These rules and policies of the Rear Garden have evolved over the last 21 years in order to provide a congenial gardening environment for all plot holders. It’s important to keep in mind that no one “owns” their plot. Each of us has been given an opportunity to garden a small parcel of City of New York parkland. As Mallory Abramson, a revered founder said, “If you find you haven’t the time to devote to gardening, be a sport – give up the plot.”

Elected members of the Steering Committee have adopted these rules; new ones may be adopted as required. Flagrant disregard of this community’s wishes will result in the loss of your plot. For safety, fairness and the enjoyment of gardening, the following rules will be enforced:

Rear Garden Rules

1.      Do not take or pick anything from another gardener’s plot. You may not take so much as a bug off a leaf in anyone else’s plot without their permission. Thieves are not tolerated and will be banished from the garden.

2.      You must maintain your plot. You are expected to actively garden and maintain your plot in an acceptable manner. All garden plots must be worked by May 1.

Warning Notices and Plot Reassignment. A first warning will be mailed to any gardener whose plot looks untended. The gardener is given 10 days to remedy the situation. A second warning is sent if, after the 10 days has past, the plot still shows no sign of active gardening or the stated problem still exists. Another 10 days is given to cure the complaint. If the plot is still not gardened – after two warnings and 20 days – it will be reassigned to the next person on the Wait List. A Plot Committee member will mail notice of reassignment and attempt to phone the past gardener at least three times on three separate days.

“…an acceptable manner” means that you are actively gardening – digging, sowing, planting, weeding, pruning, watering, harvesting, etc. – once a week at the very least during the growing season. If you are ill or on short vacation, ask another rear garden plot holder to water and tend your plot or contact the Steering Committee to assign a volunteer to “garden sit” during your brief absence. Non-rear garden plot holders (individuals who are not assigned to a rear garden plot) are not allowed to maintain your plot in your absence.

3.      Trees and tall shrubs are not allowed in rear garden plots. Trees are NOT permitted in individual garden plots. Root systems can be extensive. Even dwarf species have roots that can spread underground to a neighbor’s plot, leaching the soil of nutrients and moisture. Leaves, of course, block the sunlight.

Woody shrubs must not exceed 3 feet in height and their root system must not extend beyond the plot in which they are planted. Woody shrubs may only be planted with the prior approval of the Steering Committee. The only exception to this rule is roses.

Tall plants may also shade your neighbor’s plot. Plant where they are least likely to cast shade.

4.      Standing towers and walls are not allowed. “Highrise” structures, walls, or any construction or assemblage of materials that encloses a plot or intrudes on another’s is not permitted. Only one side of a garden plot can have vertical trellis-like, open, airy structures for supporting climbing vegetables, vines or flowers. Poles, stakes, cages and other supports that are used for plants are allowed.

5.      You must weed the walkway that borders your plot. You are responsible for taking care of (halfway out into) the brick path bordering your plot. It must be smooth to walk on and kept free of debris and weeds. Low-growing ground covers, such as moss and creeping thyme, are encouraged. Using sand between bricks will keep weeds at bay. Plot borders must not extend into the Center Garden’s dividing paths. These paths cannot be eliminated and must be kept clear. Pots, boxes, containers, etc., must not be placed on any walkway (a means of extending your plot). Plants cannot extend onto the walkway. Be considerate of all who walk past. Prune, tie back or transplant errant plants – especially if they are thorny.

6.      You must replace all tools and hoses. All tools must be cleaned and returned to their proper place in the shed. Tools may not be removed from the garden. Hoses must be neatly rewound after use and placed on their retainer. Please take special care not to damage someone else’s plants when pulling a hose to your plot. If you’re the last one to use the hose, shut off the spigot and let the water drain out. Never water another’s plot unless you have been asked to.

7.      We encourage you to compost, but only that which will decompose. You may compost: coffee grounds (non-flavored), tea bags, rinsed egg shells, clean clam shells, deadheaded blooms, thinned sprouts, dead plants, leaves, chopped vegetables, finely chopped citrus and fruit peels. Do not compost: plastic bags, metal, rubber, etc., large branches or any branches with thorns, non-vegetable matter (meat, fish, dairy), kitty litter, pet feces, grease, plants with disease or pests, rocks or anything that isn’t organic.

8.      We encourage you to volunteer in the garden – to donate some time to the maintenance of the Garden and to make sure the Front Garden rules are obeyed. The Garden is an all-volunteer effort and maintenance needs to be done daily. It’s unfair that all the work falls to only a handful of people. You are encouraged to volunteer at least 3 hours a month.

9.      You may sublet. Obligations have you away for the summer? Plots may be sublet every 7 years with Committee approval. The sublet will be assigned by the Steering Committee from the Wait List.

10.  You may bring guests. Visitors are welcome in the Rear Garden but must be accompanied by a Garden member. Closely supervise children 12 years old and younger so that they do not wander. Children of either gardeners or visitors are not allowed in the tool shed nor, of course, in any other gardeners’ plot. Running is never permitted and all Front Garden rules (as stated in the Key Agreement and posted in the bulletin boards) also apply in the Rear Garden.

By signing your Plot Renewal Form each year you agree to abide by the above rules and regulations. Failure to follow them may result in garden privileges being revoked and/or garden plots being reassigned.

Enjoy the Garden!