Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation

4 Ways to Compost at BFC Garden

Garden Rules and Regulations 2011

Download the 2011 Rules and Regulations [pdf]

    Hours

  1. Hours must be observed for the safety and protection of all. Although Attendants may not always be on duty, the Garden will be open from:
    Monday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
    Sunday & Holidays 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    When the heat index exceeds 100 degrees or in threatening weather (high winds, lightening, etc.), the Garden will be closed to ensure the safety of Gardeners and Garden Staff.

    Parking & Bikes

  2. Parking is restricted in the Garden area. Reserved spots for handicapped parking are available for vehicles displaying a valid handicap placard. Please use the parking lot at the schoolyard where the yellow lines indicate parking spots. The driveway area is used for loading and unloading as well as pedestrian traffic. Please use caution when driving or walking in driveway.
  3. Please park bicycles near the storage shed at the Garden entrance.

    GARDENER RESPONSIBILITIEs

  4. Plots are assigned by the Garden Coordinator and a representative of the Garden Committee. Returning Gardeners may request the same location or a different location. First-year Gardeners are limited to one (1) plot; thereafter, the limit is two (2). This limit does not apply to Gardeners who have maintained more than two (2) plots prior to the 2010 Gardening season. If there is no waiting list, assignments may exceed the limits. Gardeners/Co-gardeners may not transfer their plot(s) to anyone. Anyone working in a Garden plot must have a signed waiver of liability on file.
  5. Anyone unable to work his/her Garden for the period of two (2) weeks must notify the Garden Coordinator or a member of the Garden Committee
  6. No one is permitted to trespass into any Garden without permission of the Gardener or just cause.
  7. Children must be supervised at all times to ensure they do not step into other Garden plots or disturb fellow Gardeners.
  8. Pets are not allowed in the Garden per City of Cleveland Ordinance (Section 603.04 – Dog Nuisances).
  9. The Garden maintains an inventory of hand tools, wheelbarrows, and carts for Gardeners’ use. Access is first-come/first served. Any Garden implements used should be cleaned and returned to the shed area as quickly as possible. Unauthorized removal of Garden assets and/or produce is prohibited.
  10. As a condition for the services provided to Benjamin Franklin Community Garden by Summer Sprout, the selling or bartering of ANY produce grown in the Garden is specifically prohibited.
  11. In keeping with the intention and meaning of a community garden, and in an effort to defray costs and maximize grant awards, each Gardener is asked to donate a minimum of five (5) hours toward the operation, maintenance, and promotion of the Garden. In lieu of volunteer hours, a Gardener may make a monetary donation to OBCDC’s Garden Fund and/or donate produce to a hunger center.
  12. As Board of Education property, alcohol and drugs are prohibited in the Garden. Any Gardener suspected of being under the influence will be asked to leave and could face disciplinary action.
  13. The Garden Coordinator and Garden Committee will resolve any disputes.

    PLOT PLANTING & MAINTENANCE

  14. It is mandated that NOTHING be planted or placed in such a way as to shade or encroach on another Gardener’s plot. Further, each gardener must allow 12 inches for a walkway between adjoining plots, and any plantings should be a minimum of 12 inches from paths. No illegal or invasive plants, morning glories, for example, may be grown. SUNFLOWERS OF ANY TYPE ARE PROHIBITED. Corn may be grown in designated corn plots, which might be available after May 15th.
  15. For appearance, Gardeners assigned plots adjacent to the center East-West blacktop walkway, are asked to plant a row of ornamental flowers along the border with the walkway.
  16. Garden paths must be kept free and clear of all obstacles (i.e., hoses, tools, wagons, wheelbarrows, etc.). Hoses must be run along paths (not through other plots) and disconnected after use. Any personal supplies/implements (tools/sprinklers, etc.) must be stored within one’s plot. Neither OBCDC nor the Garden Staff are responsible for tools or personal property left unattended on the premises.
  17. Plots must be weeded regularly. This includes adjacent paths. The condition of the Garden is monitored continually by the Garden Coordinator and members of the Garden Committee. If a plot appears to be neglected, a series of warnings will be issued, initially by phone and, if necessary, by letter. Failure to address warnings and control weeds may result in designation of the plot as “abandoned,” forfeiture of the plot, and denial of gardening privileges in future seasons. Abandoned Gardens revert to OBCDC control.
  18. Herbicides are strictly prohibited. This includes Preen and similar products. Questions of use should be directed to the Garden Coordinator, ONLY.
  19. Gardeners are encouraged to compost within their plot (see Garden Coordinator for instructions) or to bag and remove organic waste. It is the responsibility of the Gardener to bag and remove all trash.

    HARVESTING AND DONATIONS TO THE HUNGRY

  20. Gardeners are encouraged to donate surplus produce to the hungry. Please leave it on the table by the Garden shed. Any Gardener donating produce independently should obtain a receipt from the recipient organization and submit it to the Garden Coordinator or the Garden Committee so an accurate count of donations can be maintained.
  21. Fruits and vegetables in any abandoned Garden that appear to be ready to pick may be harvested at the discretion of the Garden Coordinator and donated to a local Hunger Center.

    END OF SEASOn

  22. At the conclusion of the season, all Gardeners must sign out with the Garden Coordinator or a member of the Garden Committee (as noted on the Garden roster). A checkout sheet must be signed, confirming that the plot is in the same condition as it was at the beginning of the season. Ground must be level. Raised beds and walkways must be raked smooth. All manmade materials, including weed-blocking material and staples/pins, must be removed. Any straw in bales must be removed or spread evenly across the plot. Any remaining vegetation (including vines and plant stalks) must be removed or cut to lengths/heights of less than two (2) feet and distributed evenly across the plot.
  23. In the off season, all requests for soil enhancements must be made in writing and approved by the Garden Coordinator in writing. The planting of cover crops (green manure) such as rye, clover, and buckwheat is prohibited to prevent problems with spring tilling.
  24. Sign-outs must be completed by the last day of the season. Gardeners who fail to complete the checkout process by the end of the final day may be denied gardening privileges in future seasons.

    Failure to comply with any of the above Rules and Regulations may result in the Gardener forfeiting his or her Garden plot(s) and being excluded from the Garden program.

Download the 2011 Rules and Regulations [pdf]