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photo courtesy of
Dianne Evenson
GPPS MINUTES
GREATER PHOENIX POND SOCIETY
REGULAR MEETING
April 13, 2013
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The meeting was called to order by the President, Dave Nelson. Dave welcomed members and guests. He thanked Bob and Diane Malone for hosting the meeting and showcasing their pond and gardens.
Bob and Diane explained that their pond has been six years in the building. It holds 1500-1800 gallons, and pumps 3200 gallons per hour. Their ponds also include an aquaponics system that produces vegies until the summer months.
The large pond has 6-7 fish and they have plans for filters. There are water lilies, none in pots, no fertilizer, simply rooted in the bottom. Bob cleans the pond once a year. He tried flushing the pond, but that was not necessary as the fish eat the algae. Fish are fed infrequently, once a day maximum. There are lots of dragon flies which is a healthy sign. Also damsel fly hatches. The sun sails over the pond helps with the algae bloom. He purchased them on sale at WalMart. If you buy one order it with hardware in the kit.
Their aquaponic bins have vegies with ceramic media that absorb the water and are durable. 50# cost approximately $50. Basil is a good summer vegie. Their other plants are on a drip system.
Bob and Diane's residence has been certified as a Wild Life Habitat. There is a whole list of requirements to be certified including availability of water, food, shelter, native plants and no chemicals. They have plenty of wild life including mockingbirds, finches, pigeons, and grackles. So far the racoons have not been destructive. Heron are discouraged by the sun sails and a blast from a loud horn they have.
For control of mosquito populations they have parmecia/wormwood, verbena and rosemary. They have a solar system to run their equipment, cost $25,000 after APS rebate. The cost would be $63,000 without a rebate. Their newest project is a 1,000 gallon underground tank which will be non-potable water. Tank is made of food grade plastic.
Dave thanked Bob and Diane for their interesting presentation.
Pond Club business or updates:Membership dues were due in January.
* President, Dave Nelson: Dave reported on the upcoming Home Show. * Vice President, Rita Karsten: reported on the Pond Tour scheduled for May 11. She has flyers for members to post in obvious places. Tickets are available at nurseries. The map will be available the week before the tour. Ponds will be available on tour day from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
* Treasurer, Ed Tunstall: Treasurer Report - There was no Treasurers report.
* Secretary, Helen Corson:
* Newsletter Editor, Gloria Skylstad: discussed the Japanese Friendship Garden where the club helps with fertilizing and maintaining the iris beds.
* Librarian, Gary Ures: not available
* Event Coordinator, Kristy Jolly: Kristy Jolly reported on speakers for future meetings. She needs suggestions. Call her with any subject ideas or speakers. The Pond Tour is scheduled for May and the June meeting will be held at the Japanese Friendship Garden. There are no meetings in July and August.
* Webmaster, Dennis Beard: Web page errors had been fixed. The Pond Tour Map had not yet been approved, changes expected. Dennis was advised that the tour link should only be available the week prior to the tour.
* GPPS TechCom update: No news.
The Home Show is scheduled for April 26, 27, and 28. Volunteers are needed for the large 10' x 40' booth. Please sign up on the website
Respectfully submitted: Helen Corson
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