Camarillo Community Garden

Community Garden - Garden Rules

This page has the proposed set of rule being adapted from the Los Flores CG's rules. Please read through them and make any comments via e-mail. Send you comments to mike, the webmaster

Camarillo Community Gardens

Antonio Avenue Garden Rules - provisional

 

 

 

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW AND COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING RULES AND INFORMATION.

 

Garden Rules

 

General

 

The Camarillo Community Gardens is a non-profit organization that operates community gardens in partnership with the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District and the Pleasant Valley Mutual Water Company. This is a community, and will not function well unless all members can work together. The garden guidelines are intended to maximize the safety and enjoyment of the garden by ALL members. Gardeners are responsible for the actions and activities of their guests and caretakers. Caretakers must also sign a form saying that they have read and understood the guide lines.

 

The guidelines contain both roles and suggestions. Members must comply with rules and may or may not follow the suggestions.

 

Hours of Operation

 

Rule: The garden is open to members daily from sunup to sundown.

 

Suggestion:  Members are encouraged to support Food Share, Apple-a-Day, or other local food pantries.

 

Membership and rates

 

Rules: ANNUAL RENTAL FEE. Plots are available as individual plots (10' X 10') or family plots (10' X 20'). Plots rent from January 1st to December 31st, and cost $45 for a family plot or $25 for an individual plot. There is an additional, one-time,  refundable $20 plot clean-up fee per plot.

 

Fees are due January 1st, and are delinquent January 31st and gardeners will lose their assigned, delinquent plot. After January 31st, gardeners who have not paid and have not cleaned up their plot may lose their clean-up deposit fee, plants, planters, soils and tools. Make your check payable to Camarillo Community Gardens and mail to the Garden's Treasurer. The rental fee is non-refundable, and there is a six month pro-ration after July 1st. Clean-up fee is paid once per plot, unless the plot has not been in compliance. Full clean up fee will be required on pro-rated plots.compliance of garden rules will result in non-renewal. If, as a result of non-compliance, the plot manager has clean up and/or remove unapproved plants and/or structures, the plot fee will not be refunded. If the gardener of that plot wants to renew, they must be in compliance with garden rules at the time of renewal and pay an additional clean-up fee for the next year.

 

Membership status is subject to revocation if the member has had three notices of non-compliance in one year. If a member has not properly maintained his other plot or other rules are not followed, the member will be warned by letter or phone call or e-mail and given two weeks to correct the situation before additional action will be taken, /p>

 

Parking

 

Rules: (we'll need some designed for each site)

 

Tools, Equipment, and Supplies

 

RRules: No one may use the lawn mower or rototiller without instruction from the plot manager. Do not throw away any item that has been placed in the shed without prior approval. Do not permanently remove items from the shed as they are for all gardeners. Do not take sprinkler heads that others have placed on their hoses. Do not remove soil from other plots, even if they are not currently assigned to others.

 

Suggestions: Community tools are located in the shed. Clean tools before returning them to the shed. make sure you are using the proper tool for the job so it does not break and you do not injure yourself. Notify the Plot Manager if tools need replacing. Do not leave personal items in the shed; the garden is not responsible for personal tools that are damaged or lost.

 

Organic Gardening Methods

 

Rules: This is an organic garden. No toxic pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals can be used other than those approved by the Plot Manager.

 

Suggestions: Practice organic integrated pest management. Information on organic practices can be found on the internet, library, or in books in the shed. A good source is found at organic gardening links of www.gardenersnet.com.

 

Safety

 

Rules; Please keep garden materials out of pathways. Wear appropriate clothing. sturdy shoes and face/eye protection when working with tools, especially power tools and equipment and animal traps. Supervise children at all times, both for their safety and so that they do not disturb other gardens. Use care around rodent traps, natural pesticides or deterrents and Rodelrol. Mark holes or depressions where traps have been set. No pets inside the garden except by prior approval by the plot manager.

 

Application of any herbicide, pesticide or pest deterrent (except for non-genetically-modified Bt) should not be applied with pressure sprayers or those attached to garden hoses. Handheld sprayers can be be used for fertilizer. Do not contaminate the hoses. Garden hoses are for water only.

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Gardeners may not make or apply manure tea. Compost tea should not be made and stored on site for more than three days. No human wastes can be used in the garden.

 

No ponds or large fountains. Avoid standing water in saucers underneath pots

 

Suggestions: Use care in watering so that standing puddles don't develop. Always make sure that manure is fully composted off-site before spreading it around seedlings, such as spinach and lettuce. Watch for snakes, bees, birds and other dangerous animals.

 

Gates

 

Rules: The combination locks on the gates must be locked when gardeners leave. The combination is not to be given out to non-members. An exception is made for persons temporarily taking care of a plot during the member's absence or illness, and only with full knowledge of the plot manager.

 

While the front gate may look like it can freely swing open, do not open if all the way. Do not leave any gates propped open.

 

Suggestions: If you are the last one to leave, check the lock on the all gates. Please notify the plot manager if you notice that the gates are left unlocked when no members are in the garden./p>

 

Consideration

 

Rules: No disruptive behavior that will negatively affect other members will be tolerated, including loud radios, vulgar language, raised voices, threats or other intimidation of other gardeners or guests..

No tobacco products are allowed in the garden.

Alcohol is not allowed in the garden.

Members must follow all Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District rules. Members should treat each other with respect.

 

Do not rent, borrow or use other people's personal information for commercial marketing or politica1 purposes not related to the garden. Mailing, phone and e-mail listings and the web site are to be used for garden purposes only.

 

Watering

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Rules: Turn off all faucets before leaving the garden. Coil the hoses neatly. Do not water another gardener's plot unless you have permission.

 

Suggestions: Water faucets are provided within the proximity of each garden plot. Don't coil the hoses too tightly or they will break. Watering is to be done when the gardener is present and water conservation must be practiced. Take care

When using a sprayer or washing vegetables that you do not spray another garden with stray water or otherwise cause a weed problem near their plot. /p>

 

What to plant or place in the Garden

 

Rules: Edible plants, flowers and herbs may be planted. Permanent plantings (such as trees bushes), illegal plants, and invasive plants (such as mint) are prohibited. Commercial growing is prohibited. The attachment is a list of plants approved by the PVR&PD. This is list is not to be construed as all inclusive. Additional plants win be added as required. If you are unsure, ask a board member or plot manager./p>

All plants on this list. if they can be planted at all, must be planted at least 5 feet away from the perimeter of the garden fence or gate.

It is acceptable to keep any plant in the shrubs category in an above-ground pot. Do not pile mulch around the pot so that the bottom Cannot be inspected. Banned plants in the Controversial plants or Grasses category are not acceptable under any conditions.

All plants, whether in pots or in the ground, must be trimmed down at least once a year to a size of 8 c:ubic feet and no higher than 4 feet from the ground undeneath the pot. This includes any trees in pots.

if your plant escapes its container or is placed in the garden in an incorrect way, the plot manager or designate may remove and/or dispose of the plant and/or pot at any time, without warning.

Gardeners may not store large tools and equipment, such as tractors, beehives, tillers or bicycles. Members may not grow livestock or other animals except small quantities of beneficial insects.

 

Suggestions: Please remember that if you plant any type of plant. or allow one you did not plant to continue to grow. you are responsible for keeping it out of the garden pathways. So, please don't plant or encourage anything you are unwilling to control.

 

Chairs, benches, compost bins, smaller garden tools. trellises, pots, birdbaths, bird feeders and smaller tools are OK.

Members may encourage beneficial insects or animals to the garden by planting attractive plants or providing a suitable habitat. A service dog or animal is not considered a pet and is allowed with its owner at all times.

 

Plots

 

Rules: Plots are assigned by the plot manager. Priority is given to members who live within PVR&PD boundaries.

GGardeners may not combine plots by eliminating walkways. Members are limited to 3 plots. Members in good standing are allowed an additional plot, but only when they have demonstrated that they can plant and care for their first one. Please

Note: work hours are per plot. Gardeners with multiple plots are required to do more work. Plots cannot be inherited or transferred to another person without approval of the plot manager. /p>

 

Maintenance Responsibilities

 

RRules: All garden plots and adjoining pathways must be well maintained and kept clear of weeds, plants and trash year-round. All plant growth, trellises, pots, etc., must be contained within the garden plots. New gardeners must have their plots cleared and start cultivation or soil-building within three weeks of plot assignment, weather permitting. Failure to maintain a plot and adjoining pathways to the satisfaction of the plot manager will result in forfeiture of the garden plot. Gardeners who are unable to maintain their plot themselves due to temporary causes (such as illness or travel) must find someone to do it on their behalf. Each gardener is responsible for the actions and activities of their guests or caretaker. Caretakers must be knowledgeable of all garden rules and must follow them.

 

Structures

 

Rules: No permanent structures are allowed. Gardeners may not tap into the irrigation system or alter it in any way other than attaching hoses to the provided spigots. Trellises, flagpoles, birdfeeders and cages must be portable and are subject to height restrictions. They may be up to 6 feet tall generally, but may be from 6 to 8 feet tall if the higher portion is at least 3 feet away from the perimeter of the plot. Trellises and cages must be secured to keep them from blowing down. Any tie-downs must be within the plot perimeter. All raised beds over 1 foot tall must have written approval of the plot manager. The gardener must submit a written plan with materials and assembly methods. Mesh-type fences around the plots shall be no higher than five feet and solid or picket fences shall be no higher than three feet. Gardeners may not restrict access by the plot manager by enclosing and locking a garden plot.

 

Existing soil should not be removed except to allow addition of amendments. Ponds and waterfalls are not allowed. No permanent posts are allowed. Do not attach any structure to any other common garden structure such as hose posts or outside fencing. /p>

 

SSuggestion: Put some type of fencing around your plot to keep out mice, ground squirrels, and control gophers digging up from below. SMALL MESH is best. Some garden plots have been lined on the bottom with hardware cloth to prevent gopher intrusion and some use raised beds. Check with the garden manager for other ideas about how to protect you plants from rodents. Fences are not required, but they do help keep others from straying into your plots and doing damage.

 

Compost and trash

 

Rules: Use trash containers by the gates and the outside dumpster, for trash. Put no plastic. dirt, dead animals or any other trash in any compost pile or bin.

 

TThe covered compost bins are for everybody to use, but don't 'drop and run'. Do not put weed seeds, Bermuda grass, palm seedlings or other banned plant material into the common compost areas.

 

Suggestions: Please see the compost manager for a bin or a site assignment for your compost pile.

Use compost bins for organic waste; chop material as small as possible and water bins regularly. Adding coffee grounds and fresh grass clippings will increase compost temperature, kill weed seeds and speed compost. Cut the material up, mix and water, etc.

 

If you notice any one of these bins not being maintained, contact the plot manager. Non-maintained compost piles attract rodents which eat your garden. /p>

 

Workdays and other Volunteering

 

Rules: Gardeners must contribute two hours per month per plot to community work projects, such as mulching paths, clearing unused beds, manning a table at community events, etc. Gardeners who are not able to attend scheduled work days must contact the work day manager for alternative assignments. This is in addition to keeping their own plot and adjacent pathways 'well-maintained and weed-free, Workdays are usually on the first Saturday of the month at 9:00 am.

 

Cleaning, mulching, setting traps and weeding personal plots and the adjacent path-ways is not considered community work. It is expected that all members will be willing to rotate officer responsibilities and help with other garden projects as their talents allow.

 

Debris and things you don't want any more

 

RRules: The large trash dumpster is for all waste. Wheelbarrows are provided and should be emptied, cleaned and put away after each use. Dead animals should be placed in a plastic bag before being put in the dumpster. Do not place dirt, trash, plant ties, containers, trellises, rocks or any kind of non-plant material compost pile or common pathway.

 

Suggestions: Excess containers, fencing and trellises, etc. can be placed next to the storage shed. Surplus plants and vegetables can go into the Garden Surplus bin designated for gleaning. Rocks and larger fencing materials can be placed behind the shed. Other gardeners can re-use any of these materials. (Note: The material is periodically sorted and thrown away, so if you see something you need, take it right away.)

 

Privacy of Garden Plots

 

RRules: Garden plots may not be entered without the gardener's permission. Established pathways should be used when walking through the garden. No soil, seed, fruit, vegetable, flower or any other item may be removed from another person's plot without their exp1icit permission. Board members and the plot manager may go into a garden to remove non-compliant items or to control pests in any plot.

 

Notifications and Communications

 

Rules: It is your responsibility to be sure that the officers have your current e-mail and street address and cell phone number, when available. Any correspondence mailed to the address currently on file will be considered delivered. The gardener must inform the membership officer of changes. A notebook with messages is in the shed. Do not take the notebook out of the garden. Put it back in the shed when you are finished reading it.

 

Suggestions: Check the kiosk at the gate and the shed for notices. if you sign up for the web forum, messages will be posted online and important garden documents, such as the guidelines, are available.

 

Meetings

 

Rule: Gardeners are required to attend at least two meetings annually.

 

Vacating your Plot

 

Rules: Notify the plot manager if you are discontinuing your gardening activities. Gardeners are responsible for cleaning their plot and removing all items. Gardeners do not have to wait until the end of the year to forfeit their plots or get back their plot deposit, when eligible. The plot should be returned in the condition it was received. The deposit will not be returned until the plot clean-up has been verified by the plot manager. Returned deposits are sent only to the gardener.

 

Bylaws

 

Rules: As we are a community. it's important that we bave bylaws. Please read the bylaws./p>

 

 Grievances

 

Suggestion: Please direct any concerns about garden rules to the officers.

(end of rules)

 

PROPOSED BYLAWS

 

BYLAWS OF THE CAMARILLO COMMUNITY GARDENS

 

I. The name of the organization shall be Camarillo Community Gardens.

 

II. Purposes

 

A. To provide plots of land to Individuals and families on which to grow flowers, fruit, vegetables and herbs, based on organic gardening practices.

B. To operate a non-commercial community garden for recreational, social, educational, and essential food needs for its members.

C. To provide a place for low-income individuals and families to grow their own food, flowers, and herbs.

D. To create a children's garden for parents and teachers to instruct them in the pleasures and practicality of gardening.

E. To create a horticultural therapy garden to help the physically challenged and retired seniors enjoy gardening.

F. To operate outreach programs to Iike-minded groups, individuals, and organizations, as well as other interested community groups.

G. To conduct ongoing educational programs for Its members. H. To pub'ish a periodic newsletter .

H. To encourage donation of excess food to local food banks.

 

III. Membership

 

A. Membership is open to all persons over 18 years of age who reside in the Camarillo area of Ventura County, California, who pay the membership fee and agree to follow the organization's bylaws and garden rules. Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District residents will receive preference for garden rental plots in the Camarillo Community Garden.

B. Failure to pay dues or maintain garden plot(s} according to garden rules will result in termination of membership.

 

IV. Dues

 

A. The amount of dues is to be determined annually by the Executive Board based on expected expenses for the coming year and in keeping with the declared purposes of the garden .

B. Dues are to be paid annually.

C. Failure to pay dues wlfl result in termination of membership.

 

V. Officers

Officers will serve for one year and may be reelected. They will serve without salary. Malfeasance or the abandonment of responsibilities wi11 be considered sufficient basis for the removal of an officer.

 

A. President

The president sets goals for the organization, signs all legal documents, supervises employees or volunteers and activities of the organization, Represents or speaks for the organization, end presides at meetings.

 

B. Vice President

The vice president takes over the office of president if that office is vacated for any reason. The vice president also presides at meetings when the president Js unable to attend or when the president must step down from the chair because he or she wishes to debate an issue. The vice president also presides if the president is being censured or if a motion is being made that concerns only the president.

 

C. Secretary

The secretary Is responsible for keeping allthe records of the organization on fite and keeping an up-to-date fist of all the members. The secret8ry is responsible for maintaining the official documents of the orgarnzation tncluding the bylaws. rules of order. standing rules. correspondence. and minutes. The secretary sends notices of meetings or elections to members. The secretary keeps the bylaws and other governing documents up~t0..date with any changes made through the amendment process. The secretary takes minutes at all business and board meetings and signs them. He/she reads minutes of the previous meeting at the next meeting and records any cofrectlons. The secretary presides at meetings in which the president and vice president ere absent Of until the assembly elects a temporary chairman. The secretary notifies members of their election to office or appointment to committees and furnishes them with the proper documents.

 

D. Treasurer

TThe treasurer's duties include: receiving and depositing dues in the organization's bank account; giving members receipts for their dues; paying the organization's bills; giving a report at the meetings; keepfng records that will allow a committee to audit the books at the end of the fiscal year; balancing and reconciling the checking account. The treasurer presides at meetings in which the president. vice president, and secretary are absent or until the assembiy elects a temporary chairman.

 

E. Plot Manager {ex officio}

IIt is the plot manager's duty to: assign garden plots to members; Issue warnings and/or notices of termination of membership in accordance with organizational bylaws and garden rules; maint8in records of plot assignments, warnings, and notices sent; work closely with the executive board, keeping the board abreast of problems which have the potential to disrupt the smooth operation of the community garden.

 

VI. Executive Board

 

The Executive Board shall ccnsist of the president. vice president, secretary and treasurer. The plot manager is an ex officio member .

 

VII. Meetings

 

A. The Executive Board shall meet monthly.

B. General meetings will be held quarterly or as needed.

C. Robert's Rules of Order, the latest version, shall govern.

 

VIII .Voting

 

A. Each member in good standing shall have one vote regardless of how many garden plots he/she has paid for .

B. Amendments to bylaws and replacement of officers when needed will be voted on in general meetings.

C. Election of officers shell be herd once a year .

D. Voting she.. be by secret ballot or hand count.

E.  Nominations for officers may be mad.e one meeting rn advance of election. by members in good standing. Nominations may also be made from the floor at the meeting at which eiections .are held.

F. A majority vote of those members in good standing, who are present. shall elect the officers.

G. Replacement of officers between erections. as necessitated by special circumstances, will be voted on at a general membership meeting to be held in a timely fashion.

 

IX. Records and Reports will be kept of:

 

A. Meeting minutes

B. Treasurer's report

C. Membership list

D. Materiai inventory

E. Plot assignments

F. Warnings. with reasons

G. Notices of termination of membership. with reasons

 

X. Amendments

A A proposed amendment to the bylaws must be presented to members at a meeting, one regular meeting prior to voting on the amendment or as notified by mail or email. A majority vote of members in good standing who are present at the meeting is needed to adopt an amendment.

 

 

(end of bylaws)

 

The MOU

 

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN PLEASANT VALLEY RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT AND THE CAMARILLO COMMUNITY GARDENS 

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOL) is entered into by Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District ( PVRPD) and The Camarillo Community Gardens (CCG) for the purpose of defining the rights and responsibilities of each party with respect to the operation of a community organic garden by CCG, on a parcel of land owned by PVRPD. Both parties agree to bind themselves according to the provisions herein.

The Camarillo Community Gardens agrees to:

1. Provide $1,000,000 of liability insurance, naming the PVRPD as additional insured for any claim rising from the operation of the community garden.

2. Operate the garden in accordance with organic gardening principles as defined in the Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening.

 

3. Limit the planting and/or cultivation to non-invasive or nonintrusive plants, and annual edible plants, flowers, and herbs, e.g., no trees or berry vines, etc.

4. Charge reasonable plot rental fees, to be reviewed annually by PVRPD's Board of Directors.

5. Upon becoming a member of CCG, each member will sign a waiver of liability indemnifying PVRPD

 

6. Coordinate and resolve all CCG member concerns and issues, including all internal disputes and garden security issues. All garden supervision will be the responsibility of CCG.

 

7. Operate their organization in accordance with the attached bylaws and operational principles.

8. Keep the garden neat and orderly, with no storage of gardening materials or toots on the plots. There win be no storage sheds allowed except with the written approval of both PVRPD and CCG as to type, design, and location.

9. Obtain approval in writing from PVRPD for any improvements not identified within the Master Plan.

 

10. Comply with all PVRPD park rules.

11. Not allow the offering or soliciting for merchandise or products within or upon the garden facility.

12. The term of this MOD shall be five (5) years. with an annual renewal each autumn. CCG will provide an annual report upon renewal application. and agrees to open their financial records to PVRPD personnel upon request

13. Agree that no produce raised in the garden will ever be sold. except at the pre-approved fundraising events.

14. Pleasant Valley Recreation and Parks District residents will receive preference for garden rental plots. At least 51 % of all garden plots shall be rented to District residents. and should there be a shortage of plots, District residents will be in a first position for rental.

15i>. NNo persona] property will be stored at the garden, unless in an approved storage building.

 

Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District agrees to:

 

1. Provide a one-acre parcel of land at (a locastion to be determined) for the purpose of a community garden.

 

2. Provide irrigation lines and hose bibs. two (2) each. to the garden. A flow control valve system will mitigate unauthorized irrigation use.

 

3. Subsidize the cost of water.

 

4. Participate in fencing the garden.

 

5. Provide for the placement and removal of a dumpster for garden use.

 

PLEASANT VALLEY  RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT

By:__________________________________________________Date:                                                

THE CAMARILLO COMMUNITY GARDENS o:p>

BBy:__________________________________________________Date:                                                

 

 

 

(end of MOU)/p>

The 'Hold harmless liability waiver'

 

HOLD HARMLESS & WAIVER OF LIABILITYp>

This is to certify that I, (print name) ________________________________________, as a member of Camarillo Community Garden, agree to indemnify and hold the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Parks District and the officers of Camarillo Community Gardens harmless from any loss, liability, injury, or property damage caused by or arising out of my activities at the Camarillo Community Garden.

 

I agree to abide by the park rules established by the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Parks District and the conditions of the Memorandum of Understanding between Pleasant Valley Recreation and Parks District and Camarillo Community Gardens.

 

Community Garden Member’s

Signature: ________________________________________________ Date _______________________

 

District Representive’s

Signature: ________________________________________________ Date _______________________