WORK REQUIREMENT—All garden members must join a work team and contribute at least 4 work hours each year (1 hr for attending potluck meetings, up to 3 hrs for work parties, additional hours for work team work). Make sure to enter work hours here: https://bit.ly/WorkHours-NorthBranchCommunityGarden, Email Kristin for help: kristinlcantu@gmail.com
FEES—Garden dues - $20 per plot. New members pay when they join. Everyone pays next year’s dues by Aug 1st. Make checks out to “VINS Community Garden” and mail to: Barbara Bruno, 2 Peck Place, Montpelier, VT 05602.
EMAIL—We love hearing from everyone and encourage your input, but to keep from overwhelming ourselves with sheer volume of emails, please refrain from using “reply all” on garden-wide emails. Also consider whether emailing the entire listserv is necessary. You can always email Kim (tatonka_28@yahoo.com) or Kristin (kristinlcantu@gmail.com) and they will make sure your needs/concerns are addressed. If you do send an email to the entire group, please use your best judgement.
GARDENING GUIDELINES—Organic gardening only (no chemical fertilizers or pest control, don’t let plastic degrade). Dogs leashed at all times. Keep rocks/posts/pots/junk out of the paths – to make it safe for walking and mowing (we love our mowers!). Parking next to the garden is only for quick drop-off or pick-up of plants, heavy tools, etc. or if you have mobility issues or a sleeping child in the car. After August 30th, it’s okay for squash to grow out into the paths and field. We encourage gardeners to become a member of the North Branch Nature Center. We donate $200 per year to NBNC!
PLEASE KEEP GARDENS LOOKING NEAT—Haul away trash, plastic bags, etc.
COMPOST—Everyone must compost weeds and garden debris in your own plot--the easiest way is to simply put it in your paths. Learn this technique from Nancy Chickering—email: nwchickering@yahoo.com
PLOT USE EXPECTATIONS—Garden plots must be maintained and nurtured, no matter what you are growing.
June 15th: Garden plots must show active signs of use or will be forfeited and offered to next on the waitlist.
August: All plots will be rechecked.
IMPORTANT: Continued membership in the garden is contingent upon your plot being actively worked throughout the gardening season. Key dates are June 15 and the end of August.
The Plot Use team wants you to be successful, and will contact you prior to any deadline if it looks like you need help. They can connect you with resources for assistance, and if plots remain untended they will help you transition out of the garden. In some circumstances it may be appropriate to divide a plot, and offer half to someone on the waitlist. If you have questions, contact co-leads Kathy (kacarvey@gmail.com) or Mary (bronsmar@yahoo.com).
PLOT BOUNDARIES—Check the garden map to see who your neighbors are and discuss maintenance of shared paths. Plot boundaries are roughly aligned with the fence poles, set every 20 feet. Note: not all plots are the same size. Maintain a one-foot path between plots—make your lives easier by taking the time to completely remove grass and roots, then mulch heavily to prevent invading weeds. Keep paths clear of tools, compost, trash, etc.
PAY IT FORWARD TEAM – If you’re experiencing injury, illness or family emergency or are a new gardener needing advice or help, reach out to the Pay It Forward team via email: PayItForward.NBGarden@gmail.com, or contact Kristin at kristinlcantu@gmail.com. She’ll do her best to find someone to help you in your plot.
GLEANING – Put surplus produce in the gleaning box on Sundays, for Monday delivery to local soup kitchens. Contact Phil at philbrucecarr@gmail.com to harvest in your plot while you’re on vacation.
SNAKE WORMS – For info & tips on how to control this invasive pest, reach out to the Snake Worm Info team.
Any questions? Email Kim at tatonka_28@yahoo.com