passed 10) New Business: 1) Jim H.: DIGS is facing an aging problem. The garden has been operating for 17 years and with a lot of the same people. We need get more people interested in taking an active role. How do we do this? We are trying out a ‘buddy system” where an experienced gardener takes on an apprentice, coaching him/her how to grow cucumbers, or squash. Maybe next year we can include more crops with the buddy system. 2) Jurgen proposed changes to the Allotment Bed Rules and Regulations. These changes are meant to bring guidelines into sync with current practices, remove redundant clauses and increase clarity and brevity.
DOUGLAS ISLAND GARDEN SOCIETY – ALLOTMENT BED RULES AND GUIDELINES
As updated and approved at the February 2025 AGM
1. Registration Fees and Allotment Reservation
A. Each island resident is entitled to lease a plot if space is available. Allotment lease holders must be current DIGS members.
G. If, for any reason, a renter finds that they cannot care for their garden, they are required to notify the allotment coordinator and make arrangements for the care of their garden during their absence. The care giver needs to be made aware of all the guidelines concerning the allotment beds including mowing and watering duties. If an allotment holder is absent for more than one year he/she must relinquish his/her bed. Appeals can be made as set out in #13 B Cooperation and Community.
3. Watering: The rental fee includes the frugal use of water. Only hand watering is allowed.
4. Planting Restrictions
C. No invasive species eg: bamboo, morning glory etc. Please check the following link to find out which are listed as invasive. https://bcinvasives.ca
6. Weeds and Trash
It is the gardener's responsibility to control the weeds and trash in their own plots and adjacent pathways and to clear their plot of trellis and staking material, plastic mulching, and plant debris when not in use.
11. Compost and Garbage
A refuse bin (for non organic garbage) and an open compost bin (for leaves, stem and root material) will be available on site.
13. Cooperation and Community
B. Conflicts or concerns among allotment gardeners should be worked out privately. If not, the coordinator will arbitrate.
11. Announcements: Plant Sale May 10, Dessert Auction June 21, Fall Fair Sept. 13
12. Meeting Adjourned 2:50pm Kevin moved, Barry seconded
