Rules for Participation in the
Howard Area Community Garden
Howard Area Community Garden
(revised 2/2015)
As a gardener in the Howard Area Community Garden, I
agree to abide by the following rules:
1. I use this garden at the sole discretion of the Howard
Area Community Garden Leadership Team. I agree to abide by its policies and
practices.
2. The fee for the use of the garden is $15 per plot, per
year, payable on or before May 1 of
each year. There are no refunds. (Fee waivers are available in hardship cases.)
3. Gardens must be cultivated and planted before June 1 (or within two weeks of
assignment, if after that date). Gardens must be cleaned and "put to
bed" by Dec. 1.
4. I understand
that each gardener is asked to donate labor towards the betterment of the entire
garden. This service may be done during the scheduled workdays, or on my
own as arranged with a member of the Leadership Team. There are many jobs to
choose from, and if we all pitch in, the work will be spread out fairly and no
one volunteer will get burned out.
5. I understand that the Howard Area Community Garden is an organic garden. Only organic
fertilizers, compost, and manure may be used in the garden. Non-organic and
other chemical fertilizers or pesticides are prohibited. Painted wood or posts
are not allowed. Dyed mulch is prohibited.
6. I will keep all my plants within the limits of my
garden plot and will not allow any plants to grow more than six feet high. I will
do my best to keep my plot free of weeds, pests, and diseases.
7. I will keep my
plot, paths, and surrounding areas clean and neat. I will put kitchen waste
and plant material into the compost, and weeds/diseased plants/litter into the
trash cans. Anything I bring from my home, I will take back home. I will not
bring household trash and leave it at the Howard Area Community Garden.
8. Only one plot
per household. If I adopt an abandoned plot during the season with
permission from the Leadership Team, I understand that I must relinquish it for
the following year.
9. The water hydrant is provided by NeighborSpace, the
owner of the property, and is to be used ONLY for watering gardens, not to wash
cars. I will conserve water and be considerate of other gardeners who are
waiting for their turn. Water is turned on
by NeighborSpace in mid-May, and turned off mid-November.
10. I understand
that illegal plants, smoking, alcohol, illegal drug use, gambling, weapons or
pets are not permitted the garden.
11. Guests and visitors may enter the garden only if I
accompany them. They must follow all rules stated above. I will supervise my
children at all times when they are in the garden. I understand that I am solely responsible for the behavior of my
guests.
12. I will do my best to attend the regular garden member
meetings, educational programs, and workdays.
13. I will not make duplicate keys of any locks at the
garden, or give my key or lock combination to another person. If I lose a key,
I will pay $2 for a replacement. If I am the last person to leave the garden, I
will make sure all locks are secure.
14. I will never
take food, plants, tools, or anything else from other gardeners’ plots. I will
not take anything from the garden that is not rightfully mine.
15. If I intend to
return to my plot the following year, I will notify the HACG Leadership Team
by phone, email, or mail before April 1.
If I do not do this, I understand the plot will be reassigned.
16. I will respect
other gardeners. I will use appropriate language and refrain from
discriminating against others.
17. I will work to
keep the garden a happy, secure, and enjoyable place where all participants can
garden and socialize peacefully in a neighborly manner.
Violations
The Howard Area Community Garden Leadership Team is the
highest governing authority at the Howard Area Community Garden. I understand that breaking any of the above
rules is cause for loss of my plot privileges.
Breaking Rule 10 or 14 will result in immediate loss of garden membership.
In the event of a violation of the remaining rules:
Breaking Rule 10 or 14 will result in immediate loss of garden membership.
In the event of a violation of the remaining rules:
1. The violator will receive
one verbal/e-mail reminder from the garden coordinator.
2. If no response or correction
has been made within two weeks, the violator will receive a written notice
mailed to their current address.
3. In another two weeks, if no
response or correction has been made, the violator will receive a written final
notification that they have forfeited their gardening privileges and plot. The
plot may be reassigned and no fees will be returned.
4. The violator may be allowed
to reapply for another garden plot the following year, at the discretion of the
Leadership Team.
