Solarium+Renovation+and+Upkeep

Group Members:
 * 1) Noah Weller (nweller@uvm.edu)
 * 2) Suma Lashof (slashof@uvm.edu)

=__Project Goals__= > > > >
 * Goal #1. Brainstorm Uses for the Corner Niche (Suma):** We will discuss and create a plan for a more effective use of the back corner of the solarium. This could include replacing the bench or finding new use for the space.
 * Research local bench designs & manufacturers
 * Brainstorm ideas for a colorful, hanging mobile to hang above the bench OR a mural to be painted on the back wall
 * Look into motion sensor LED lights
 * Revise past intern's bench proposal (emphasize sustainable harvest)
 * Present proposal to the Dean of RSENR
 * Goal #2. Characterize Climate & Compile Temperature Profile:** We plan to record and monitor the temperature of the solarium at different heights (4ft, 13ft, and 23ft ) and locations around the solarium and re-evaluate what plants will excel in this environment based on the temperature profile.
 * Plot the solarium temperatures for each height at various times throughout the day
 * Find the hourly minimum and maximum temperature throughout the day from last Spring's data
 * Use this information to select plants that would thrive in the Solarium
 * Goal #3. Modify Plant Composition:** We will identify a few plants that don't seem to be thriving in the solarium (ex. banana tree) and replace them with plants better suited for the conditions
 * Consult Colleen & ask her for suggestions on plants to remove
 * Use the temperature profiles to determine plants that will survive in the Solarium
 * Goal #4. Create a Fertilization Plan (Noah):** We hope to test the effectiveness of a selected fertilizer on different planting areas to assess the most effective treatment.
 * Obtain the soil testing data from past years to identify soil deficiencies
 * Do some background research on organic (possibly liquid) fertilizers that could be applied across selected Solarium grow beds based on the nutrients that the soil needs
 * Take initial measurements of a few selected plants before fertilization to be used for comparison by future interns
 * Goal #5. Create and Implement a Seasonal Maintenance Plan (Noah & Suma):** We are responsible for watering, misting, grooming (removing dead plant tissue, etc.), scouting, and pruning.
 * Revise/update management plan from Colleen's summer interns (Noah)
 * Gather/purchase necessary materials
 * General maintenance & upkeep work throughout the semester (under Colleen's supervision, when available)
 * Follow an appropriate watering schedule

=__Project Notes__= Major Maintenance Events:
 * 2/13/17 Removed banana tree & dead plant tissue (34.2 lbs)
 * 3/23/17 Removed dead plant tissue (6.5 lbs)
 * 4/3/17 Pruning with Dave
 * 4/24/17 Replant North Bed with Colleen
 * 5/4/17 Final grooming with Colleen

Soil Testing Results: = = =__Links:__= =Reference Material= =@Weekly Goals & Updates=
 * || **Water Garden ** || **South Bed ** || **NE Bed ** || **NW Bed ** ||
 * **pH ** || 5.27 || 5.17 || 5.18 || 5.45 ||
 * **Temperature (C) ** || 19.0 || 19.3 || 18.9 || 19.0 ||
 * **Conductivity (µS) ** || 421 || 900 || 290 || 107 ||