THE LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY CENTER, INC. 421 BANTAM ROAD ~ LITCHFIELD, CT 06759      PHONE (860) 567-8302 ~ FAX (860) 567-0328     WWW.THECOMMUNITYCENTER.ORG A PRIVATE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GARDEN "COURTESY IN THE GARDEN" WELCOME! We are thrilled to have you as a Gardener for this new season!  The Litchfield Community Garden has been made possible with the support and generosity of the Italiaander Family, the Litchfield Land Trust and the Litchfield Community Center.  The garden is a great asset to our town - recreationally, economically, socially, and even therapeutically.  In order to maintain this reputation we ask that you observe a few simple rules of courtesy. A RESIDENT OF LITCHFIELD, BANTAM, NORTHFIELD OR MILTON IS GRANTED USE OF A GARDEN PLOT UPON ACCEPTANCE OF AN APPLICATION, PAYMENT AND ADHERENCE TO THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES: ORGANIC/NATURAL GARDENING PRACTICES ARE REQUIRED - Let's honor this beautiful gift of land!  Please use only natural or organic products to fertilize, mulch and control insects.  Manure should be aged and “organic” must be on the product label. If you have any questions about products, please call or email LCG Committee Member Margy Miner (567-9624 makobe@aol.com) before purchasing or applying with uncertainty.  Another great resource: UCONN's Home and Garden Educator Center www.ladybug.uconn.edu PLANTING - Please be very sure you know where your plot boundaries are.  Your plot is between your numbers on the two corners facing each other.  We will post a map of the area near the parking lot.  If you are at all uncertain as to where you belong, please call or email Berta at the Litchfield Community Center 860-567-8302 staff@thecommunitycenter.org .  Anyone who plants in the wrong lot may be subject to having plants turned under by the correct renter. WATER - Think Conservation! Please do not leave hose running all day.  Remember, overwatering can be harmful to your crop, and sometimes to your neighbor's if left untended.  We ask that you limit watering to the early morning or evening hours.  Hoses left on for extended periods during the day may be turned off, and possibly confiscated.  During drought periods, even-numbered gardens can be watered on even-numbered days, and odd-numbered gardens can be watered on odd-numbered days (Aquarion Water Co. guidelines). NO PETS ALLOWED - In consideration of your fellow gardeners and maintenance of the plots, please do not bring your pets into the garden. PRODUCE - Please limit picking to your own produce.  Do not help yourself to crops of other gardeners unless you have been invited to do so.  A box for Community Contributions may be provided to put your extra veggies in for delivery to those in need in our area.  It's an alternative to having any overabundant crops die on the vine or decay in your refrigerator!  We would love to have a volunteer to coordinate this wonderful intention. EQUIPMENT - Please use only your own tools, stakes, hoses, etc. unless an agreement is made with your neighbor.   GARBAGE - Please remove all trash!  Rocks, stones and weeds should be put in a pile separate from the compost pile, vegetable matter can be placed in compost pile or at the access end of your plot, to be turned under at the end of the season.  RECYCLE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN!!   SEED & PLANT SWAP - Swap your partially used seed envelopes for some other seed envelope that another gardener may have left to trade.  Share extra plants with interested gardeners If, for any reason, you cannot put your plants in by June 1, please let us know what your intentions are for use of your lot.  Unused lots are unsightly and the weeds tend to encroach on neighboring lots. And remember, every day is Earth Day!  Thanks so much!