Garden Rules

● I apply to be a member of the Carlington Community Garden and I will have a plot assigned by the Garden Committee, approximately 4x8 feet.

● I understand that the Carlington Community Garden Committee will allocate plots based on availability.

● I will plant and care for my plot, keep it well organized, and keep weeds under control. If my plot is underutilized or neglected, the Coordination Committee has the right to reclaim my plot after one email warning is received.

● I understand that in the event of plot abandonment, poor plot maintenance practices, severe disease or pest damage, the growth of illegal plants, or the growth of plants for sale, the Garden Coordinating Committee reserves the right to cancel plot privileges for that year and subsequent years.

● I will not plant any cannabis in my plot as the garden is located on public land, because of the risk of vandalism and to ensure the safety of all gardeners.

● I will not plant anything that can grow taller than 5 feet or that may shade my neighbours' plot. I will not plant anything that limits or blocks sunlight in any way from my neighbours’ plots.

● I will not install any structures such as fences, trellises, lattice etc. that may shade my neighbours’ plot.

● I will not plant or allow to grow any noxious weeds or invasive plants such as mint, lily of the valley, sunchokes (Jerusalem artichokes) etc. that can take over my plot or spread to those of others. Any invasive plants that may be present must be removed immediately.

● I will respect other garden members' rights and I will not allow my gardening to affect others' plots. I will not use any empty plots, plots belonging to other gardeners, common paths, or any other free space for planting.

● Our garden is organic. I will not use any chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or any other non-organic substances anywhere in the garden.

● I will only take things that are mine from the garden. Removing vegetables or anything else from other gardens is considered theft. Those found stealing from other plots will be asked to leave the garden. I will report any suspicious or illegal activity in the garden to carlingtoncommunitygarden@gmail.com.

● I understand that I am responsible for removing any trash/recycling that I bring to the garden site.

● I will keep the shed and tools tidy and clean.

● I will perform my volunteer hours in the garden (minimum 8 hours per year) and report hours as completed via the online form provided to gardeners at the beginning of the season.

● I will work respectfully and cooperatively with other people and behave responsibly with respect to others rights and feelings. Aggressive, demeaning or insulting words or actions will not be tolerated and gardeners may be asked to give up their plot.

● I will have my plot turned over (old weeds and debris removed and ready for planting) by June 8, 2026. If I fail to do so, my plot will be given to a gardener from the waiting list.

● I will clean up my plot by October 31, 2026. This includes returning the plot to a tidy state (i.e. removing any extra structures you have added to the plot, removing dead plant matter etc.)

● If for any reason I cannot continue to maintain my garden, I will advise the garden committee by emailing carlingtoncommunitygarden@gmail.com so that another gardener may have my plot.

● If I change my address, phone number, or email address, I will notify the garden committee by emailing carlingtoncommunitygarden@gmail.com.

● I will respect the decisions of the garden committee. I understand that if I do not keep these agreements or other responsibilities decided by the members of the community garden, the garden committee will have the right to cancel my membership and my use of the garden.

● I understand that neither the garden committee members nor any garden members are responsible for my actions. I therefore agree to hold harmless the garden committee for any liability, damage, loss, or claim that may occur in connection with the use of the land by me, members of my family, anyone from my organization (if applicable), or by any of my guests.

● I understand that failure to comply with any of the above means I may lose the right to garden in future years.