Garden Management Guidelines and Useful Information

This website has a wealth of information, so please take the time to familiarise yourself as this will help ensure the smooth running of the garden for the enjoyment of everyone.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact a member of the Committee (in person or via email, ogcommunitygarden@gmail.com) who will follow up as soon as practicable.

The following covers the key information you need to know.

Garden guidelines

We are a community garden, and every member has shared responsibilities and entitlements. These guidelines outline member obligations in the garden, and for plot management.

Membership, plots, fees

Membership is annual from July to June and can be individual, a family/household, or an organisation. Each membership is entitled to apply to rent a plot annually, if one is available. Where available, members may rent a second plot, on the basis that they will relinquish one plot if required for new members, (especially if there is a waiting list). Membership fees and plot rental fees are reviewed annually.

Plot fees are required to be paid by the due date, otherwise the Committee may reallocate the plot to a member on the waiting list.

Read full member responsibilities and obligations.

Garden access and security

Garden entry is limited to members with the key safe number to access the keys.
The gates must be closed and locked when leaving the garden, and all shed doors shut.
Members are encouraged to leave gates open while they are present, and to welcome community members to explore and ask questions.
Children are very much welcome but must be supervised by a responsible adult.
For insurance requirements, all visitors must be under the supervision of a member, and a register must be kept of everyone attending any garden events.

Using the Garden

Dogs must always be on a lead and under control when in the garden. And, of course, pick up all dog poo and take it with you. Do not leave it in the Garden bin.
Ensure that all children’s toys belonging to the garden are stored in/returned to the children’s play area.
The garden is non-smoking.
Alcohol permitted at organised events only.

Composting and green waste

Compost is vital to the health and vitality of the garden. Check composting guidelines here. Key points:

Add only to the currently active bins, and the active side of the tumblers.
Don’t pile up green waste in front of compost bays.
Please dispose of any diseased (viral, fungal) or weedy plant material in the garden’s green bin.
Members can take a reasonable share of compost once the “ready” sign is displayed on bins.

Water use

Water conservation is a priority.

The primary water source is from the tanks behind the shelter.
There are several taps in the Garden connected to the tanks. These have black piping.
Watering cans vs hoses:
- If you’re able, please water plots with watering cans filled with tank water.
- Two Garden taps have hoses connected to town water. Hoses can be used when tank water is low, or if carrying a full watering can isn’t an option.
Check the notice board for current watering instructions and water-saving suggestions.
Advice about water-wise gardening will generally be provided in the lead-up to each summer; mulching of plots is encouraged to conserve water and discourage weeds.

Watering in the green house

Seedlings in the greenhouse can be watered with either a watering can, or by using the misting system.

Shared areas and produce

In the communal/shared areas (around the fence lines and some plots) we grow fruit trees and vines, herbs, native food plants and some flowering plants for colour. Where there is space, we also grow some green leafy veggies.
Members are welcome to a proportional share of produce from communal garden areas. However, please remember that we grow some of this to raise money for the garden by selling at the Farmer’s Market on the third Saturday of each month. Please don’t pick in the week or two leading up to a market.
Members are encouraged to help manage and maintain shared areas by weeding and watering, as required.
Please respect other member’s plots and don’t take produce unless given permission.

First aid and safety

A first aid kit is stored in the cupboard in the toilet, and a fire extinguisher is in the alcove beside the sink.
Gardeners should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves, facemask, goggles or spectacles, knee pads etc.) appropriate to the task. Plus, protection against the sun.
If an accident or incident occurs at the garden resulting in an injury, apply first aid or medical care as soon as possible. Any matter that may result in an insurance claim MUST be reported to the Committee, and an accident/incident report should be completed and witnessed. The Committee will review all incidents.

Toilet

The garden has an accessible toilet.
Cleaning supplies are in the cupboard in the toilet and members are asked to check and clean the toilet on a regular basis.
Please ensure the door is closed after use.

Rubbish / recycling / green waste

Take all rubbish and recycling home with you to dispose of in your own rubbish or recycling bins.
This includes plastic bags and seedling trays.
Put all weeds and invasive plants in the green waste bin.

Garden tools and resources

Ensure tools are clean and securely put away following use.
If any equipment is broken or unsafe, please remove it from general use and advise the Committee.
Members can make reasonable use of communal garden materials (e.g. pea straw) that are made available on site.
While additional resources may be welcome, all donations must first be offered to the Committee (not just delivered on site), which reserves the right to accept or decline donations. materials. All materials donated must be in good condition and usable, and become the property of Community Garden Ocean Grove Inc.