The following guidelines outline the management of the community garden and its site property. These guidelines have been established by Denver Urban Gardens (DUG) and are provided to the property owner as a basis for a use agreement between the two parties. In turn, DUG provides gardeners with the authority and permission to use the garden site. We, as a community, have a shared responsibility to keep our community garden managed effectively. The community garden is a privilege, and everything works more smoothly when people are involved in its overall upkeep. DUG community gardens have a volunteer Garden Leader and are encouraged to form a Garden Leadership Committee to collect plot fees and DUG Dues, assign plots, organize maintenance, and coordinate garden-related activities. With your agreement, you acknowledge, as a participating gardener, responsibility for the following:
1. PEOPLE CARE: You agree to treat your fellow gardeners as you would like to be treated. You agree to submit an annual plot application to your Garden Leader. You agree to be kind to others and open to communication. You agree to read DUG newsletters and stay informed and engaged with DUG. You recognize that there are many different ways to garden and grow, and you are respectful of others’ practices that are different than your own. You embrace that children might be present in your garden. Each gardener is responsible for conducting themselves in a civil manner that is mutually beneficial to all participants and to the garden as a whole. Unacceptable conduct generally includes, but is not limited to, vegetable theft, tool theft, profanity, offensive behavior, harmful verbal or written communications between or about fellow gardeners, or other incivilities associated with personal interactions as they relate to the community garden. DUG reserves the right to revoke your plot, at any time, due to any unacceptable conduct, as determined by DUG at its discretion
2. FAIR SHARE: School-based gardeners may be asked to care for school plots during summer. One garden plot per household per garden if the garden has a waitlist. Extra plots in gardens can be used for food donation, communal plots, assigned by equity (larger families), or assigned using a lottery system. Second plots are for one season only if there is a waitlist the following year. Avoid food waste and grow what you can maintain. If you have excess produce, share with your neighbors or donate to food access organizations. Aim to share 10% of the food your garden grows. You agree to work collaboratively with a diversity of people for the benefit of the community garden as a whole. Maintenance of common areas and furnishings, fencing, trees, trash receptacles, compost bins, street and alley right-of-way, and water lines are the shared responsibility of all gardeners. You agree to complete your community garden’s required volunteer service hours (varies by garden). Participating in volunteer tasks such as weeding common areas, caring for community plantings and areas, caring for gardening tools, etc., by providing a minimum number of hours per month, as specified by your Garden Leader, to the community garden. Failure to contribute your hours will result in the loss of gardening privileges. You agree to tend your plot and maintain the pathways around it. If for any reason, you are unable to care for your plot, you are required to notify the Garden Leader and/or Leadership Committee and make arrangements with other gardeners to water and maintain your plot during your absence. If a garden appears neglected/abandoned (unwatered and/or overrun with weeds), you will be given ten (10) days' notice to maintain your plot. After this time, your plot will be reassigned.
3. EARTH CARE: You agree to be kind to the earth, including plants, soil, nature, and other living things. DUG Community Gardens are strictly organic. The use of non-organic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers is prohibited and could result in your plot being forfeited and reassigned. DUG community gardeners agree to use only organic growing methods. Do not harvest or take anything in the garden unless you grew it or it’s offered to you. Dogs may not be allowed inside the garden (with exception of service dogs); ask your Garden Leader. DUG adheres to water-wise practices, in respect of Colorado’s high desert climate. Excess water cannot drain onto the street or adjacent property. Stay on-site while watering to avoid water waste (timers may not be used); respect 10am - 6pm water restrictions through Denver Water. Smoking in the garden is prohibited. No cannabis may be grown in the garden. No outside food waste is permitted in garden plots or compost piles. Gardeners must have their plot planted by June 15 (or an earlier date as specified by your Garden Leader), or the plot will be forfeited and reassigned. Each gardener is responsible for clearing their plot at the close of the season. All dead plants, weeds, trash, tools, sticks, and cages are to be removed or stored by November 1, or the plot may be forfeited and reassigned.
4. FEES: You agree to submit payment for plot fees and DUG Dues owed each season, unless otherwise waived by your Garden Leader.
5. If a gardener gives up their plot or the plot is revoked, the plot returns to the garden and will be assigned to someone on the waitlist by the Garden Leadership.
6. Garden Leadership Committees shall not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, marital status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or military status in its garden membership and the administration of its programs.
7. DUG centers equity as one of its organizational values and we value diversity — in backgrounds and in experiences. We believe food is a universal right, and we need people from all backgrounds and swaths of life to help build the future of our food system. DUG is an Equal Opportunity organization, and our staff and volunteers are people with different strengths, experiences, and backgrounds, who share a passion for improving people's lives. Diversity includes not only race and gender identity, but also age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion, and many other parts of one’s identity. All of our employee’s points of view are key to our success, and inclusion is everyone's responsibility.
