Plots mostly inactive for several seasons
Three gardeners forfeit membership
Three gardeners have forfeited their membership by failing to work their plots actively for several years.
At its September meeting, the garden board voted to reallocate all three plots.
Guidelines state that plots are to be reallocated, except in special circumstances, when gardeners don’t work their plots for more than one year.
Although the three gardeners have paid fees and usually met minimal expectations such as turning their soil, none have actively worked their plots for a number of years.
The three former members have been notified of the board’s decision. Although all three raised objections, the board determined that, in each case, there were insufficient grounds to change the ruling.
“Plots in our garden are meant to be used,” said one board member. “When gardeners, year after year, hold onto plots that they are not using, this is unfair to people on the wait list, who have to wait an average of five to seven years to join the garden.”
The vacant plots will be reassigned, most likely in early spring 2025. According to rules, vacancies are offered first to existing members who wish to change plots and then to individuals highest on the wait list.
In a related issue, the board was told that 23 gardeners failed this year to meet the requirement of three contributory hours toward garden maintenance.
The board, however, decided not to reallocate these members’ plots because this year’s record-keeping has been faulty and some members may actually have met requirements without it being properly recorded.
Gardeners are advised, however, that next year’s record-keeping will be improved and members who continue to fall short of the three-hour rule will likely be viewed as forfeiting their membership.
In other business, the board discussed website hosting, repairs , fundraising and scheduling a social event in early spring next year.
The board also expressed huge thanks to retiring Membership Coordinator Suzanne, whose remaining term will be completed by Eliana.
Minutes for September’s board meeting can be viewed here.