Community Garden Magazine Community Garden Magazine Issue 14 October 2016 | Page 16

8. Plan for Children Consider creating a special garden just for kids–including them is essential. Children are not as interested in the size of the harvest but rather in the process of gardening. A separate area set aside for them allows them to explore the garden at their own speed. 9. Determine Rules and Put Them In Writing The gardeners themselves devise the best ground rules. We are more willing to comply with rules that we have had a hand in creating. Ground rules help gardeners to know what is expected of them. Think of it as a code of behavior. Some examples of issues that are best dealt with by agreed upon rules are: dues, how will the money be used? . How are plots assigned? Will gardeners share tools, meet regularly, handle basic maintenance? 10. Help Members Keep In Touch with Each Other Good communication ensures a strong community garden with active participation by all. Some ways to do this are: form a telephone tree, create an email list; install a rainproof bulletin board in the garden; have regular celebrations. Community gardens are all about creating and strengthening communities. American Community Gardening Association 3271 Main Street College Park, GA 30337 USA 1-877-ASK-ACGA [email protected] 16