LAKEWOOD COMMUNITY GARDENS
REMINDER: LET'S ALL WORK TOGETHER
All Community Gardens members are all responsible for clearing weeds in the common areas of the Garden (pathways, etc.). Each time you visit, please pull a weed, or two, or three!
Most questions about participation in the Lakewood Community Gardens are answered in the Bylaws. Some of the most common questions and answers are given here.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Garden Hours. Entry to the gardens is permitted during daylight hours only.
Garden Hours. Entry to the gardens is permitted during daylight hours only.
What is supplied by the City and Lakewood Community Gardens? The city supplies the water, mulch/chips, and trash pick-up. Hoses, common-use trash cans, horse manure, a porta-potty, and basic framing for the garden plots is supplied by the Lakewood Community Gardens (LCG) courtesy of your annual plot lease fee. You supply the seeds, plants, additional fertilizers, tools, your time and sweat (watering, weeding, harvesting), and the community spirit.
Who takes care of planting, watering and weeding my garden? You do!
Who takes care of weeding and mulching the pathways around my garden plot? You do! (Your neighbors do too!)
Who do I call if there is a problem at the garden? If the problem requires immediate attention (ie: broken water line, fence down), please contact the Chief Inspector for your area:
Phase 1 (Plots 1-52) : Geraldine Anderson 562.805.3611
Phase 2 (Plots 53-91): Rick Adams 562.421.6603
What am I allowed to grow (or not allowed to grow)? You may grow produce for personal consumption or to share, flowers and herbs. Do not plant cactus, trees or other plants that may grow tall and shade your neighbors’ plots (with the exception of corn – you may grow corn even though it can get pretty tall). Cane plants, such as blackberry or raspberry, are also prohibited.
Can I sell my garden produce? No, it is against rules as we are a not-for-profit hobby organization. Feel free to trade, share, or donate your surplus produce.
Where should I store my tools and supplies? Items you bring to the garden should be stored in your plot. Do not place personal garden items in the common areas, walk ways, or perimeter of the plot (along the fence). LCG is not responsible for any runaway supplies. Shovels, hoes and rakes should also be marked with your name AND plot number. Expensive or much-cherished hand-tools or other supplies should not be left at the garden.
Where should I dispose of trash or garden items I no longer want? Trash, including weeds, plastic containers, and spent plants, goes in the trash cans provided. Unwanted tomato cages and other bulky gardening items can be left by the fence near the alley in Phase II next to the sign “Trash”. If you see something in this pile you can use, help yourself.
What if I am going on vacation and need to have my garden watered? The best way to insure your garden will be taken care of is to engage the help of one of your fellow gardeners (that’s the community part). Let them know you will be gone and offer to trade bounty from your garden in exchange for watering. You can also plant one of the wooden “WATER” signs found in the barrels near the entrances.
Which plots are in Phase 1 and which plots are in Phase 2? Phase 1 is the area under the power lines along Candlewood Street, east of the flood control channel. Phase 2 is the area west of the flood control channel. Plots 1 through 52 are in Phase 1, plots 53 through 91 are in Phase 2. Though there are two entrances and two manure piles, we are all one big garden community – and we share one porta-potty.
For additional questions, contact the chief inspector for your area:
Phase 1 (Plots 1-52) : Geraldine Anderson 562.805.3611
Phase 2 (Plots 53-91): Rick Adams 562.421.6603
Phase 2 (Plots 53-91): Rick Adams 562.421.6603
Garden Safety
Keep walkways clear of trash and tools.
To avoid injury, place tools on the stand with rake tines and hoe blades facing towards the stand. Whenever possible, insert tools with sharp points/edges such as hoes, rakes, and cultivators (upside down) into holes on tool stand.
Consider using protective eye wear, masks, and work gloves for protection as needed.
For your protection, maintain current tetanus vaccine.
Garden Etiquette
Spin the lock combination when you open the gate.
Lock the gate and spin the lock combination when you leave.
Wrap hoses properly and remove nozzles.
DO NOT enter your neighbor's garden plot unless you have been given permission to do so.
DO NOT enter your neighbor's garden plot unless you have been given permission to do so.
DO NOT pick from other gardener’s plots unless you have been given permission to do so.
DO NOT let your plants crowd or hang over into your neighbor’s garden or the pathways.
Trellises are permitted on the pathway sides of your plot only. No overhead trellises are to be erected.
Keep your garden (mostly) free of weeds and clean up spent (dead) plants at the end of the season. Allowing late season plants to go to flower is fine and good for the pollinators, but please remove them when they have finished blooming and become unsightly.
Keep the pathways around your garden mulched and free of vegetation and personal garden supplies.
If you borrow something, return it in the same condition you found it.
If you borrow something, return it in the same condition you found it.
And again, LOCK THE GATE and spin the lock combination when you leave.
Refer to the community gardens bylaws for a complete set of garden rules.
