MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENTS:

1. 1. The community garden annual membership fee is a sliding scale from $50 to $250. Each garden bed cost $150 a year to maintain, and we request this as the standard annual membership due. That said, we accept payments up to $250 for those who would like to offset the cost of beds for those who can afford only a $50 annual fee.
   2. Your annual dues will include the following:
      1. One 4’ x 8’ x 1.5’ (width x length x height) garden bed filled with soil
      2. Access to water and hoses for watering
      3. Access to tools for digging, planting, weeding, and pruning
      4. Annual amendment of compost to the top of the beds
      5. Annual allotment of woodchips for mulch
      6. Repairs and replacements for garden bed and tools should they fall into disrepair
   3. Your due payment MUST BE received before you begin gardening. Renewals must be received by January 2nd, 2025. Active marketing of available plots will commence on January 3rd, 2025. Non-renewed plots are subject to being cleared and mulched for weed prevention.
   4. We accept checks or cash for payment of membership fees. Checks should be made payable to Trellis Horticultural Therapy Alliance. Please submit your payment, completed 2024 Membership Agreement, and your signed Trellis Liability Waiver to Shelly Roberts, Trellis Program Manager, 1320 Fenway Circle, Decatur, GA 30030. For payment questions, contact Shelly at (404) 502-8746.
   5. Each plot is rented through December 31st, 2024. Plots may be rented as they become available throughout the year. Dues are pro-rated monthly for plot rentals beginning on or after August 1st.
   6. Three 3-foot tall community garden beds are available for those unable to garden in the standard 1.5-foot tall beds. These will be reserved for gardeners who need them.
   7. A waiting list will be maintained for future plot availability.
   8. Each member may rent only one plot. If plots become available during the year, and there are no names on the waiting list, these plots will be made available to current members, at the rental rate detailed in #1 above, with the understanding that the plots will be released for rental at the end of the year.
   9. Plot-sharing arrangements are handled in the same way as individual rented plots. Each co-plot holder must complete and sign the Membership Agreement and the Trellis Liability Waiver. Each plot has one vote in any issue put before the membership.
   10. Prohibitions in the garden include:
       1. Littering, dumping, alcohol consumption, smoking and any other unlawful activities as detailed by City of Decatur Parks and Recreation
       2. Amplified sound
       3. Ball playing or other forms of active recreation
       4. Growing of illegal substances
       5. Pets (with the exception of service animals)
       6. Children under the age of 12-years, unless accompanied and supervised by an adult
   11. Only organic and natural means of mulching, fertilizing, disease prevention and pest control may be used. The use of man-made mulch (ex: cut up rubber tires), herbicides (weed killers), synthetic fertilizers and synthetic pesticides are strictly prohibited in the community garden.
   12. Plot rentals are non-transferable and fees are non-refundable.
   13. I agree to plant my plot within a reasonable period-of-time. I will keep my plot free of weeds over the winter and plant or prep my plot by March 1st (for renewing members). New members joining after March 1st have 14 days to prep or plant their plot. If I have not prepped or planted my plot by March 1st (or within 14-days of becoming a member), I understand that my plot may be reclaimed and reassigned.
   14. I will be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of my plot and its surrounding area. I am responsible for watering, weeding, harvesting, mulching, pest control and any other garden-related maintenance of my plot and a 3-foot perimeter around my plot to care for shared paths. When I cannot get to the garden for more than seven (7) days to water or harvest my plot, I will arrange for another member or a garden committee member to water/harvest for me.
   15. I recognize that water is a precious resource and I will water my plot accordingly. I will use rainwater when available. I will restrict my usage of public water to no more than 30-minutes per day and I will do my best to water before 10:00am or after 5:00pm to reduce loss to evaporation. I will use only the provided hoses and I will not leave water running. I will close the spigot and turn off the valves to each hose. I will not leave out open containers of water.
   16. I will plant and decorate my plot in a manner that does not unreasonably encroach upon my neighbors’ space, path, or access to sunlight.
   17. I will harvest only from my plot unless granted permission by another member or posted markers that indicate otherwise. Harvesting from another member’s plot, without their permission, will cause immediate termination of membership.
   18. I will not neglect my plot. I will not allow weeds to flower or let vegetables rot or become otherwise inedible.
   19. I will share the garden with Trellis and Trellis Program Participants. I acknowledge Trellis Horticultural Therapy Alliance will run programs in Trellis Garden beds interspersed with community garden beds. I will not interfere with the success of Trellis programs and agree to collaborate with the programs’ needs when I garden during an active Trellis program.
   20. I agree to volunteer my time for general garden maintenance. I understand that continued use of the site is contingent on our ability to maintain it. I will fulfill my commitment by participating in one (1) quarterly garden workday and maintaining a 3-foot perimeter around my garden bed.
   21. I will not place weeds, diseased plants, or kitchen waste in the compost. I will dispose of these separately to avoid spreading weeds and diseases and attracting rodents.
   22. I will only have hoses and tools out when I am actively using them. I will return hoses, tools, and any other garden equipment to their proper place. I acknowledge misplaced hoses and tools can be obstructions and safety hazards to Trellis Program members, many of whom use wheelchairs and require clear pathways.
   23. I will show consideration toward fellow members, garden property, and the community at large.
   24. I will not grow invasive plants, such as malabar spinach, mint and canna lilies.
   25. I will actively manage the pests in my plot that are attracted to what I have chosen to plant. For example, the cabbage looper (little green caterpillar and small white butterfly) LOVES broccoli, collards, kale, etc.
   26. I will check my junk/spam email folder for garden communications.
   27. I will report any problems I notice with the garden or gardeners to the garden committee so that they can resolve the problem in accordance with the garden Membership Rules.