Plot Inspection #1 for 2013 is complete

To all NAGA gardeners:

Today, 19 June 2013, the NAGA garden was inspected by two members of the Board of Directors to identify any plots which are in violation of the rules of the garden, and to identify plots that will soon be in trouble with weeds. We also identified plots that appear to have little or no gardening occurring in them.

Gardeners will be notified and asked to take action to bring their plots within the rules. A follow-up inspection will take place in approximately two weeks.

Please note that there is a two-year waiting list to become a gardener in the NAGA garden. There is a big demand for these garden plots. Gardeners that cannot bring their plots within the rules, which each gardener signed in the spring, risk losing their membership so that people on the long waiting list can have a chance to grow a garden.

There are two main problems in the garden:

1. WEEDS. They are unsightly and propagate quickly, ruining the garden visually and in production of fruit and vegetable for others. There is an article posted to this blog recently highlighting some methods for weed control. Also, check the web, YouTube, and other sources for ideas on how to control weeds. Or, talk to a gardener near your plot that does not have a weed problem! We am sure they will offer you some good advice.

2. HEADLANDS. The borders, or outside edges, of the plots. This area is called the 'headland'. It extends about 1 to 2 feet beyond your staked boundaries onto the green grass area. Gardeners are responsible for keeping the weeds and grass trimmed on their headlands, and to also not allow any rocks or any other material to be kept or stored on the headlands. Removal of stones is important so that the expensive lawn tractor does not require expensive repairs from rock damage. Trimming of headland grass (and weeds) allows the lawn tractor operator to see any stones that may cause damage to the machine. Finally, you cannot store soil, or garden tools, or any other item outside of your plot boundaries.

There are some tools in the main shed with the combination lock that will allow you trim/cut your headlands (or please bring your own tools, they may be sharper). If you do not know the combination to the shed, please ask another gardener, or a member of the executive who will be pleased to give it to you.

A third, smaller, problem is:
3. NO GARDENING taking place. When you accept a plot in the NAGA garden you agree to try your best to actively garden. Several gardens appear to have been abandoned. If there is a reason for not being able to garden your plot, please contact the Board (see the main website at http://nepeanallotmentgarden.yolasite.com/) and let them know there is a problem. Maybe we can help, or offer some advice. We will try to help!

Craig Hamm
NAGA Director at Large