1.     Boundaries for Plotholders.  Individual plotholders must reside in the vicinity of Schrieber Park.  “. . .in the vicinity . . .”  is defined as within the boundary of Pratt Ave. on the north, Granville Ave. on the south, Lakewood Ave on the east, and Ravenswood on the west.

2.     Plots.  Garden plots are reserved for one gardening season, from spring to fall.  If you need to vacate a plot early, please contact the Ruby Garden Committee so the plot can be reassigned to someone from the waiting list. A gardener has no guarantee that any plot will be re-assigned to them the following year(s).  Therefore, any plant materials planted, such as perennial herbs, are planted at the gardener’s own risk. Do not bring and store wood and other materials at the garden.  Tomato cages especially need to be removed at the end of the gardening season.

3.     Plot Reassignment. If you are for any reason no longer able to maintain your plot, you may not give it away to a friend. There is a waiting list for plots, and your plot will be reassigned to the next person on the waiting list.

4.     Neighboring plots.  Do not pick, take, weed, destroy or steal anything from another gardener’s plot.

5.     Pest Control.  Only organic means of pest control may be used.  For any questions, contact us.

6.     Plot maintenance.  You are expected to actively garden and maintain your plot in an acceptable manner. All garden plots must be worked by May 15th.  If a gardener is finished using their plot before the official end of the gardening season in the fall, the gardener must clear their plot and notify the Ruby Garden Committee within 10 days after harvesting, so that a cover crop can be planted.  Ruby Garden is an organic and GMO-free garden.  Please plant only organic and GMO-free seeds and organically/GMO-free grown plants in your plot.

“…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 a friend/relative or another garden plot holder to water and tend your plot. Harvesting in a timely manner is especially important.

Warning Notices and Plot Reassignment.  A first warning will be emailed to any gardener whose plot looks untended.  The gardener has 7 days to remedy the situation.  A second warning will be given via phone call.  From the phone call, the gardener has 7 days to remedy the complaint.  If the plot is still not gardened – after two warnings and 14 days – his/her plot will be cleared and it will be reassigned to the next person on the Wait List. A notice of reassignment will be mailed and attempt to phone the past gardener will be made.

7.     Pathways.  You are responsible for weeding and taking care of the paths bordering your plot. It must be smooth to walk on and kept free of debris and weeds.  These paths cannot be eliminated and must be kept clear. A plot extension at the end of your plot is not permitted.   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.

8.     Plant materials discouraged.  Trees are NOT permitted in individual garden plots.  Sunflowers are also not permitted in individual garden plots.  Corn may be planted in certain circumstances with express permission of the leadership committee.

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 Program Specialist.  If planting tall plants, plant where they are least likely to cast shade upon your neighbors’ plots. 

9.     Standing towers and walls.  “Highrise” structures, walls, or any 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.

10.   Water/Hoses.  Please conserve water.  The water supply is only to be used by gardeners caring for their assigned areas.  No washing of cars or other personal, non-garden related items.  Please shut off spigot and neatly rewind the hose after use.  Take special care not to damage another’s plants when pulling the hose to your plot.  Water another’s plot only if you have been asked to.

11.   Volunteer. You are required to volunteer in the garden – to donate some time to the maintenance of the Garden and the overall park. Spring and fall clean-up events will be hosted.  You must attend at least 2 of 4 scheduled work days.  If you cannot, you must arrange an equivalent 4 hours before or after the event to contribute.  Event notices will be mailed accordingly.

12.   Activities in the Garden.  Walking through or standing in any garden plot is not permitted.  Littering, urinating and defecating are absolutely prohibited.  Amplified sound is not permitted except through headphones.  No unlawful activities (that includes NO alcohol).

Pets.  For the safety of all gardeners growing edibles, no pets are allowed within Ruby Garden.