Returning Gardener *

I understand that the garden is a shared space, collectively maintained by the people who garden here. To do my part, I agree to volunteer for a minimum of 5 hours per season on group projects requested or approved by the volunteer facilitators. For these hours to be counted, I need to log these hours as directed by facilitators. *

In addition, I will participate in the spring and fall cleanup of the shared garden space. *

I understand that I should only take a plot if I am ready and able to plant it and maintain it all summer. I will begin planting in my plot by June 15th and will keep my plot sufficiently planted all summer long. Garden facilitators are available to help me in person or by email if I have questions or need technical assistance. If I would prefer a smaller plot or to work with a partner, I can discuss this with garden facilitators. *

I agree to keep my plants and plot borders within my allotted plot. I agree to arrange my plants and structures so as not to shade or overhang my neighbors’ plots. I agree not to install large or permanent structures without facilitators’ prior approval. *

I agree to maintain the paths and areas immediately surrounding my plot by weeding, mowing, and/or laying woodchip, as directed by facilitators. *

I agree I am responsible for cleaning up trash and recycling in my plot and in adjacent paths and along fences. I will also pick up trash or recycling I see in common spaces. *

I agree to use only approved organic fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides that will not in any way impact other plots, soil, or the air in the garden. If I have questions or need recommendations for products, I understand the garden facilitators are available to help. *

I agree it is my responsibility to keep my plot weeded, fully planted, and well-maintained all-season long. Weeds, diseases, pests, and unkempt areas quickly become a community problem, impacting my neighbors’ plots and enjoyment of the garden. *

I agree it is my responsibility to keep my plot weeded, fully planted, and well-maintained all-season long. Weeds, diseases, pests, and unkempt areas quickly become a community problem, impacting my neighbors’ plots and enjoyment of the garden. *

If my plot becomes weedy or unkempt, *

I will ensure my plot is put to bed for winter by clearing all weeds, trash, and dead plant matter. I will remove standing dead vegetation or cut it back to 6” from soil before the winter freeze. I will ensure that all structures and ornaments in my plot are secured against winter weather. *

I understand that our irrigation system is a luxury and must be treated with care. If I puncture the irrigation system around my plot or break the irrigation works inside my plot, I will pay $5.00 per occurrence to cover replacement costs. *

I agree to follow the guidelines and any posted notices about the composting system. *

To maintain security and avoid loss of locks *

I agree to treat other gardeners, garden neighbors, and their property with respect, and to assume good intentions. I will refrain from abusive language and any form of harassment or discrimination against others. If I have a grievance that cannot be worked out amicably, I will seek the assistance of garden facilitators. *

I understand that the community garden communicates by email and I am responsible for reading and staying current with these notices. I agree to provide a current email address and prevent community garden emails from going to my Spam folder. *

I or my proxy will attend any garden community meetings designated as ‘required.’ *

I understand this garden is designated for non-profit and subsistence food production only. I will never sell vegetables from my own or others’ plots. Doing so violates our contract with the landowner and may result in termination of my membership. *

In order to share our abundance with the community, I agree to allow the gleaning or harvesting of excess or unwanted produce from my plot for food pantry distribution. I understand I can control which crops are harvested by placing flags in my plot as specified in the gleaning program email and on garden signs. Gleaners agree not to over harvest, but to remove only a portion of any crop, and anything approaching overripe. *

I understand that amenities and communal areas are equally available to gardeners from both gardens. When I use communal areas, I will clean up after myself and my guests. *

I will ensure that my guests follow all rules, and do not pick from or walk in other plots. *

I will keep any pets on a leash. I will not allow them in garden plots and will ensure they cannot urinate on crops or plot soil. I will clean up their waste and dispose of it in waste cans outside the garden. *

I will supervise and ensure the safety of any children who accompany me in the garden and its play spaces. This includes keeping children out of others’ plots, and promptly stopping any potentially dangerous behavior, such as climbing the water structure. *

I will not remove plants, produce, or materials from another plot unless given express permission by the plot’s gardener. That gardener can repeal permission at any time. *

I agree not to plant illegal plants, use illegal drugs, or bring weapons into the garden. *

Above all, I will work to keep the garden a pleasant, secure, and welcoming place where all participants can garden and socialize peacefully as neighbors *

In exchange for the use of land, tools, soil, water, equipment, and amenities *

*Plot fees are due in full within two weeks of plot assignment, and before gardening can begin. * *

I understand that to maintain a majority neighborhood-based community, priority in membership and open plot preference will be given to gardeners who reside in Woodlawn. Prior year gardeners will be given first option to keep their existing plots. To welcome as many neighbors into the garden as possible, there is a strict limit of two plots per household. I will abide by this limit. *

I understand that neither the garden group nor landowner is responsible for my actions or any injury to myself, my guests, or my property. I hereby agree to hold harmless the First Presbyterian Church of Chicago, garden facilitators, and any other gardeners from and against any damage, loss, liability, claim, demand, suit, cost and expense directly or indirectly resulting from, arising out of, or in connection with the use of the 65th and Woodlawn Community Garden or Kumunda Garden by the garden group, its successors, assigns, employees, agents and invitees. *