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Sherwood Community Gardens
Guidelines and Plot Rental Agreement Form
General Information
Gardens are open from dawn to dusk each day.
Garden plot fees are non-refundable.
To register for a plot you will need to do the following:
o Pay for your plot lease and submit signed, completed paperwork.
o Attend the annual spring orientation meeting.
Community Garden Guidelines and Expectations:
Gardeners are responsible for their plots the entire season. Gardeners must notify garden program
coordinator if they can no longer tend their garden plot. The transferring of plots to other gardeners is
not allowed.
Maintenance of garden plot(s) includes WEEDING. Weeds must be kept under control at all times. If
plot(s) are found to have excessive weeds or are overgrown, the gardener will receive a warning via email
and be given one (1) week to rectify the situation. If no email is provided, communication will be via a
postcard and/or phone call. If no contact is made or no resolution is reached, a second and final warning
will be issued via certified mail with an additional week to clean the plot(s). If no action is taken, the plot
will be reclaimed and rented to another gardener on the waiting list. Gardeners who are unable to
continue to manage their plots must notify staff immediately.
All plants, planters and tools must fit inside the perimeter of the plot. Absolutely no materials, plants
included, will be allowed in the pathways or along the perimeter fencing. Any plants growing outside a plot
may be trimmed or cut back without notice. Plan ahead so that you have adequate space for vining and
spreading crops.
Absolutely no expansion of gardens beyond your designated plot(s) will be allowed.
Crops are for home use or donation, not commercial purposes, and must be legal.
Respect for other gardeners’ need for sunlight is expected. Do not erect any structure or plant crops that
would cause excessive shading on adjacent plots. Trellises or arbors are to be no more than six (6) feet
high, may not shade neighbors plots and may not be installed permanently.
Garden plot-holders need to let staff know immediately of any of the following:
o Irrigation issues
o Theft
o Vandalism
o Rule violations
o Pest problems
Keep produce harvested; don’t allow crops to rot in plots.
Composters in plots must be approved by garden manager.
Gardeners are responsible for disposing of their garden waste. If you observe any illegal dumping,
please contact staff at 503.625.4213 with as much information as possible (description, etc.).
Gardeners provide their own equipment (e.g. hoses, tools, seeds). Motorized vehicles and
equipment are prohibited in the garden, with the exception of small rototillers.
Please respect other gardeners spaces do not pick vegetables, fruits or flowers that are not yours.
City of Sherwood will not be responsible for any improvements (including, but not limited to, soil
amendments, plantings, etc.) made to any garden plots. If for any reason a gardener ceases their
gardening in the program they are completely responsible for their garden plot improvements without
reimbursement from City of Sherwood.
The use of pesticides and/or weed killers is not allowed in the gardens at any time.
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Gardeners will supervise children and are solely responsible for the behavior of guests.
No pets are allowed in the garden area, with the exception of service animals.
No glass may be brought into the garden area.
The use of newspaper or cardboard for mulch is not allowed. The use of plastic sheeting or plastic
tarps for mulch, ground cover, or weed barrier is not allowed.
No tires or rocks are to be used in the individual garden plots at any time.
The perimeter of the garden areas are fenced by City of Sherwood. Please remember to close the gates
as you leave the garden.
Plots are not to be used to store materials or other supplies not associated with gardening, this
includes tables, chairs, benches and storage containers.
Absolutely no tampering with the faucets or water lines at any time.
Do your part to conserve water by hand watering plants. We encourage you to water before 10:00 am or
after 6:00 pm.
No automatic watering systems are allowed. You must be present to water your garden plot. Please turn
water off after each use.
Reminder: this is a community garden. You are creating a food source that attracts rodents. City of
Sherwood is not responsible for trapping, poisoning, controlling or disposing of rodents. If rodents
become a problem at your garden we suggest working with your fellow gardeners to find an effective
solution.
We have no garbage disposal receptacles or service at the garden.
We will have a clean-up day in late October/early November. A City truck will be available to dump into.
Each gardener is encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to winterize their plots (vegetation and
compost material only, no garbage).
Prohibited Plants
No tobacco.
No trees.
Do not plant invasive, perennial or fast spreading plants such as mint, bronze fennel, comfrey, lemon
balm, horseradish, ivy, holly, lesser celandine, marsh marigold, etc. These plants will be subject to
removal without notice.
No caning berries such as raspberries, blackberries, and marionberries.
State law prohibits the growing and cultivating of marijuana plants on public property.
Concerns, Problems & Dispute Resolution
Please get to know your neighbors. If conflict arises, talk to each other.
For any issues you feel you cannot resolve, always feel free to contact you garden manager or the garden
program coordinator.
Positive, constructive, problem-solving communication is our key to success in the garden.
Community Garden Contact:
Tammy Steffens, Garden Program Coordinator * 503.625.4213 (direct)
steffenst@sherwoodoregon.gov
Your attention to the guidelines and expectations provided in this agreement are in place to assure that all
gardeners have the opportunity to enjoy their garden. These guidelines and expectations must be followed
if gardeners are to be considered for renewal the following season.
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Community Garden
Waiver and Hold Harmless Agreement
In consideration of my use of the community gardens, I agree to hold City of Sherwood harmless from any
claim for damages or injuries arising from my use of the community garden.
I acknowledge responsibility for liability arising out of my use of the community gardens, and agree that I shall
defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Sherwood and its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers
against any and all liability settlements, loss, damage, costs, and expenses arising from or in connection with
any action, suit, demand, or claim resulting or allegedly resulting from, attributable in whole or in part to, or in
any way connected with my acts, omissions, activities, or services in the course of using the community
gardens. I acknowledge that any photograph or videotape taken of me participating in this activity may be used
for outreach, education, or documentation purposes by the City of Sherwood.
I have read this agreement carefully and know and understand its terms. I further agree to abide by the
established community garden guidelines, and by all City of Sherwood’s policies and regulations. Failure to
abide by these guidelines may be a basis for denying or terminating participation in this activity.
Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ____________________________
Please
Choose
(x)
Plot Size
Fee
4 x 8 (raised bed approx. 3’ high)
$30 (+$10 non-resident)
10 x 20 (raised border)
$45 (+$10 non-resident)
20 x 20 (raised border)
$60 (+$10 non-resident)
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE
Plot #:
Date & Time Received:
Full Name: __________________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________
Phone: ___________________________ Email: ____________________________________________
Returning Gardener (circle one): YES NO Previous Plot # (returning gardeners) ____________
I authorize City of Sherwood to share my information (name & email only) with other gardeners: YES NO
I would like to receive the Community Garden newsletter via email: YES NO
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