As part of the BRCA Rooftop Garden community, I understand that I play an active role within an interdependent community. I will be respectful of the thriving network and relationships amongst the community members and the garden flora and fauna.

I/we agree to the following rules as set out within this contract, understanding that these rules have been created with community in mind. 

1. All fees are non-refundable. We will not reimburse for garden plot once paid to BRCA.
2. Annual garden plot fees are due _(April 15, 2024)_. Failure to pay the fee in full by that date will result in forfeiture of the plot.
3. Plots are non-transferable. Forfeited plots will be offered to the next person on the waiting list.
4. Garden plots are restricted to one plot per household per season. For spring to fall plots, the season begins in May and ends October 31, 2024. For those gardeners with year-round plots, the 2024 fee must be paid in October to secure the plot, which can be harvested and planted earlier than May and later than October with permission from the Committee.
5. Care of a garden plot involves mandatory attendance at the Spring orientation session (date TBA), mandatory attendance at the spring garden clean up (a Sunday in May), and having the garden stripped of all plants (weeds, stalks etc) by Oct 31, 2024.  Year round gardeners can leave select plants in their plot after Oct 31 and before May if they have received approval from the Committee to do so. Otherwise the orientation and clean-up rules still apply.  If garden care does not meet the standards outlined by our committee, you will not be permitted to garden with the community garden in future seasons.
6. Any materials used or structures within the garden plot must come either from the community garden (tomato cages and metal fences) or be made of natural untreated unpainted metal or wood. The garden committee can request that materials not meeting this standard be removed from the garden.
7. All concerns with respect to the garden are to be directed to the gardening committee.
8. Composting within your garden plot is not permitted, given the size of plots and space constrictions of the garden. Please take all weeds and compost home with you to compost there.
9. BRCA gardening committee provides gardening tools and hose for the communal use, however we cannot be responsible for lost or stolen personal items left or stored at the garden for gardener’s own use.
10. Gardeners MUST contact the gardening committee if the plot must be abandoned. There will be no fees reimbursed at that time.
11. Please keep pathways and benches/side walls clear of weeds and debris. You are responsible for the pathways around your own garden plot.  Repeated failure to maintain common pathways directly attached to your plot will result in transfer of your plot to a waitlisted community member.
12. The garden is an organic garden; non-organic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers are not permitted.
13. It is your responsibility to maintain your plot throughout the summer.  This includes weeding and preventing your plants from going to seed. If you are away for an extended period, you must find someone to maintain the garden for you in your absence.  When plots are not maintained, annual weeds can become a perennial problem that impacts all gardeners.  The gardening committee will send one reminder if your plot does not meet community standards; if the problem persists following one reminder your plot will be transferred to a waitlisted community member.
14. You must remain on site while watering.
15. You may not grow invasive plants in the garden plot, nor tall plants which will shade other plots (for example giant sunflowers).  If you are unsure about what is invasive, please direct questions to the gardening committee.
16. There is no smoking or pets allowed in the garden (service dogs are the exception). 
17. You may harvest from your own plot only, unless given permission from the plot owner.
18. I understand that the gardening committee nor the BRCA are responsible for my actions, and I therefore agree to hold harmless the gardening committee and BRCA for any liability, damage, loss or claim that occurs in connection with the use of the garden by myself or my guests.