Hello Members,

We are coming to the end of the 2024/25 garden year which means:

  • *Renewals are due no later than April 30
  • *Winter plants need to be removed, and
  • *Plots need to be fully planted by Thursday, May 1.

April 5 (LAST) Work Party:  This is the last work party of the garden year and a number of garden members (over 34 members) still need 2-6 hours in order to renew their plot.  All hours must be completed in order to even submit the renewal paperwork. Remember, there is no working in individual plots during the work party and children must be age 16 to participate. If you plan to attend, please RSVP by replying to this email — it just helps us to plan the assignments.

April 5 Annual Meeting:  The Annual Meeting will be held at approximately 9:40am, immediately after the completion of the Work Party. All members of the garden are invited to attend. The agenda will include introduction of officers, budget review, approval of the 2025/26 budget and general update.

Orchard Work Parties:  The Orchard work parties are usually every Tuesday from 3-5pm and are by appointment only by signing up at the gazebo. Also, individual appointments are available by contacting Alan Coles at: lbcg.orchard@gmail.com. Your help is greatly appreciated. If you’re unable to attend the orchard work party, please be sure to cancel by crossing off your name or contacting Alan by phone or email. Instructions are in the sign-up box.

2025/26 LBCG Board:  The slate of Officers and Directors has changed this year. We have new directors Fidel Rodriguez, Linda Tomita, Kathie Stroben, Barbara Paul, and Tom Hood. This is a good team with everyone contributing based on their expertise. These Officers and Directors are always here to answer your questions.

Officers

Greg Marcotte – President 714-262-6735 lbcga.president@gmail.com
Grant Perry – 1st Vice President

Construction & Plumbing

480-5248 downontheperryfarm@msn.com
Tom Hood – 2nd Vice President /

Picnic Coordinator

308-8381 tom.hood43@gmail.com
Doug Mullin – Secretary 714-334-0941 dougmullin@gmail.com
Carol Meyer – Treasurer / Gazebo & Front Flowers 343-3326 crmeyer411@gmail.com

 

Directors

Bruce Lissak – Valve Management 745-5110 brucelissak@gmail.com
Alan Coles – Orchard Manager 420-9270 lbcg.orchard@gmail.com
Anita Cordova – Food Bank Manager 754-0417 ms.abcordova@gmail.com
Chuck Davis – General Maintenance / Critter Control /Border Boards 438-2073 mrchuckdavis@gmail.com
Frank Dayak – Critter Control 596-1975 dsingolf@aol.com
Dan Freleaux –  Construction 822-0122 dfreleaux@gmail.com
Fidel Rodriguez – General Maintenance  /   Wheelbarrow Repair 544-6096 fidelrod52@gmail.com
Linda Tomita – Membership / Filing 714-1162 dougmullin@gmail.com
Kathie Stroben – Work Party Sign In / Backup WP water 301-3720 kstroben@gmail.com
Barbara Paul – Orchard Assistant 481-5889 anitaearlenancy@gmail.com

Next Board Meeting:  June 2, 2025 at 6:30pm by Zoom.  If interested in attending, contact President Greg Marcotte for the link.

May 1 Planting Deadline:  All plots are required to be fully planted with plants of the season by Thursday, May 1.  Any seed planting must be clearly marked so the Board knows that you have planted.

The following cole crops are required to be removed by May 1 to reduce spread of aphids and disease:

  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Also remove kale and any other plants if they are infested with aphids.

Board members will be checking the 1st week of May. If you have questions about any information left at your plot.

Sunflowers, Artichokes, Asparagus and Corn:  These plants must be planted at least 4 feet in from the borders to prevent shading of neighboring plots and obstruction of pathways. Artichokes and all other plants need to be trimmed regularly to avoid animals hiding underneath them.  Also consider growth on trellises when you put them up – you may want to put them more in the center of your plot.

Parking: Please park on the pavement while in the garden.  Driving over the edge causes the pavement to buckle and break off.  We have a new road and don’t want to damage the edges.  Parking on the mulch also obstructs gardeners whose plots are adjacent to the road.

Speed Limit:  Remember the speed limit is 5mph, even if you don’t see anyone. New signage painted in the roadway. Correction notices will be given for speeding.

Annual Picnic:  Save the date! The picnic will be Saturday July 26, 2025. Details and volunteer opportunities will be announced in next June’s update.

T-Shirts: We have new t-shirts, short sleeve, long sleeve, & tank tops. T-shirts will be available after the work party and by request. They are $20.00 each.

Food Bank Plots: Don’t  ever take anything from the food bank plots. The plot next to the storage corner is a food bank plot and storage for  cages & supplies for their areas.

Highlight of the month: In the last few months we’ve had some projects finally completed. We’ve hired a contractor to rebuild and paint the gazebo and framework of the food bank cages. Another big project was to rebuild and stain 8 corner fences. We also had the road slurried and holes repaired. This will help the garden road extend its life.

MEMBERSHIP/PLOT RENEWAL FOR 2025-26 — See below linked material for the renewal process.  PLEASE READ CAREFULLY.

Garden Plot Renewal:   Renewals are due in the garden mailbox or postmarked end of day Wednesday, April 30 — late submissions will be assessed a $45 late fee.  Must include Renewal Form, $160 check or M.O., and copies of DL and utility bill and community service requirements must be met.

Follow the steps listed below to successfully complete the renewal process.

  1. Fill out the Membership Renewal Contract COMPLETELY
  2. Include a copy of Proof of Residency such as utility bill, deed, home insurance or other acceptable  documentation with name and address clearly indicated (current within the last 3 months).
  3. Include a copy of your driver’s license showing name and address; you may black out the license number.
  4. Include a check or money order (must be signed on front) payable to LBCGA for $160.00 (no cash) plus any desired donation.
  5. Mail the contract, proof of residency copy, driver’s license copy and check or money order in an envelope (not provided) – either by US Postal Service or in the black garden mailbox in front of the small barn in the orchard.

Happy Gardening,

Greg Marcotte

On Behalf of the Board LBCG