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Community Gardens, Part 3

© Bob Ewing

If a community garden is going to work, then there are two things that need to be in place or the potential problems will erode the garden. First, is the contract. All the people who want to have a garden plot need to sign a contract. The contract sets out the terms and conditions which govern the garden. For example, will the garden use organic methods or not; how long a plot can sit unattended; conflict resolution methods and plot responsibility, weeding, watering, pets on site, etc.

If children are involved some contract specify, items such as smoking on site, appropriate language and child care. Some gardens can incorporate a children's garden into the design and the contract sets out who is responsible for the children while in the children's garden.

Some gardens have a communal plot where crops such as corn or squash are grown. The contract can spell out the terms for the care of this communal space. The contract provides a point of reference if conflict arise. All garden members have a voice in the drafting of the contract so time must be set aside, before planting and the paying of any fees, so that this procedure can take place.

A quick word about fees, the Regent St community garden charges a five dollar fee. This money is used to cover the site lease and to provide a small contingency fund should a need arise. The garden coordinator collects the fees and issues receipts.

This brings us to the second administrative need, the coordinator. Ideally, this would be a paid position, at least part time for a few months. The ideal is not always attainable. The garden coordinator requires good people skills, gardening knowledge and basic organizational ability. The co-ordinator resolves conflicts, answers or refers people to appropriate sources for any gardening questions and may set up on site workshops such as composting and seed saving.

The issue of creating a paid position for the garden coordinator become simpler if the municipality where the garden is located has a community garden policy. This relationship makes resources and possible funds or fund rasing capabilities available. The Food Action network, the host organization for the regent Street garden has a municipal policy committee which will be approaching City Council with a community garden resolution this Fall.

As the volunteer community garden coordinator for the Regent Street garden, I can say that this has been a rewarding experience, not only do I get to share my love of touching the soil with others but I am meetings by neighbours, people who share a similar passion.

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