Without knowing all the details on the new CG, maybe this particular garden has large plots, 25' by 25' or larger.
As Leslie stated, maybe the startup charges for the garden is high and the funds have to be raised in some manner to implement it. I would cruise over the garden's rules and regulations to get an idea if its organizers seem to be on the up and up in establishing a CG. If the CG does not have rules/regulations, that should send up a red flag immediately. I would politely inquire where the funds raised via rental fees (etc) will be spent; not only the "start up" expenses but also the estimated yearly operating expenses. Perhaps some startup costs can be reduced or eliminated by donations (private and otherwise). Maybe it is possible to reduce rental fees by doing garden maintenance (volunteerism). Some CGs mandate volunteerism to its gardeners. Thats a good thing. It ensures a well maintained garden. Hope it works out for you, Jim ----- Original Message ----- From: "Pohl-Kosbau, Leslie" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "'John Richmond'" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2003 4:55 PM Subject: RE: [cg] Charges for community gardens > Costs of community gardens vary according to the services provided or > donated. Water usually has cost, as well as the repair and maintenance for > fences, sheds, and irrigation. Some gardens are individual non-profits, > single endeavors, or part of a network of gardens. Whatever the status, they > need insurance. Add to this, delivery of soil, wood chips, or other > materials, and costs could reach $100 per garden plot. > > Most gardens are subsidized by an organization, a landowner, a trust, a > religious or governmental organization. This is a good thing, but it is > important to remember that there are real costs associated with providing > and supporting community gardens. > > The Portland, Oregon Community Gardens asks for $35 and a $10 deposit. This > is only 1/3 of the actual cost of support for the program (with a no-frills > approach). > > I would hope that most of the garden programs could keep the costs > accessible for all people. We raise funds from private sources to provide > "scholarships" for people who have very limited incomes. I am sure that many > programs have partners who help share support of community gardens in > monetary, in advocacy, and in-kind ways. Business support has been the most > difficult to garner for us. I am sure that with a concerted effort, > community gardens could receive a sponsorship private or corporate business, > which could cut individual costs for gardeners. > > Do others have thoughts on this good question, brought to us by John > Richmond? > > Leslie Pohl-Kosbau > Portland Community Gardens > -----Original Message----- > From: John Richmond [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2003 2:13 PM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: [cg] Charges for community gardens > > > In my neighborhood a community garden just got started. They worked out a > deal with a local housing nonprofit so they could lease the land. The cost > per plot for people that want to get involved is $65 per year plus $10 for > the water hookup. Is this exorbitant, or a sign of things to come? > > John Richmond > Richmond, VA > > _________________________________________________________________ > MSN 8 helps eliminate e-mail viruses. Get 2 months FREE*. > http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus > > > ______________________________________________________ > The American Community Gardening Association listserve is only one of ACGA's > services to community gardeners. To learn more about the ACGA and to find > out how to join, please go to http://www.communitygarden.org > > > To post an e-mail to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > To subscribe, unsubscribe or change your subscription: > https://secure.mallorn.com/mailman/listinfo/community_garden > > > ______________________________________________________ > The American Community Gardening Association listserve is only one of ACGA's services to community gardeners. To learn more about the ACGA and to find out how to join, please go to http://www.communitygarden.org > > > To post an e-mail to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > To subscribe, unsubscribe or change your subscription: https://secure.mallorn.com/mailman/listinfo/community_garden > ______________________________________________________ The American Community Gardening Association listserve is only one of ACGA's services to community gardeners. To learn more about the ACGA and to find out how to join, please go to http://www.communitygarden.org To post an e-mail to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, unsubscribe or change your subscription: https://secure.mallorn.com/mailman/listinfo/community_garden
