2026 Meeting Minutes
Date: May 12, 2026
Time: Approximately 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual meeting
Attendance
Members recorded as participating: Jennifer, Barbara, Tiffany, Derek, Sissy, Mirwais, and Joan.
Call to Order
Jennifer Lee called the meeting to order at approximately 6:00 p.m.
Discussion
Monitoring Results and Follow-Up
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The first monitoring session of the season was completed successfully.
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Barbara Carroll will maintain a record of monitoring results and unresolved concerns.
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Jennifer Lee will contact gardeners directly when an issue is first identified.
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If an issue remains unresolved after subsequent monitoring sessions, the advisory group will determine whether Derek Walker should refer it to the City.
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Members agreed that this process would help prevent City staff from receiving multiple messages about the same issue.
Individual Plot Updates
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Jimmy Lewis addressed the narrow path next to plot 11. Jennifer will contact him to acknowledge the improvement.
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Plot 21 showed little or no gardening or preparation activity.
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Jennifer will contact the plot 21 gardener to determine whether they intend to use the plot or would prefer to release it.
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Members noted that plot 20 was being actively worked and that the gardener had communicated with Jennifer.
June 6 Volunteer Workday
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The next monitoring session and volunteer workday will be held Saturday, June 6.
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The proposed schedule is:
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8:30 to 10:00 a.m.: Morning volunteer session
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10:00 to 10:30 a.m.: Monitoring
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10:30 a.m. to noon: Second volunteer session
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Sissy will lead the early volunteer session.
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Jennifer will remain after monitoring to lead the second session.
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Mirwais offered to provide breakfast, and other participants may bring food to share.
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Members will bring folding chairs so participants do not have to sit on the ground.
Workday Priorities
Proposed workday projects included:
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Weeding around the kiosk and inside the common plot
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Raking sweetgum balls from the west-side path
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Cutting or trimming vegetation along the west-side path
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Placing multiple layers of cardboard over weedy areas
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Covering the cardboard with a heavy layer of wood chips
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Trimming vegetation around the water spigots
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The beautyberry bush should not be heavily pruned during the growing season. Members will consider cutting it back while it is dormant.
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Collecting cardboard in advance of the workday
Volunteer Signup and Promotion
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Tiffany will create a signup form for the June 6 workday.
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The form will allow volunteers to select the morning or late-morning session.
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It will also ask participants what tools they can bring and which projects they can assist with.
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Suggested items included string trimmers, rakes, wheelbarrows, and cardboard.
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Tiffany will promote the workday through the garden’s Facebook page and other communication channels.
Mulch and Compost
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The older mulch pile has decomposed into material that can be used as compost or soil amendment.
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Gardeners may use the decomposed material in their individual plots or home gardens.
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The group will assess the remaining compost after the June workday.
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Derek will request additional compost from the City if gardeners need more.
Wheelbarrow Purchase and Security
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Approximately 10 plot holders expressed interest in contributing toward a replacement wheelbarrow.
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Derek proposed purchasing a large poly wheelbarrow similar to the one previously stolen. The estimated cost was approximately $80.
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Derek will also purchase a four-digit combination lock.
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The estimated combined cost of the wheelbarrow and lock is approximately $110.
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Derek will calculate each participating plot holder’s share and contact them about payment.
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The existing heavy chain near the kiosk will be repurposed to secure the wheelbarrows.
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The combination will be distributed through the garden’s Google Group.
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Gardeners will be instructed to return the wheelbarrow, secure the lock, and scramble the combination after use.
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The final lock combination was not selected during the meeting.
Decorative Wheelbarrow
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Members discussed converting the older blue wheelbarrow into a planter near the kiosk.
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Jennifer offered to plant flowers in it during the June workday.
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The planted wheelbarrow may also serve as part of the wheelbarrow security setup.
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The final placement and use of the blue wheelbarrow will be determined later.
Tool Storage and Garden Security
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Members discussed the disappearance of tools from the common plot.
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Tiffany reported that she was monitoring Facebook Marketplace for a small storage shed no more than six feet tall.
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Any shed should be lockable and positioned where it will not create a secluded area.
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Assistance from someone with a truck or larger vehicle may be needed to transport a shed.
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Members discussed locking the common-plot gate, but no final decision was made.
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Mirwais offered to explore whether a camera could monitor the garden from his apartment.
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Tiffany will obtain a sign stating that the area is monitored.
Eagle Scout Project Ideas
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Members suggested a picnic table as a possible Eagle Scout project.
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The group may also ask Scouts to assist with other garden improvements.
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Any project would need to be coordinated with the City and the appropriate volunteer contact.
Summer Monitoring Schedule
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Members discussed coordinating future volunteer workdays with monitoring sessions when practical.
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July 11 was suggested as a possible monitoring date.
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Because of summer heat, members considered moving the August monitoring session to 9:00 or 9:30 a.m.
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An evening monitoring session was also suggested.
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The August time will be discussed after the June session and adjusted based on weather conditions.
Picnic Area
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Members reported that the picnic area had been cleaned following 311 requests.
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Tiffany planned to ask Oscar Mendoza for another update during their Thursday meeting.
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Members noted that the area could benefit from an additional picnic table and one or two usable grills.
Garden Experiment
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Sissy described testing clay-pot irrigation vessels in one of her raised beds.
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The buried clay pots are filled with water and are intended to release moisture gradually into the surrounding soil.
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Sissy will update the group on how well the method works during hot weather.
Decisions and Action Items
Barbara- Maintain a record of monitoring results and unresolved issues.
Jennifer- Contact the plot 21 gardener about their plans for the season.
Jennifer- Thank Jimmy Lewis for correcting the narrow path near plot 11.
Jennifer- Announce the need for cardboard and coordinate the June 6 workday projects.
Sissy- Lead the 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. volunteer session.
Jennifer- Lead the 10:30 a.m. to noon volunteer session.
Tiffany- Create the volunteer signup form and promote the workday.
All members- Collect cardboard and bring available tools for the workday.
Derek- Purchase the replacement wheelbarrow and combination lock.
Derek- Calculate contribution amounts and contact participating plot holders.
Tiffany- Continue looking for an appropriately sized lockable storage shed.
Tiffany- Obtain a sign stating that the garden area is monitored.
Tiffany- Ask Oscar Mendoza about the picnic-area cleanup and remaining needs.
Advisory group- Revisit the August monitoring time based on weather conditions.
May 12, 2026
Date: June 9, 2026
Time: Approximately 6:02 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual meeting
Attendance
Members recorded as participating: Barbara, Tiffany, Michaela, Peter, Joan, and Mirwais.
Call to Order
Barbara Carroll called the meeting to order shortly after 6:00 p.m.
Discussion
June Garden Workday
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Members reported that the June 6 workday produced noticeable improvements throughout the garden.
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The newly planted decorative wheelbarrow was well received. Tiffany Hamdi watered it that morning, and Jennifer Lee planned to assist with future watering.
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Peter was thanked for cutting back the overgrown beautyberry bush.
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Members discussed asking the City to relocate the beautyberry during the dormant season. Until then, it will need to be trimmed regularly.
Mosquito Control
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Members were reminded to eliminate standing water and use mosquito dunks where appropriate.
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Mosquito dunks can be placed in standing water and are available from local hardware stores.
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The garden planned to establish a mosquito-control bucket near the kiosk.
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Tiffany will paint the outside of the bucket and help place it at the garden.
Parking
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Members discussed recent parking problems, including a vehicle being struck while parked along the street and a gardener receiving a parking ticket.
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Gardeners may use the rear portion of the apartment parking lot across the street during the day and enter the garden through the nearby gate.
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Members should not leave vehicles in the apartment lot overnight or after approximately 7:00 p.m.
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A resident may be able to provide a visitor pass when needed.
Community Seed Libraries
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Tiffany shared information about Alexandria’s heirloom and native seed library program.
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The closest seed library is located near the circulation desk at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library. The display is small and resembles a brochure holder.
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Available seeds have included squash, fish peppers, milkweed, goldenrod, herbs, vegetables, and flowers.
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Members also identified the Lincoln Community Center as another location where residents may register and obtain seeds.
Eagle Scout and Volunteer Projects
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Members discussed approaching a local Scout troop about completing a garden improvement project.
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Possible projects included:
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Improving the grade or accessibility of the paths leading to the water faucets
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Constructing low barriers around the mulch and compost delivery areas
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Installing benches
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Developing a native-plant area
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Improving the stream-side path
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Any Scout project would require close coordination with the City and garden leadership to ensure that paths and structures are safe and accessible.
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Members cautioned against creating enclosed areas that could provide excessive privacy near the garden.
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Removal of invasive orange daylilies was suggested as a possible general volunteer activity.
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Tiffany reported that the City’s volunteer website now includes Holmes Run Community Garden opportunities.
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Members will continue identifying suitable projects that can be added to the volunteer website.
End-of-Season Gathering
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Tiffany proposed holding an informal gathering on either September 19 or October 17.
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Members generally preferred the October date because September may still be hot and the growing season will remain active.
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Possible activities included:
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A seed exchange
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Snacks and drinks donated by local grocery stores
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Informal awards such as most improved plot, best flowers, or best vegetables
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A coordinated cleanup and removal of large discarded items
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A short gardening presentation
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Members expressed interest in inviting a Master Gardener or Extension Office representative to give a 15- to 20-minute presentation.
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Suggested presentation topics included winterizing garden plots and extending the fall and winter growing season.
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No final gathering date was selected.
Large Item Disposal
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Regular trash collection following the June workday was successful.
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Some oversized items, including old tomato cages, required a separate City work order.
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Members discussed coordinating an end-of-season “large junk day” so gardeners could dispose of old trellises, supports, cages, and similar materials through one scheduled pickup.
Rodent and Wildlife Reporting
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Members were asked to report rats, mice, suspected rodent damage, and other notable wildlife activity.
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Reports should include the approximate date, location, and type of sighting or damage when possible.
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Tiffany confirmed that a Google reporting form already exists and will share it through the garden’s Google Group and social media.
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Monitoring is especially important because the garden no longer has a pest-control service.
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Members also reported black snake sightings. The group recognized that black snakes are generally beneficial because they prey on rodents.
Decisions and Action Items
Tiffany- Paint and help install the mosquito-control bucket near the kiosk. As soon as practical
Tiffany- Compile possible volunteer tasks, including invasive daylily removal, for the City volunteer program.
Advisory group- Brainstorm suitable Scout projects and identify any City approval, safety, or accessibility requirements.
Tiffany- Begin contacting grocery stores about donated refreshments for the end-of-season gathering.
Tiffany- Contact the Master Gardener program or Extension Office about an October presentation.
Advisory group- Confirm the date and activities for the end-of-season gathering.
Tiffany- Share the wildlife and rodent reporting form through the Google Group and social media.
All members- Report rodent sightings, suspected crop damage, and other notable wildlife activity.
June 9, 2026
July 14, 2026
No Meeting held due to low attendance
August 11, 2026
Date: August 11, 2026
Time: Approximately 6:04 p.m. to 6:27 p.m.
Location: Virtual meeting
Attendance
Members recorded as participating: Jennifer, Barbara, Tiffany, Michaela, Sissy, Peter, and John.
Call to Order
Jennifer Lee called the meeting to order at approximately 6:04 p.m.
Discussion
Monitoring Update
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Most plots were reported to be well maintained and productive despite the prolonged heat.
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Plot 10 appeared potentially abandoned. Jennifer Lee will confirm the plot’s status before further action is considered.
October Volunteer Cleanup
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The next monitoring session and volunteer cleanup are scheduled for Saturday, October 3, weather and schedules permitting.
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Tiffany Finegan will reuse the earlier volunteer signup form and add a question asking whether volunteers are participating with an organization or group.
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Tiffany will send the June and August forms to Jennifer Lee for review before circulating the October signup.
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Members noted that a volunteer group unexpectedly attended the previous cleanup after seeing the event advertised publicly. The group completed a significant amount of work.
Watering Equipment
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City Parks and Recreation staff were observed inspecting the hose bibs, signs, and general garden conditions.
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Several hose attachments have broken during the season.
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Members discussed reminding gardeners to handle the attachments gently because additional replacements may not be available.
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Individual gardeners may purchase inexpensive replacement attachments for their own use if necessary.
Common Plot Plantings
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Members supported adding discounted native perennials to the common plot without requiring a formal planting plan.
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Annuals may also be planted, with the understanding that they may not return the following year.
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Members discussed adding milkweed and other pollinator-friendly plants.
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The planted wheelbarrow was reported to be doing well.
Garden Property
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A visitor asked whether the planted wheelbarrow was available to take. The member present explained that it belonged to the garden and should remain in place.
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The mosquito-control bucket had repeatedly been emptied, moved, or removed.
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Members were reminded that labeled garden equipment and pest-control materials should remain in place.
Grounds Maintenance
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The grassy area behind the kiosk was identified as needing attention.
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Michaela Oldfield volunteered to weed-whack the area during the week.
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Peter volunteered to continue removing grass along the west-side path and near the kiosk.
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Members thanked everyone who had helped improve the garden’s common areas. Several participants commented that the garden looked especially well maintained.
Plot 11 Produce
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The gardeners responsible for plot 11 were away for the month.
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Members were invited to enter the plot and harvest available produce with the plot holder’s permission.
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Roma tomatoes and other crops were reported to be especially productive.
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Members attributed some of the plot’s success to a heavy application of compost.
Seasonal Growing Conditions
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Members reported that extreme heat had damaged or reduced production from many full-sized tomato plants.
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Cherry tomatoes, peppers, squash, and Japanese eggplant generally performed better.
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Members discussed the benefits of compost, dense planting, and partial shade during unusually hot weather.
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Fall planting options, including kale, spinach, and radishes, were also discussed.
October Gathering and Seasonal Exchange
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The group discussed holding a small picnic or social gathering in connection with the October 3 cleanup.
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Tiffany Finegan identified a speaker who could discuss overwintering garden plots.
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Members supported adding an informal end-of-season lessons-learned conversation where gardeners could share what worked, what did not, and ideas for the following season.
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Members also discussed exchanging seeds and sharing fall-growing ideas.
Decisions and Action Items
Jennifer- Confirm whether plot 10 has been abandoned.
Tiffany- Send the June and August volunteer forms to Jennifer Lee.
Tiffany- Prepare the October 3 volunteer form and add a question about organizational or group affiliation.
Tiffany- Post a reminder asking gardeners to handle the hose attachments gently.
Peter- Continue removing grass along the west-side path and near the kiosk.
Advisory group- Include an overwintering presentation and lessons-learned discussion in the October 3 gathering.
September 8, 2026
Attendance
Members recorded as participating: Jennifer, Barbara, Tiffany, Derek, Sissy, Sim, Jimmy, and Joan.
Call to Order
Jennifer Lee called the meeting to order at approximately 6:01 p.m.
Discussion
Path Maintenance and Waste Disposal
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Members were reminded to weed and maintain the paths adjoining their plots.
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Metal fencing, tomato cages, large branches, and other oversized debris should not be placed in the common plot or left in or beside the standard trash bins. Members should keep oversized items within their own plots until an appropriate disposal or pickup option is arranged.
October Cleanup and Master Gardener Visit
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The next monitoring session and garden cleanup are scheduled for Saturday, October 3.
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Tiffany Hamdi is coordinating with a Master Gardener who may attend to offer guidance on managing overgrown perennials and preparing plots for the end of the season.
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The cleanup may pause for the educational session depending on the Master Gardener's availability.
Monitoring and End of Season
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The regular gardening season ends September 30. Members who are not continuing into fall or winter should clean and put their plots to bed. Renewed members may continue active fall or winter gardening.
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The final monitoring session is scheduled for Saturday, December 5 and includes additional end-of-season requirements.
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Members were asked to volunteer early for the December session because the previous December monitoring had limited attendance.
Shared Path Weed Control
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The path between John's and Jimmy's plots has become difficult to pass because of aggressive wire grass.
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Members discussed weed-whacking the growth to ground level and testing plastic sheeting as a barrier. Thick wood chips alone have not controlled the grass and may provide a growing medium as they decompose.
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Jimmy will contact John and coordinate work on the shared path during the coming weekend. Jimmy offered to obtain the plastic sheeting, and John will assist as his availability permits.
Seasonal Gardening Notes
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When clearing crops, healthy plant roots may be left to decompose in place, but diseased or pest-affected plants should be removed completely.
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Members exchanged observations about spotted lanternflies, including their presence near fruit trees and garden borders.
Decisions and Action Items
Tiffany- Confirm the Master Gardener's availability and timing for October 3 and report back to the advisory group.
Tiffany- Send the volunteer signup form for the October 3 garden cleanup.
Jimmy & Joan- Coordinate, obtain plastic sheeting, and begin clearing and covering the shared path.
All members- Maintain adjoining paths and use appropriate disposal methods for metal and oversized debris.
All members- Consider volunteering for the December 5 monitoring session.
October 13, 2026
November 10, 2026
December 8, 2026
