Why is the water off in the gardens? The water may be off for a couple of reasons: 1) It is too early in the spring or too late in the fall, and the water is off to protect the system from frost. 2) There is a leak that needs repair, and the water is off to drain the water so the work can be done. Staff try to keep the water system running as consistently as possible and keep gardeners informed of the status. The water system is fragile and shallowly buried. Protecting it from damage due to digging near lines and pulling on metal spigots can help keep it running.
Where and when can I park to access the gardens?
Parking is available from late March/early April until early to mid-November. The dates will vary depending on snowfall. Eagle Heights Gardeners can park along Eagle Heights drive, and University Houses Gardeners can park in the small lot at the end of the road that leads to the gardens. When parking is available, signs will be posted marking the areas as 4-hour garden parking.
There is a water leak or other maintenance issue in the gardens. What should I do?
Please fill out this maintenance request form. Responses automatically go to all garden staff.
There is an issue or misunderstanding about my plot or a neighboring plot that I am not able to resolve. What should I do?
Please contact the Registrar with plot issues or border questions.
How do I keep my plot from year to year?
Current gardeners in good standing are eligible to return the following season. Returning gardeners must submit an application each year, just like new gardeners. The deadline to submit renewal applications is February 15 the of each year.
What is a workday requirement?
One gardener from each plot is responsible for one three-hour community workday each season. This work is usually led by garden workers to maintain common areas of the gardens or to clean vacant plots. Gardeners can choose to pay a $45 no-workday fee for the season in lieu of doing a workday.
I want someone else to take over my plot. Can I do this?
Only people that are listed as primary or secondary gardeners on a plot will be eligible to renew the plot for the following season. If you want to add someone as a secondary gardener to your plot for the current season, please contact the registrar.
How can I get involved in the Garden Committee?
All gardeners are welcome to attend the monthly garden committee meetings. The meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month at 7 pm via Zoom. Please contact the registrar for details.
Potential gardeners:
I have never gardened before. Can I apply for a plot?
Yes! Gardeners of all knowledge levels are welcome. We have resources and information for new gardeners.
Can I rent a plot at any time in the season?
Yes, as long as there are openings, plots will be assigned. If there are no openings you will be added to a waitlist. A number of plots always turn over during each season. Most people on the waitlist do eventually get a plot, but it may be later in the season.
