GARDEN RULES
Rules We All Agree To, Below
Plot Assignment:
Garden plots are assigned by the Recreation Department. All new gardeners must show proof of Larkspur residency.
Plots are limited to one per household. As there is currently a waiting list for plots, there will be no 2nd provisional plots assigned this year.
The person named on the garden lease is to be the same person who attends garden workdays or performs an alternative task and who is the main gardener of their plot. Garden helpers may not replace nor act as surrogates for this responsibility.
A waiting list is kept at City Hall. As plots become available assignments are made in the order in which they appear on the waiting list
Transfer of a plot assignment, by a gardener, is not permitted. All garden transfers must be handled by the Recreation Department.
Renewal deadline for garden applications is generally two weeks after renewal notices are sent out. The due date is listed on the renewal form.
Residency Requirement:
Adopted by the City Council 11/20/1996
Gardeners who move from Larkspur and move beyond Corte Madera, the unincorporated parts of Greenbrae or Kentfield, must relinquish their plot prior to the next renewal season.
Garden plots are assigned by the Recreation Department. All new gardeners must show proof of Larkspur residency.
Plots are limited to one per household. As there is currently a waiting list for plots, there will be no 2nd provisional plots assigned this year.
The person named on the garden lease is to be the same person who attends garden workdays or performs an alternative task and who is the main gardener of their plot. Garden helpers may not replace nor act as surrogates for this responsibility.
A waiting list is kept at City Hall. As plots become available assignments are made in the order in which they appear on the waiting list
Transfer of a plot assignment, by a gardener, is not permitted. All garden transfers must be handled by the Recreation Department.
Renewal deadline for garden applications is generally two weeks after renewal notices are sent out. The due date is listed on the renewal form.
Residency Requirement:
Adopted by the City Council 11/20/1996
Gardeners who move from Larkspur and move beyond Corte Madera, the unincorporated parts of Greenbrae or Kentfield, must relinquish their plot prior to the next renewal season.
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All plots must be maintained in a manner acceptable to the garden coordinators and the Recreation Department. Each gardener is a steward of the land and is responsible for the maintenance of the garden plot to which they have been assigned. Maintenance includes soil care, planting, watering, weeding, harvesting and any additional garden upkeep. All aisles immediately surrounding your plot are considered part of your garden responsibility and must be kept free of weeds, trash and all obstacles.
Do not plant any plants or put up any devices, fencing or support structures in any common areas, (any area outside your own garden plot).
If your garden plot remains undeveloped or unattended for 30 days or more, you will be notified by one of the garden coordinators. A garden reminder may be given if a plot is excessively weedy or is filled with debris or overripe produce. failure to care for your plot will result in termination of your lease.
Chemicals:
This is an organic garden, period. Toxic chemical pesticides or herbicides are not allowed. The
Garden Coordinators can give you advice on organic methods for controlling insect pests or
organic fertilizers. Only organic fertilizers, mulch and compost may be used. Natural compost is
produced onsite and available to all.
Use designiated areas for compost and debris. Any trash, weeds and unwanted plants from your plot and ailes need to be placed outside in the parking lot dumpster.
Gardeners may establish their own layout of beds and paths within the dimensions of their assigned garden plots. All fencing or support structures must be installed on either the east or west end of your garden, (north placement causes shade for your neighbor). And such structures must stand independently, completely within the plot, and may not shade other plots. All structures and supports must be made of easily removeable materials. Nothing may be nailed to or attached to the wooden border.
Drips & Soakers:
All plans for drip and soaker systems need to be reviewed by a garden coordinator prior to installation. All drip and soaker systems must be disconnected from October through March. This will help to avoid freezing problems during the winter.
"Be considerate of your neighbors". All gardeners must keep plants etc… in their own plots. Don't let your plants or weeds creep into the aisles or into your neighbor's plot.
Larger plants such as corn or sunflowers need to be planted at the center of your plot so they do not shade your neighbor's plants. If an adjacent plot's gardener complains of excessive shading by anything on your plot, you must come to an agreement or remove it.
Crops need to be harvested once they mature. If you do not feel you will use all your harvest, please donate to our Food Bank.
Except with permission, do not enter or pick from others' plots, even if you think the plot has been neglected. Harvest only from your assigned plot. taking food or damaging others' plots will be grounds for forfeiture of your plot. Complaints should be brought to the attention of the garden coordinators for review and action.
Plant restrictions:
Do not plant mint, raspberries, Jerusalem Artichoke, horseradish or Oenothera (Mexican and Pink evening Primrose.) These are very invasive and vigorous, hard to remove and get out of control fast. Gardeners may plant them in containers if the roots don't escape.
Under no circumstances is Stinging Nettle to be planted. This is a very invasive species which is able to spread by growing rhizomes underground and by wind-dispersed seeds. It also causes skin rash irritation when touched.
No trees are to be planted in any garden plot.
Anyone found growing drug producing plants, not only will forfeit their garden plot, but will also be subject to prosecution. Periodic inspections will be made of all garden plots to determine if such plants are being grown.
Upon termination of your lease: When leaving, all gardeners are expected to completely clean
their plot of everything, all weeds, all plants, stepping stones, tomato cages, wood, debris, etc...
You may either accomplish this yourself or pay someone to complete it before you leave. Do not
leave anything in the tool shed.
Workday:
Gardeners are expected to attend our March and October Community Workday Gatherings each
year. If, on rare occasions, (e.g. due to work or emergency) a gardener misses a Workday, an
alternative task will be assigned and must be completed before the Workday. Before the
Workday gathering, gardeners have the responsibility to weed their aisles and to prepare their
own garden plot for Spring start-up planting and again for Winter season clean-up.
a. In order to prevent any widespread tomato disease within our Community Garden, and
for the good of the entire garden, it is necessary for all gardeners to harvest and remove
all tomato plants from their gardens prior to the Fall Workday gathering.
On occasion, gardeners may be asked to participate in special projects if/when the need arises.Gardeners are expected to participate in our March and October Community Workday gatherings each year.
Children must be supervised by an adult.
No pets in garden.
Hours:
The garden area is open dawn until one hour after sundown, seven days a week. The front gate now has a keypad that everyone can access easily. The front gate will close automatically for your security.
Other gates must be closed manually. Ensure all gates are locked when leaving the garden. The combination is our secret. Everyone who helps you with your garden watering, etc... needs to understand this too.
If vandalism or theft occurs, immediately contact one of the garden coordinators. Discourage losses by becoming familiar with the other plot holders. You are the eyes and ears of our garden security.
No smoking in the garden.
COMPOST AREA
Gardeners are encouraged to add their garden and home cuttings and fruit and vegetable waste to the designated compost area. Follow the compost rules for acceptable materials and the posted signs for how and where to place the materials on any given day.
Do not plant any plants or put up any devices, fencing or support structures in any common areas, (any area outside your own garden plot).
If your garden plot remains undeveloped or unattended for 30 days or more, you will be notified by one of the garden coordinators. A garden reminder may be given if a plot is excessively weedy or is filled with debris or overripe produce. failure to care for your plot will result in termination of your lease.
Chemicals:
This is an organic garden, period. Toxic chemical pesticides or herbicides are not allowed. The
Garden Coordinators can give you advice on organic methods for controlling insect pests or
organic fertilizers. Only organic fertilizers, mulch and compost may be used. Natural compost is
produced onsite and available to all.
Use designiated areas for compost and debris. Any trash, weeds and unwanted plants from your plot and ailes need to be placed outside in the parking lot dumpster.
Gardeners may establish their own layout of beds and paths within the dimensions of their assigned garden plots. All fencing or support structures must be installed on either the east or west end of your garden, (north placement causes shade for your neighbor). And such structures must stand independently, completely within the plot, and may not shade other plots. All structures and supports must be made of easily removeable materials. Nothing may be nailed to or attached to the wooden border.
Drips & Soakers:
All plans for drip and soaker systems need to be reviewed by a garden coordinator prior to installation. All drip and soaker systems must be disconnected from October through March. This will help to avoid freezing problems during the winter.
"Be considerate of your neighbors". All gardeners must keep plants etc… in their own plots. Don't let your plants or weeds creep into the aisles or into your neighbor's plot.
Larger plants such as corn or sunflowers need to be planted at the center of your plot so they do not shade your neighbor's plants. If an adjacent plot's gardener complains of excessive shading by anything on your plot, you must come to an agreement or remove it.
Crops need to be harvested once they mature. If you do not feel you will use all your harvest, please donate to our Food Bank.
Except with permission, do not enter or pick from others' plots, even if you think the plot has been neglected. Harvest only from your assigned plot. taking food or damaging others' plots will be grounds for forfeiture of your plot. Complaints should be brought to the attention of the garden coordinators for review and action.
Plant restrictions:
Do not plant mint, raspberries, Jerusalem Artichoke, horseradish or Oenothera (Mexican and Pink evening Primrose.) These are very invasive and vigorous, hard to remove and get out of control fast. Gardeners may plant them in containers if the roots don't escape.
Under no circumstances is Stinging Nettle to be planted. This is a very invasive species which is able to spread by growing rhizomes underground and by wind-dispersed seeds. It also causes skin rash irritation when touched.
No trees are to be planted in any garden plot.
Anyone found growing drug producing plants, not only will forfeit their garden plot, but will also be subject to prosecution. Periodic inspections will be made of all garden plots to determine if such plants are being grown.
Upon termination of your lease: When leaving, all gardeners are expected to completely clean
their plot of everything, all weeds, all plants, stepping stones, tomato cages, wood, debris, etc...
You may either accomplish this yourself or pay someone to complete it before you leave. Do not
leave anything in the tool shed.
Workday:
Gardeners are expected to attend our March and October Community Workday Gatherings each
year. If, on rare occasions, (e.g. due to work or emergency) a gardener misses a Workday, an
alternative task will be assigned and must be completed before the Workday. Before the
Workday gathering, gardeners have the responsibility to weed their aisles and to prepare their
own garden plot for Spring start-up planting and again for Winter season clean-up.
a. In order to prevent any widespread tomato disease within our Community Garden, and
for the good of the entire garden, it is necessary for all gardeners to harvest and remove
all tomato plants from their gardens prior to the Fall Workday gathering.
On occasion, gardeners may be asked to participate in special projects if/when the need arises.Gardeners are expected to participate in our March and October Community Workday gatherings each year.
Children must be supervised by an adult.
No pets in garden.
Hours:
The garden area is open dawn until one hour after sundown, seven days a week. The front gate now has a keypad that everyone can access easily. The front gate will close automatically for your security.
Other gates must be closed manually. Ensure all gates are locked when leaving the garden. The combination is our secret. Everyone who helps you with your garden watering, etc... needs to understand this too.
If vandalism or theft occurs, immediately contact one of the garden coordinators. Discourage losses by becoming familiar with the other plot holders. You are the eyes and ears of our garden security.
No smoking in the garden.
COMPOST AREA
Gardeners are encouraged to add their garden and home cuttings and fruit and vegetable waste to the designated compost area. Follow the compost rules for acceptable materials and the posted signs for how and where to place the materials on any given day.
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Compost Rules
1. Cut pieces to 12" or less. No corn, corn stalks, sunflowers or large roots. They don't break down.
2. No weeds at all. Period. We don’t want them recycled into our gardens. -- If you don't want it, don't give it to us.
3. No tomatoes or tomato plants. To prevent the spread of any tomato diseases.
4. No thorns (roses, raspberries, etc.) They hurt our hands.
5. No diseased plants.
6. Kitchen vegetable scraps are good. cover with wood chips to deter flies and rats.
7. No meat scraps, kitchen oils, or bread. These attract rats.
8. No waste from dogs, cats or birds. This can contain organisms harmful to humans.
9. Non-organic wastes, wood, wire, plastics, etc. and any questionable items need to go to the parking lot dumpster. Not in the compost area.
10. Cover any organic waste you place on the compost pile with wood chips or other dry, organic material. Please moisten with hose.
Wood chips and compost are available for everyone to share. Please take a moderate amount so we all may benefit. gardenerns are encouraged to occasionally help move some compost from one bin to another.
Helpful Guidelines:
1. Gardeners replace or repair their damaged hoses and hoase hangers. Speak with gardeners around you if you want to share expenses, or just buy a new one. NOTE: Turn off hose from the faucet completely, not from those sprayer. Pressure left in hose will cause it to break down faster. Keep hose washers in good condition. Re-hang hoses.
2. Report all leaks and wood border damage to garden coordinators.
3. Public Works will repair faucets and hose posts and wooden borders.
4. To retain water, use mulch. Apply a 2'- 6' layer of mulch over the soil. Use compost, peat moss, cocoa bean hulls, sawdust, newspapers or shredded cardboard, wood chips, shredded bark, straw, grass clippings, leaves-any material to retain water. Mulch also reduces weeds.
5. Do not fill deep trenches or ditches with water. Instead, cultivate and water each plant. Please conserve water! Make each drop count. Use drought-resistant varieties when possible. Do not water at midday when water evaporates quickly. Do not leave plot unattended when watering.
6. To be informed about garden news or changes, gardeners should notify one of the garden coordinators of any change in contact information, phone number, email, mailing address, from their original application.
7. To maintain the garden as a peaceful place, we discourage the use of amplified music and loud cellphone conversations.
8. Garden coordinators are responsible for ensuring that the rules are followed at all times.
9. Check bulletin board at garden site and garden website for updates.
10. Notify the Recreation department or the garden coordinators if there is a problem at the garden site.
Problems?
Notify the Recreation Department or garden coordinators if there is a problem at the garden site.
Recreation Department:
Dick Whitley 415-927-6746
1. Cut pieces to 12" or less. No corn, corn stalks, sunflowers or large roots. They don't break down.
2. No weeds at all. Period. We don’t want them recycled into our gardens. -- If you don't want it, don't give it to us.
3. No tomatoes or tomato plants. To prevent the spread of any tomato diseases.
4. No thorns (roses, raspberries, etc.) They hurt our hands.
5. No diseased plants.
6. Kitchen vegetable scraps are good. cover with wood chips to deter flies and rats.
7. No meat scraps, kitchen oils, or bread. These attract rats.
8. No waste from dogs, cats or birds. This can contain organisms harmful to humans.
9. Non-organic wastes, wood, wire, plastics, etc. and any questionable items need to go to the parking lot dumpster. Not in the compost area.
10. Cover any organic waste you place on the compost pile with wood chips or other dry, organic material. Please moisten with hose.
Wood chips and compost are available for everyone to share. Please take a moderate amount so we all may benefit. gardenerns are encouraged to occasionally help move some compost from one bin to another.
Helpful Guidelines:
1. Gardeners replace or repair their damaged hoses and hoase hangers. Speak with gardeners around you if you want to share expenses, or just buy a new one. NOTE: Turn off hose from the faucet completely, not from those sprayer. Pressure left in hose will cause it to break down faster. Keep hose washers in good condition. Re-hang hoses.
2. Report all leaks and wood border damage to garden coordinators.
3. Public Works will repair faucets and hose posts and wooden borders.
4. To retain water, use mulch. Apply a 2'- 6' layer of mulch over the soil. Use compost, peat moss, cocoa bean hulls, sawdust, newspapers or shredded cardboard, wood chips, shredded bark, straw, grass clippings, leaves-any material to retain water. Mulch also reduces weeds.
5. Do not fill deep trenches or ditches with water. Instead, cultivate and water each plant. Please conserve water! Make each drop count. Use drought-resistant varieties when possible. Do not water at midday when water evaporates quickly. Do not leave plot unattended when watering.
6. To be informed about garden news or changes, gardeners should notify one of the garden coordinators of any change in contact information, phone number, email, mailing address, from their original application.
7. To maintain the garden as a peaceful place, we discourage the use of amplified music and loud cellphone conversations.
8. Garden coordinators are responsible for ensuring that the rules are followed at all times.
9. Check bulletin board at garden site and garden website for updates.
10. Notify the Recreation department or the garden coordinators if there is a problem at the garden site.
Problems?
Notify the Recreation Department or garden coordinators if there is a problem at the garden site.
Recreation Department:
Dick Whitley 415-927-6746
"BARE- BONES-MINIMUM" OF GARDEN PARTICIPATION
The Larkspur Community garden is a community of gardeners who grow organically.
Good stewardship is a requirement for every single garden.
The following is a list of the bare-bone minimum of garden participation.
: should not reseed or spread
The Larkspur Community garden is a community of gardeners who grow organically.
Good stewardship is a requirement for every single garden.
The following is a list of the bare-bone minimum of garden participation.
- Every gardener has the responsibility of preparing their garden plot for Spring planting and again for Winter clean-up; and the weeding of their aisles prior to our March and October workday gathering.
- As a gardener you need to show that you are making some sort of an effort to be present at your garden and cultivate and care for your plants."Failure to care for your plot will result in termination of your lease."
- A garden plot: needs to be developed and used.
- Regular garden maintenance is necessary.
- Weeds need to be kept in check.
- Weeds : should not choke other plants
: should not reseed or spread
- Invasive plants require vigilant maintenance
- Unchecked plants are offensive, dangerous and a nuisance to everyone else.
- You need to be concerned about everyone else.
- You don't own your garden plot, you just lease it with the understanding that it will be gardened, used, weeded, pruned as necessary, watered and cared for, (hopefully with loving hearts, hands and enthusiasm). The appearance of your garden effects the community.
- It is not fair not to use it. We have a waiting list of hopeful gardeners who want your plot.
- We strive together to grow as community as we continue to enjoy our garden as much as we can. We all can creatively grow organically, therapeutically reduce stress and renew ourselves through recreation in the soil. We endeavor to do this more easily together than alone and share more abundantly as community than as individuals.
