The following are some frequently asked questions. If you have any other question or comments, please create a new blog post or add it to posts related to the topic of your interest
Who is eligible to apply for a plot?
Membership in the CHRCG is open to all residents living in Brighton, MA (zip code 02135). Candidates must be able to provide proof of residency.
How much does it cost to garden?
There is an annual fee and a security deposit. The fee for the use of the garden is assessed from (January 1 – December 31). The fees are calculated based on plot size. The current rate is 0.30 cents per square foot There are no refunds. Annual plot membership fees statements will be e-mailed to garden members in the spring, and are due by within 30 days of receipt. In addition to the annual fee, gardeners will be assessed a one-time refundable security deposit equal to 50% of their annual dues. This money is due when the first-year dues are paid. It will be refunded upon satisfactory clean-up of the plot when the gardener plans leave the garden permanently. In case of financial hardship, the gardener must inform the AC and make payment arrangements.
What do I have to do to stay in good standing with the garden?
Continued yearly membership is contingent upon the gardener:
1) continuing to reside in Brighton
2) paying annual membership fees in a timely manner
3) complying with the garden Rules & Expectations Violations include:
Non-compliance with rules for garden maintenance.
Non-payment of fees.
Unacceptable behavior such as acting in a threatening or abusive manner to other gardeners.
Flagrant disregard for communal responsibilities including but not limited to meeting and clean-up attendance.
Transferring a plot without permission.
How are plots assigned?
The Advisory Committee is responsible for assigning plots. Transfer of plots is not allowed without approval of the committee. When a previously assigned plot is vacated, all members in good standing will have the opportunity to be reassigned to the vacant plot before it is offered to new members. Vacant plots will be awarded to eligible members by order of seniority-- the length of time in good standing as a member. 11 A wait list for prospective gardeners is managed by the AC. As plots become available, prospective gardeners will be contacted in order of application date and interviewed for membership
Can I help out in the garden even if I don’t have my own plot?
Yes, you can become a “garden friend.” “Garden Friends” are members of our community garden who are not assigned individual plots, but who work alongside all gardeners in our community in plots and in communal garden areas. Garden Friends are people who would like to learn more about gardening and lend a hand, so we encourage gardeners to reach out to them, whether for assistance, or to teach. Garden friends are placed ahead of new applicants on the list and will be contacted by the AC if a plot becomes available.
Are any plants prohibited?
Some plants can create difficulty for neighboring gardeners or even the garden as a whole. For example, invasive plants, also known as aggressive garden plants, are simply plants that spread rapidly and are difficult to control.
The following are absolutely prohibited: morning glory, bishop’s weed, spiderwort, purple loosestrife, kudzu.
Gardeners are also urged to be cautious with the following plants in their gardens because of their regionally invasive tendencies: Hollyhock, Mallow, Lamb’s ear, Yarrow, Bee balm, Bachelor button, Creeping bellflower, Lily-of-the-valley, Yucca, St. John’s wort, Money plant, Bugleweed Snow on the mountain, Catmint, , Trumpet Vine, Bamboo, English Ivy, Japanese Stiltgrass,, Mint (including spearmint and peppermint, mojito mint, etc.), Chinese Wisteria,Queen Anne’s lace, Japanese silvergrass, Common mullein, Porcelain berry, Oriental bittersweet, Japanese honeysuckle
If you choose to grow one of the plants listed, monitor its growth, seed development, and seed dispersal. The best method for controlling aggressive garden plants is using containers, continual pruning and avoid direct seeding, as small seed can easily disperse. Remember: Gardeners play a key role in stopping the spread of invasive plants
How is the water supplied? Our water comes from the city of Boston water supply. We pay for water usage every year and it is usually our largest budget item. Therefore, it is imperative that everyone follow the guidelines for water usage, making sure that all hose valves and the valve in the water box are turned off when done watering.
What, if any, tools and equipment are provided?
The community garden communally owns some tools and equipment. The three sheds on site provide storage for things such as shovels, hoes, rakes, pitchforks, and wheelbarrows. These facilities cannot be used for storage of personal property. All sheds have a combination lock. The combination is not to be given to any non-members. Please note that members are responsible for providing their own small hand tools, and watering cans. All tools must be cleaned and returned to their proper shed when you are finished with them. Do not leave any tools in your plot. All sheds must be locked once tools are returned.
Is this an organic garden?
Yes, it is. And in that spirit gardening, the CHRCG does not permit the use of inorganic products, including but not limited to weed killers, herbicides, fertilizers, and “Miracle Gro” products. Composted manure, fish emulsion, seaweed, and gentle soap-based products are permitted. Whom do I contact for gardening advice? Many of our members are experienced gardeners who would be happy to try to answer questions. When our website is up, we plan to have a discussion board where questions can be posted. How much time should I expect to spend at the garden? Like many enjoyable tasks, gardening can expand to fill all the time you have to give it. However, to maintain your plot in the growing season you should expect to visit it at least twice a week, more often if the weather is particularly hot and dry. How much time you have to spend on each occasion is variable, but it should be enough time to maintain your plot and its perimeter. In addition to maintaining their own plots, all gardeners are expected to spend at least one hour a month helping to maintain communal areas.
What should I do if I experience or see theft or vandalism?
Please report any occurrences of theft or vandalism to the AC, including anything that you notice amiss in another gardener’s plot. In that case, please also contact the relevant gardener.
What should I do if I am threatened or harassed at the garden?
All serious incidents should be reported to 911