Inspections
INSPECTION INFORMATION
Inspections are a necessity to keep us aligned with the National Park Service guidelines, as we are only tenants on Park Service land, and remind us of our RCCGA garden rules. We all have the responsibility to our fellow gardeners not to create nuisances or more work for others by lack of care for our own plots. Inspections are conducted by volunteer fellow gardeners on a bi-weekly schedule beginning the first Sunday in May through October. All new gardeners are required to serve on the Inspections Committee for at least one year at the beginning of their membership. The maintenance and condition of each garden is evaluated and the results are then emailed to the gardener.
Notices are green. Citations are red. Notices are to alert and advise the gardener about a plot condition that requires their attention; a single notice is not punitive, but ignoring it or receiving multiple notices can lead to a citation. A citation indicates a serious violation of garden rules. An excessive number of notices or citations can lead to being put on a “watch list” and eventual eviction from the garden. See Garden Rules for more information about inspections.
Notice: a single notice is non-punitive; however, ignoring it or receiving multiple notices can result in a citation. Notices are issued when one or more of the following problems is observed: Any breach in the fence or gate that could let small or large four-legged animals enter your garden and into your neighbor’s garden. Any threat to the integrity of the fencing (tools lying against, or produce hanging on/over the fence) Extensive common weeds in your plot or on the perimeter common path(s) of your garden plot. Invasive weeds in plot or in the common path(s) bordering your garden plot. Common Path(s) bordering your garden plot have not been weeded and chipped. Evidence of pest activity (snakes, rabbits, rodents, bean beetles, wasps, etc.) Other problems: Inactivity or unattended gardens; unmanaged compost bins; standing water.
Citation: a citation indicates a serious violation of garden rules and can result in expulsion or loss of your garden plot. Citations are issued when one or more of the following problems is observed: Previous warning has been ignored. Garden is not started by the first (1st) Sunday in May. A major breach or failure in the gate or fencing. Extensive common weeds or invasive weeds. Inactivity or unattended gardens.
Instructions for Inspections/inspectors
For all issues below, please check the box on the inspection form. If there is a problem that needs to be addressed, then provide a brief, but specific, explanation in the Note Section. The objective is to provide feedback to gardeners and information to garden management. When possible, use the cardinal directions in your Notes. West is toward the road, (AA rows are further west) East is toward the pasture (G rows are furthest East), North is toward the parking area (#1 plots are furthest North), and South away from the parking (#10 plots are furthest South).
Fence
Fence refers to the hardscaping–the posts, deer mesh and rabbit fencing.
Does the fence have any holes? Look especially along the ground–entry for rodents/rabbits.
Is the fencing loose/falling away from posts, especially falling into paths? Could a wheelbarrow snag it?
Is there moderate to excessive vegetation growing on the fence?
Choose H (Holes), L (Loose) or Other (i.e, excessive vegetation on the fence - plants weighing fence down, trees, vines growing, issues that will impact your neighbors), then specify in Notes.
Gate
Is the gate functional for keeping out critters? That means it closes properly with minimal gaps at bottom, no holes. Specify issue in Notes.
Path (and fence line)
Path refers to the path immediately abutting a garden plot, and may run along two sides of a plot. The fence line is also included in this category.
Are there moderate to excessive weeds along the path? Invasive weeds or excessive common weeds that are about to go to seed.
Are there excessive weeds growing along the fence line where the plot meets the path or exterior? Write an “F” in the weed box under the fence category to indicate the problem is on the fence line.
Does the path need more wood chips (to block weeds and prevent erosion)? Put a check in the box.
Weeds
Common
Common weeds include chickweed, rye grass (from straw mulch), wild strawberry, wild grape, etc. If weeds internal to the plot are light, they do not warrant any note on the inspection sheet.
Are the common weeds moderate to excessive?
Are they encroaching upon neighbors or threatening common areas (paths)?
Please circle the correct letter: M (moderate) or E (Excessive) under the Common Weed box.
Invasive
Some of the invasives that have become a problem in the garden include Lily weed (pinellia ternata), Mugwort, Bindweed, Morning Glory, Dichondra, Wire Grass, and Porcelain Berry. While we do allow some berry canes, we DO NOT allow wineberries. If you can’t recognize these plants, please refer to the picture guide and/or ask your lead inspector/colleagues. We need to stay on top of these pernicious and problematic weeds before they spread. Please note the presence of ANY invasives and try to provide type and location in the Notes Section.
Neighbor
This category is a place to indicate when weeds are growing into the next plot, or when produce is excessivelygrowing into or shading the next plot. If there are excessive weeds along the border of two plots, please give both plots a check mark and indicate they share a problematic border.
Pest/Trees/Other:
Trees aren’t allowed in garden plots, whether “volunteer” or planted by gardeners. Trees such as tulip, maples, elm/butternut, and mulberry often get started as seeds dropped by birds or the wind. If you notice any sign of rodents, bug infestations or other pest problems, please note it. Any other issues–Standing water? RCCG tools left in the plot? Does it look like no one is working the plot (nothing planted, etc).? Please circle P, T or O and make Notes as needed.
What your fellow gardeners look for during inspections:
Notice: a single notice is non-punitive; however ignoring it or receiving multiple notices can result in a citation.
Notices are sent by email when one or more of the following problems is observed:
▪ Any breach in the fence or gate that could let small or large four-legged animals enter your garden and into your neighbors garden.
▪ Any threat to the integrity of the fencing (tools lying against, or vegetation growing up hanging on/over the fence).
▪ Extensive common weeds in your plot or on the perimeter public path(s) of your garden plot.
▪ Invasive weeds in plot or in the public path(s) bordering your garden plot.
▪ Trees or large, woody ornamental, perennial shrubs.
▪ Public Path(s) bordering your garden plot have not been chipped.
▪ Evidence of pest activity (snakes, rabbits, rodents, bean beetles, wasps, etc.).
▪ Other problems: Inactivity or unattended gardens; unmanaged compost bins; standing water.
Citation: A citation indicates a serious violation of garden rules and can result in expulsion. Citations are sent by email when one or more of the following problems is observed:
▪ Previous warning has been ignored.
▪ Garden is not started by the first (1st) Sunday in May.
▪ A major breach or failure in the gate or fencing.
▪ Extensive common weeds or invasive weeds.
▪ Inactivity or unattended gardens.
Inspection Rules
wHAT WE LOOK FOR DURING INSPECTIONS
Tips to prepare for an Inspection:
Fence and Gate
- Check for holes or tears in fencing. Repair damage or breaches.
- Check fencing (general and rabbit) connection to posts or gates. Fix dangling or swaying fencing.
- Check bottoms of fencing. Staple fencing to baseboard. Keep excess fencing off common paths.
- Check and ensure your gate closes securely.
Chips
Weed and chip the common paths bordering your plot.
Common Weeds
Remove common weeds on your outside border on common path, inside your garden, and your inside border to prevent spreading into your neighbor’s garden plot.
Invasive Weeds
Remove invasive weeds on your outside border on common path, inside your garden plot, and your inside border to prevent spreading into your neighbor’s garden plot.
Pests
Check plants and garden plot for pest activity.