Member of the Strawberry family

 

Membership Agreements vary for community gardens across the US.  Here is a sample. 

Sample Community Garden Membership Agreement  

Background

The ****** welcomes residents of ********. at ******  Street. It is across from ******, near the ******.  It is designated on community plans as a neighborhood link. It has become a destination for pedestrians and cyclists alike.

The Garden site is approximately ******sq. ft. and currently has space for about ******* garden plots. There are also ….. raised beds for persons with physical limitations,  surrounded by a wheelchair accessible gravel path. We hope to have a wheelchair accessible washroom and tool shed on site soon.

We are a “Community” Garden, with plots assigned individually to gardeners who have rights to what they grow, as well as full responsibility for their garden plot and the Garden as a whole. Our goal is to preserve and share the Community garden for now and in the future, so that as many families as possible have an opportunity to garden in their little patch of dirt. Collectively we take care of the land, improving and maintaining the Garden for future gardeners and future generations.

When you become a member of the********** Community Garden you have an opportunity and an obligation to be actively involved in the Garden. In addition to looking after your assigned garden plot(s), each member is responsible for:

• helping to maintain the common Garden areas;
• participating in work parties and other Garden activities;
• attending the Annual General Meeting;
• promoting Pitt Meadows Community Garden whenever possible.  

GOALS

The ********  Community Garden enhances the health & well-being of individuals, families and the Community as a whole by:

• Furnishing a valuable physical, social & recreational activity;
• Growing vegetables, edible berries, native and ornamental plants;
• Improving access to fresh food for residents;
• Offering positive multi-generational & multi-cultural contacts;
• Improving live ability in the community;
• Contributing to food self-sufficiency and security;
• Enriching the aesthetic value of the Community (e.g. beautifying the neighborhood);
• Protecting and using agricultural land;
• Allowing economical food production; and
• Strengthening our relationships to nature and to one another.

A Community Garden provides its members valuable physical, mental, multi-cultural, social and recreational opportunities. We believe Community Gardens should be supported by government funding similar to arts groups, sporting venues or recreational parks. We ask all members to promote government support and funding for your Community Garden in any contacts you have with our elected officials or other decision makers.

Commitment

Our Garden members & the Board of Directors of ******* are actively committed to the Community Garden’s success. We strive to promote the ******* Fields Community Garden by:

• publishing regular newsletters for our members & others;
• being represented on several Community Gardening websites;
• sharing knowledge and experience with other Community Gardens throughout North America;
• being featured in the local newspapers several times;
• donating excess produce to the local food bank.

Countless volunteer hours have been spent on behalf of the Garden in its beginning. But many more things are needed:

• planting fruit trees, blueberry & raspberry bushes for the benefit of all members
• constructing a new walkway to the back of the Garden
• improving drainage throughout the Garden
• upgrading/replacing storage in the tool shed
• installing one or more yard hydrants
• making new hose hangers throughout the Garden
• erecting Allen block or railroad retaining walls to secure slopes and add more garden plots
• expanding the Garden by moving the perimeter fence & gate, putting in more garden plots, adding drainage, extending water lines, fencing off an area for our bee hive, etc.
• improving access to our tool shed by constructing a ramp and installing a new door
• adding motion sensitive lighting and increasing security measures

This will be the ____ year for the Community Garden at its current site and it will some be fully utilized, with _____ garden plots assigned to members and local groups.

1. MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT

1.1. Agreeing to abide by these guidelines is the starting point for your participation as a ******* Community Garden member.

1.2. You are required to sign the last page of the Membership Agreement each year signifying your understanding and compliance with the current guidelines. Every effort will be made to assist gardeners to understand and comply with these guidelines; however, failure to do so may result in your membership being revoked and plot being surrendered.

2. PLOT ASSIGNMENT

2.1. One garden plot is assigned for one residential address, however, if requested and as long as space is available, an additional Plots may be assigned, with the approval of the Board.

2.2. Not more than three plots are allowed per multi-generational family residing at the same address. No more than three members are allowed to be registered on one Plot.

2.3. Plots may not be registered to someone "in name only" while a friend or relative actually uses the plot and does most or all of the work

2.4. Plots must not be traded or sub-let without the permission of the Board.

2.5. Membership renewal and plot assignment is done early in the year after the AGM for current members who wish to move or add new garden plots. New members are registered sometime in March.

3. FEES

3.1. Members have the option to renew their membership from year to year, providing they are members in good standing.

3.2. The membership renewal fee must be paid by no later than April 1st of each year.

Member activation	onetime fee at joining	$5.00/person
Each  garden Plot or one raised accessible bed	annual	$25.00
Work-in-kind Work parties Assigned tasks Like contributions as determined by the Board	Per member	5 hours/year
Charge for not participating Garden work	Based on $5/hr x 5 hours	$25.00

 

4. WORK-IN-KIND

4.1. All members are required to participate in the on-going development and maintenance of the Strawberry Fields Community Garden. We want to ensure that we get necessary work completed, that work is shared equally and not left up to a few members.

4.2. Your Garden membership obligates you to assist in Garden activities by offering work-in-kind (5 hours/year).

4.3. Members who cannot provide work-in-kind to the Garden will be levied a fee of $25 annually (5 hours x $5/hour) on next year’s renewal date

4.4. Members with physical limitations may arrange to participate in administrative duties

4.5. Routine work party schedules will be announced periodically during the year, emailed to members and posted on site. Members who sign up for a work party or other activity must personally ensure their work hours are recorded on time sheets provided

4.6. Work-in-kind includes:

4.7. distributing bulk materials around the Garden - assisting those members with physical limitations

4.8. construction of garden plots & pathways;

4.9. cleaning the Garden’s washroom building;

4.10. maintaining Garden tools & shed;

4.11. planting, weeding or watering – perimeter fence border, paths, around buildings, etc.;

4.12. special projects (i.e. building raised beds, painting tool shed).

5. SHARING THE GARDEN

5.1. Your Community Garden membership allows you to use the Garden’s buildings, equipment and common areas, including anything owned or grown by you on your assigned plot.

5.2. You should not remove or use in any way the property, plants or produce on any other plot.

5.3. At the discretion of the Board abandoned plots will have produce donated to the Food Bank.

6. SECURITY

6.1. We want to provide a safe and secure environment for people using the Garden and prevent theft & vandalism of Garden plants & property

6.2. Our garden is open to the public, but our washroom facilities and buildings are for member’s use only. There are washrooms located in the Athletic Park for public use

6.3. The Community Garden has had building break-ins, theft of Garden property and members’ produce. Members are issued with a key-pad code for the Garden’s buildings or perhaps keys for padlocks.

6.4. Please do not give out key pad codes or lend keys.

6.5. We ask that YOU open key pad door locks for your children and that you don’t leave them unattended in the garden’s buildings. There have been incidents of children blocking the sink with sand, and emptying liquid soap into the sand box. YOU must supervise your children while they are in the garden.

7. PLANTING

7.1. Members are allowed to produce food, flowers, native and ornamental plants, edible berries and food perennials

7.2. We expect that members will make every effort to keep their plots weed free and, together with fellow members, maintain a weed free path on all sides of your plot and periodically weed the flower beds and fence line

7.3. Garden plots should be weeded and cultivated by May 15th. This deadline exists so that the Board can identify abandoned plots and assign them to new members in time for the growing season. Additionally, we need to demonstrate that we are utilizing the land the City of Pitt Meadows generously provided us.

7.4. You must care for your plot regularly (weed, water, cultivate & harvest) throughout the growing season.

7.5. We don’t allow the planting of tall growing trees in or around the Garden. We want the garden to be visible to the neighborhood, trees can be difficult/expensive to remove should it be required and they shade our plots. There are fruit trees, including blueberry bushes, planted along the entrance road, and raspberry bushes along the fence - for the benefit of members. Members are allowed to plant espalier fruit trees in their plots.

7.6. We ask that you be cautious when planting the following invasive or hard-to-eradicate plant varieties in your plot (mint, oregano, marjoram, catnip, Jerusalem artichokes, horseradish, comfrey, blackberries or raspberries). Plants on this list may not be planted in common areas of the Garden, with the exception of raspberries for the living fence. In your own plot they require vigilance and must be controlled

7.7. Metro Vancouver does not allow the planting of morning glory, periwinkle, goutweed, purple loosestrife, labium, or English ivy on public lands

7.8. Ensure that plants do not grow into or shade neighboring plots or any common areas, i.e. walkways. If any plants are deemed to be growing out of control, we will attempt to contact you to clean them up, if we are unable to contact you, they will be removed from your plot.

7.9. Raspberries or grape vines must be planted at least 2 feet from the plot edges. They must be trellised and confined to ensure they do not overgrow other plots or common areas. They must be pruned within plot boundaries and kept below 7 feet. Trellis support construction must be pre-approved by the Board with accompanying drawings.

8. SOIL AMENDMENT, MULCH & COMPOST

8.1. Organic amendments include leaves, wood chips, wood ash, grass clippings, coffee grounds, crushed egg shells and peat moss. You must avoid using or composting animal products; they are very attractive to rodents and other vermin.

8.2. The Garden does not have a shared compost facility. Members are allowed to install and maintain a suitable composter in their own plot

8.3. For now, we allow members to dump compostable plant material (not trash) beyond the east gate, as that is the area that will be filled for our next garden expansion. Members are asked to dump material as far beyond the gate as possible, so as not to restrict the gate access

8.4. From time to time we arrange for bulk deliveries of garden soil and composted manure to be delivered to the Garden. These are available to members at a per wheelbarrow cost

8.5. If you wish to have bulk materials delivered, please pre-arrange with the Board.

8.6. We encourage gardeners to use mulch to conserve soil moisture. Types of acceptable materials are grass clippings, straw, leaves, peat moss, manure, corn stalks, fir bark, sawdust, cardboard and newspaper.

8.7. Do not use hay, western red cedar bark mulch or gravel as mulch.

9. STRUCTURAL SAFETY

9.1. To be sure everyone has a safe and secure experience while in the Garden, we must ensure all plots and common areas are in a safe condition

9.2. All material, furniture and tools should be stored within plot boundaries.

9.3. Stored wood or structures should not have protruding nails.

9.4. Stored wood, garden tools, etc. should not extend into pathways.

9.5. Any structure 4 feet (48”or 120 cm) or higher (particularly tomato covers) must be pre-approved by the Board of Directors. Submit construction drawings to the Board.

9.6. Corner posts to protect the plants from damage by dragged hoses, should not be over one foot above the ground. This is to avoid snagging wheelbarrow contents.

9.7. Courtesy should be extended to fellow gardeners so as not to shade their plot with structures or plants.

9.8. Recycling of materials is supported, however, use of items such as discarded shipping pallets, rubber tires, screen doors, etc., that are not appropriate for a garden environment, are not allowed.

9.9. Black plastic or plastic tarps can become nesting areas for voles, mice and rats and should not be stored in the Garden.

9.10. Cold frames should have a maximum height of 1 metre and coverage of 5 sq. m. Glass, particularly old windows, is not allowed.

9.11. Plant and row covers should have a maximum height under 3 ft and maximum area of 15 sq. ft. Clear plastic covers should be of durable thickness (5 mil) to ensure they are windproof and will not tear. Row covers must be thoroughly secured. Use of corrugated fiberglass panels must be pre-approved by the Board.

9.12. Temporary seasonal supports, i.e. pole beans & peas, have no limit per plot, but must not exceed 7 ft. in height.

10. WEED, DISEASE & PEST CONTROL

10.1. We want to make every effort to use environmentally friendly gardening practices, allowing our garden harvest to be as close to “organically” grown as possible. We have many beneficial insects that visit us each year, plants that attract them and our own bee hive, therefore

10.2. Herbicides are prohibited for weed control in individual garden plots.

10.3. Animal poisons are not to be used.

10.4. We encourage members to use Safer’s ®-type products.

10.5. Tobacco spreads tobacco mosaic virus – if you smoke, please wash your hands.

10.6. Check with an experienced gardener before killing insects in your garden – they might be beneficial!

10.7. We want to eradicate the invasive perennial weeds surrounding the Garden and plant perennial crops that attract/feed beneficial insects. Once this has been done, the Board will notify members. After that time check before pulling up “weeds” around our Garden, they may be beneficial plants!

11. MAINTENANCE

11.1. Ensure that nothing is stored on the pathways around your plot, that pathways are free of all weeds and that a plant’s shoots, roots, leaves or branches do not block access.

11.2. We do not have garbage or recycling pick up at the Garden. Members are requested to dispose of their recycling/garbage at home.

11.3. Garden members should make arrangements to maintain their plot when they are on vacation or absent due to illness, and unable to tend their plot.

11.4. At the end of the gardening season, most dead plants, rotting vegetables and fruits should be removed or composted, leaving your plot relatively clean to prevent disease and rodents.

11.5. Conserve water at all times. Taps must be turned off before leaving the Garden. Drain the hose after turning the water off, this will release the pressure and ensure the life of the garden hose.

11.6. Soaker hoses or drip watering systems may not be permanently connected to the hose bib to water your plot.

11.7. Cover all water containers and do not let rain water accumulate during mosquito season - empty and turn containers over.

11.8. When leaving the Garden please clean and store all PMGC tools and equipment in the tool shed, and ensure that the shed and garden washroom building are locked.

11.9. Community garden equipment & tools are not to be removed from the Garden.

11.10. Contact a Board member if tools require maintenance or repair.

12. FAMILY PARTICIPATION

12.1. We encourage the enjoyment of gardening as a family activity. We ask that you supervise children at all times and make sure they respect other gardeners & Garden property.

12.2. Your pet is part of your family and they are welcome in the Garden as long as they are under your control, not allowed to wander onto or defecate in garden plots and, when necessary, their poop is scooped - by you.

13. COURTESY & COMMUNICATION

13.1. One of the main goals in community gardens is to work together or next to each other in relative harmony. Please be courteous in all interactions, and work together to resolve any disagreements. Contact a Board member for guideline clarifications or plot delineation.

13.2. No foul language or loud offensive behaviour; and above all, no unlawful activity;

13.3. No illegal substances may be grown or stored in garden plots.

14. PARKING

14.1. Please do not park vehicles inside the Garden, as other members arrive to load or unload, it can create a safety hazard as vehicles maneuver in our limited space.

14.2. Please use the street parking stalls outside the garden gates.

15. MEETINGS

15.1. Board meetings are open to all members and the Board encourages members to attend. Meetings are usually held on the 2nd Wednesday of the Month at 7 p.m. at various venues. Check with a Board member if you would like to attend. Only Board members have voting rights, but your input is greatly appreciated to assist in Board decisions.

15.2. Every member has the right to make motions and vote at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Potential new members are welcome to attend the AGM.

16. CONTACT INFORMATION

16.1. Make sure the Board always has your current address, phone number and e-mail address.

16.2. In case of an extended absence provide contact information for a substitute to manage issues regarding your plot if you are unavailable.

16.3. Any correspondence mailed/emailed to the current address on file is considered delivered.

16.4. We do not share your personal information with any other sources. We may from time to time send information via email which may be of general interest to our members, including our newsletter.

17. PAYING IT FORWARD

17.1. You are encouraged to support the Caring Place, the Women’s Centre or the Local Food Bank by donating any excess food you might grow.

18. NONCOMPLIANCE

18.1. From time to time the Board may be required to deal with noncompliance issues regarding our Membership Agreement:

18.2. We expect all garden members to work together to resolve disagreements;

18.3. For noncompliance with our Membership Agreement, the Board will contact members via a phone call or email - outlining the concern, listing steps to be taken to remedy the situation and a timeline (usually 2 -3 weeks).

18.4. Members may request an extension within 1 week of receiving the phone call or email.

18.5. If a member does not address the concern within the timeline the Board reserves the right to revoke membership and issue refunds.

18.6. By way of example, there are several situations that may require the Board’s involvement:

18.7. Plots not planted, watered, or cultivated during the growing season;

18.8. Plots left weedy or messy throughout the growing season;

18.9. Use of materials or structures that are not approved by the Board or are unsafe;

18.10. Payments not received by required deadlines;

18.11. Theft or any unlawful activity.

19. GIVING UP YOUR MEMBERSHIP

19.1. If you wish to resign from your membership in the Garden, we ask that you notify a Board member via email, post or phone call. The Board reserves the right to issue refunds.

BELOW IS A COPY OF THE MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT YOU MUST SIGN TO JOIN US.  Please click the link below and sign and return it to us or copy by the Garden and pick up a printed copy and sign it and leave it here.

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I,____________________________ agree to hold harmless the *********  Community Garden, *******  and the City of ******* for any liability, damage, loss or claim that occurs in connection with the use of the Garden, associated buildings, tools and equipment by me or any of my guests.

I, _____________________________ have read and agree to abide by the Pitt Meadows Community Garden rules and practices as described in this Agreement and recognize that failure to do so may result in cancellation of my membership, the forfeit of my annual dues and reassignment of my garden plot.

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Home/Office Phone

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Mobile Phone

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E-mail

________________________________Signature(s) Date

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Address Plot number(s)

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