Friday, February 24, 2006
Gearing Up For the Community Gardening Season
Photo - Simple and Welcoming. A third TTCG entryway built by John F and Larry C. See 2.4.06 post for more information about him.
Before the community gardening season begins, there are several adminstrative chores they require attention.
Each year our garden gets a lease to use the Ramsey County property. The garden makes a request by letter to use the property. The County prepares a "memorandum of understanding." This is an agreement where the county agrees to lease the property, but not to the garden directly. Since the garden is not an organization, we have a "sponsor" sign for us. This year our neighborhood district council has agreed to sign the MOU on our behalf.
One of the terms of the agreement is that we will have liability insurance. It turns out that insurance and insurability are a huge deal. The garden can not get insurance directly. The way we understand it, we, as gardeners, have no insurable interest in the garden, so insurers can't insure us. This year, the neighborhood district council is stepping across the insurability gap and helping us out here too.
At a minimum, this is a two to three month activity with only one question. Is the paperwork moving?
So far, not one word about growing plants, right?
Once it looks like the agreement will be signed, there are news articles, newsletters, and blurbs to write promoting participation.
And of course, the gardener questions start flowing.
- How many gardeners are coming back?
- How many spaces are available for new gardeners?
- Can I get a sunnier garden plot?
- Can I get one with more shade?
- Can I get a bigger plot?
- Can I get two plots?
- My neighbor was too weedy last year. I want to move.
Cool. Another season begins! ¶ 9:13 PM
Photo - Simple and Welcoming. A third TTCG entryway built by John F and Larry C. See 2.4.06 post for more information about him.
Before the community gardening season begins, there are several adminstrative chores they require attention.
Each year our garden gets a lease to use the Ramsey County property. The garden makes a request by letter to use the property. The County prepares a "memorandum of understanding." This is an agreement where the county agrees to lease the property, but not to the garden directly. Since the garden is not an organization, we have a "sponsor" sign for us. This year our neighborhood district council has agreed to sign the MOU on our behalf.
One of the terms of the agreement is that we will have liability insurance. It turns out that insurance and insurability are a huge deal. The garden can not get insurance directly. The way we understand it, we, as gardeners, have no insurable interest in the garden, so insurers can't insure us. This year, the neighborhood district council is stepping across the insurability gap and helping us out here too.
At a minimum, this is a two to three month activity with only one question. Is the paperwork moving?
So far, not one word about growing plants, right?
Once it looks like the agreement will be signed, there are news articles, newsletters, and blurbs to write promoting participation.
And of course, the gardener questions start flowing.
- How many gardeners are coming back?
- How many spaces are available for new gardeners?
- Can I get a sunnier garden plot?
- Can I get one with more shade?
- Can I get a bigger plot?
- Can I get two plots?
- My neighbor was too weedy last year. I want to move.
Cool. Another season begins! ¶ 9:13 PM
