OPERATING RULES<\/p>\n
\u4e00\u500b<\/p>\n
\u82b1\u5712\u4e2d\u5fc3<\/p>\n
=.<\/p>\n
Laguna Woods Village\u2019<\/p>\n
General<\/p>\n
1. Operating hours: Sunrise to sunset.<\/p>\n
a. The garden centers may be accessed only by authorized volunteers or occupants and<\/p>\n
lessees who are actively leasing a garden, tree, shade and\/or Vegepod plot in that<\/p>\n
particular garden center.<\/p>\n
Laguna Woods Village residents who don\u2019t lease a garden center plot may arrange to<\/p>\n
tour the garden centers by making an appointment with staff or one the center<\/p>\n
volunteers. Someone is typically available every day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact staff<\/p>\n
at 949-268-2387 or gardencenters@vmsinc.org to make arrangements.<\/p>\n
2. Guests must be accompanied by an authorized resident or staff member at all times.<\/p>\n
Safety<\/p>\n
1. Emergency telephones that connect directly with Security Services are located at both<\/p>\n
garden centers.<\/p>\n
a. Garden Center 1: Emergency telephone is located at the Moulton side front gate.<\/p>\n
b. Garden Center 2: One emergency phone is located outside of the office; another is on<\/p>\n
the east side of the storage building (tool shed and restroom) near the Maintenance<\/p>\n
Center.<\/p>\n
Who May Rent a Garden\/Tree Plot<\/p>\n
1. Any resident may request a garden center use permit. One permit is issued per manor.<\/p>\n
These permits are accepted only on official forms provided by GRF. All persons using a plot<\/p>\n
must be listed with the following contact information: resident ID number, manor number,<\/p>\n
address, home phone number, mobile number and email if applicable.<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
All fees are according to the GRF schedule of fees and must be paid upon receipt of the<\/p>\n
garden center invoice.<\/p>\n
Signing Required Release and Waiver of Liability Agreement<\/p>\n
1. All gardeners and partners are required to sign a hold harmless, release and waiver of<\/p>\n
liability agreement. Forms are available online, at the garden center office or the recreation<\/p>\n
office. The waiver agreement form will be updated periodically and require a new<\/p>\n
signature.<\/p>\n
Temporary Working of Your Plot by a Designated Person<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
If a garden plot holder is unable to work their plot for a period of time, the registered<\/p>\n
partner may work the plot in their absence. If a partner is also unavailable, contact the<\/p>\n
garden center office for guidance. A temporary partner may be assigned but will need to<\/p>\n
have a partner waiver on file for that plot. Guests may assist in the maintenance of the plot<\/p>\n
contingent upon a plot holder or their partner being present the entire time the guest is<\/p>\n
working on the garden.<\/p>\n
Gardener Responsibilities<\/p>\n
1. Gardeners are responsible for keeping plots free of excessive weeds and debris. Long<\/p>\n
periods of neglect will be addressed by GRF staff and may result in the loss of a garden plot.<\/p>\n
Effective December 2024
\nGardeners are expected to manage the garden in their plot on their own. GRF staff are not<\/p>\n
generally available to assist in the day-to-day activities expected of a garden plot.<\/p>\n
Gardeners are not allowed to sublease or otherwise turn their plot over to someone who is<\/p>\n
not legally documented on the use permit as a partner.<\/p>\n
Work must commence within 30 days of permit issuance.<\/p>\n
Gardeners are obligated to plant fruits, vegetables and\/or flowers.<\/p>\n
Seasonal gardeners (\u201csnowbirds\u201d or summer \u201cdesert escapees) are required to share their<\/p>\n
plot(s) with a partner who may maintain the plot in the opposing seasons.<\/p>\n
Gravel and decomposed granite are not permitted for use in garden or tree plots. Gravel is<\/p>\n
only permitted for use on Garden Center 2 walkways.<\/p>\n
Disposal of trash and debris is the responsibility of each gardener. Large green waste and<\/p>\n
general trash dumpsters are located strategically throughout the facilities. Do not place<\/p>\n
debris in walk areas or leave debris in wheelbarrows. Green waste items must be placed in<\/p>\n
the green waste bins. All trash bins must be kept closed after use.<\/p>\n
Keep walkways clear and empty and return wheelbarrows to their proper storage areas.<\/p>\n
Gardeners who use GRF-furnished tools are responsible for the proper care, cleaning and<\/p>\n
return of said tools to the sheds from which they were obtained.<\/p>\n
10. Gardeners are permitted to plant within their assigned garden space only. Planting in any<\/p>\n
common area, such as in the parking lot, within medians, around structure or in walkways<\/p>\n
is not permitted unless approved by recreation staff.<\/p>\n
11. Alicensed contractor must be hired for any improvements over $500; these contractors<\/p>\n
must have current copies of their license and liability insurance and sign the GRF<\/p>\n
contractor\/handyman release agreement, all of which must be presented to garden center<\/p>\n
staff prior to commencement of work.<\/p>\n
12. A handyman may be hired for any improvements under $500 and must provide proof of<\/p>\n
insurance and sign the GRF contractor\/handyman release agreement, both of which must<\/p>\n
be presented to garden center staff prior to commencement of work.<\/p>\n
Pets\/Animals at the Garden Centers<\/p>\n
1. Pets are allowed at the garden centers but must be on a leash at all times and remain inside<\/p>\n
the plot while the owner is gardening. Staff reserve the right to deny access to pets that are<\/p>\n
deemed aggressive or unruly.<\/p>\n
2. Do not feed wildlife in the garden centers.<\/p>\n
Annual Fees<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
As part of the initial plot rental process, residents will receive a statement from the<\/p>\n
Financial Services Department with the amount due for their plot(s). All checks will be<\/p>\n
made payable to GRF. The rental fees along with all applicable documentation must be<\/p>\n
submitted to the recreation office. GRF may revoke the use permit of any gardener who is<\/p>\n
30 days delinquent in payment of his\/her plot rental.<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
Plot rentals are for one calendar year and billed annually.<\/p>\n
Assignment of Garden Plots\/Spaces<\/p>\n
1. Garden center staff will keep an active waiting list based on a first-come, first-served basis.<\/p>\n
When a plot is released, the first resident on the waiting list will be offered that plot. The<\/p>\n
plot will be transferred \u201cas is\u201d unless a dangerous structure must be removed or there is no<\/p>\n
working water source.<\/p>\n
Plots vary in location, actual size and previous improvements. Any fencing around a plot<\/p>\n
must be maintained by the current use permit holder.<\/p>\n
Effective December 2024
\n3. Thereis a limit of one garden plot and\/or one tree plot per manor. Anyone with more than<\/p>\n
one garden plot and\/or more than one tree plot prior to May 3, 2016, will be allowed to<\/p>\n
keep a maximum of two garden plots not to exceed approximately 400 square feet and\/or<\/p>\n
two tree plots.<\/p>\n
\u4e00\u500b<\/p>\n
If the primary permit holder releases the plot, the registered partner may become the<\/p>\n
permit holder for one plot.<\/p>\n
Use permits shall be personal to the gardener and shall not be assignable to any other<\/p>\n
person and shall not pass on to any successors or assignees unless the plot is shared by<\/p>\n
another resident who is a registered partner. If during the lease agreement a resident<\/p>\n
moves or dies, the resident sharing the plot may have an opportunity to become the use<\/p>\n
permit holder.<\/p>\n
\u4e00\u500b<\/p>\n
If the plot is offered to a partner, it will be in the order in which the names of the<\/p>\n
partners appear on the current use permit.<\/p>\n
b<\/p>\n
If the new designated use permit holder has another plot, they must relinquish a<\/p>\n
matching number of plots, which will be made available to those on the waiting list.<\/p>\n
When a garden plot becomes available, all permanent structural improvements made to<\/p>\n
the plot become the property of GRF. Other gardeners are not allowed to remove items<\/p>\n
from the plot.<\/p>\n
J. Watering\/Irrigation<\/p>\n
Any gardener watering their garden plot must be present at the garden center the entire period<\/p>\n
of time the water is turned on, unless an alternative irrigation system is in place.<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
All watering at the garden centers is subject to the El Toro Water District rules and any other<\/p>\n
governing agency or municipality.<\/p>\n
All hoses must be equipped with a positive self-closing shut-off hose nozzle. Turn off the<\/p>\n
water faucet once watering is complete.<\/p>\n
Staff shall be notified when faucets or valves are found to be leaking. Water shut-off valves<\/p>\n
must be accessible from outside the plot. All fences must have an opening at the faucet for<\/p>\n
easy access by garden center staff.<\/p>\n
Irrigation work that will require shutting off water to a garden area must be done by a<\/p>\n
garden center staff member.<\/p>\n
\u4e00\u500b<\/p>\n
Common area water sources may not be blocked by personal garden fences or other<\/p>\n
obstructions.<\/p>\n
All gardeners are responsible for prudent, non-wasteful watering practices and preventing<\/p>\n
water runoff from damaging adjacent plots.<\/p>\n
6<\/p>\n
No irrigation systems other than drip or soaker systems are permitted in a plot.<\/p>\n
K. General Gardening Information<\/p>\n
1. Garden plots must be maintained year-round.<\/p>\n
2. Plot holders who do not actively garden during long periods (more than one month) must<\/p>\n
plant a cover crop or cover the plot with plastic to limit invasive weed growth. The<\/p>\n
registered partner may maintain the plot in the plot holder\u2019s absence.<\/p>\n
All plants with invasive roots (e.g., banana trees, mint, canna lilies, bird of paradise, sugar<\/p>\n
cane and ginger) are not permitted and must be removed or grown in a container that can<\/p>\n
contain the roots.<\/p>\n
Significant shading of a neighbor\u2019s garden plot with any plant or material is not permitted.<\/p>\n
Gardeners are required to monitor the growth of the plants and limit the height of<\/p>\n
structures in their garden as not to adversely affect the sunlight in neighboring gardens.<\/p>\n
Effective December 2024
\nL. Garden\/Vegetable Plot Specifics<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
Staff must approve any fence or other structure prior to it being built per GRF guidelines.<\/p>\n
Proper materials and structural integrity will be required as part of the plan. The plot and<\/p>\n
all improvements become GRF property upon release of the plot; no financial arrangement<\/p>\n
can be made with a prospective new renter.<\/p>\n
Each gardener is responsible for walkways within and around their plots. Walkways must<\/p>\n
be clear of obstacles and weeds. No intrusion of growing material into the walkways.<\/p>\n
No trees may be planted in any garden plots except in pots that fully contain the roots.<\/p>\n
Plot holders may grow vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers and edible weeds in their plot.<\/p>\n
Plot holders may grow plants considered invasive, such as bamboo, mint and Asian Yams,<\/p>\n
as long as itis in an above ground mobile container, planter, etc. Invasive plants, such as<\/p>\n
bamboo, mint and Asian Yams and trees already existing in the garden plot must be<\/p>\n
removed by the gardener or transferred to a pot that can contain the roots.<\/p>\n
Edible weeds must be harvested and not allowed to go to seed.<\/p>\n
Plot holders must use at least 75% of the plot for planting. Plots are not to be used to store<\/p>\n
materials\/tools not associated with gardening.<\/p>\n
Plot soil must be maintained in an aerated state and no modification or amendment to the<\/p>\n
soil may be added that will impede the future use of the plot, including but not limited to<\/p>\n
gravel and decomposed granite.<\/p>\n
9<\/p>\n
Rice and sugar cane are water-intensive crops and are prohibited.<\/p>\n
10.<\/p>\n
Crops must be harvested and not left on the ground to rot and go to waste.<\/p>\n
11. All plants, planters, planter boxes and trellises must be placed inside the plot perimeter.<\/p>\n
Plants may not over hang into the walkway. Garden center staff has the right to trim excess<\/p>\n
plants hanging into the walkway without prior notification.<\/p>\n
M. Shade House Spaces<\/p>\n
1. Each bench space is approximately 16 square feet and will be assigned on a one-per-manor<\/p>\n
basis.<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
The shade house will be kept locked at all times when it is not in use by those with use<\/p>\n
permits. Keys will be issued to all shade house permit holders. Keys must be returned to the<\/p>\n
recreation office when the use permit is terminated.<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
All materials stored under the benches, such as pots, potting mixtures, etc., must be kept<\/p>\n
neat and orderly, and must be maintained above the ground to reduce the opportunity for<\/p>\n
rodent nest sites. Materials storage nonessential to shade house gardening activities is<\/p>\n
prohibited.<\/p>\n
Each shade house gardener is responsible for elimination of all debris and weeds in their<\/p>\n
half of the walkways around their bench space.<\/p>\n
N. Fruit Tree Areas<\/p>\n
1. All new trees planted in tree plots in both garden centers shall be dwarf and semi dwarf<\/p>\n
fruit trees only and must obtain written approval in advance by the Recreation Department.<\/p>\n
Trees that are not fruit trees currently planted in both garden centers may be<\/p>\n
grandfathered in at garden center staff discretion. Untended or unapproved trees may be<\/p>\n
removed by garden center staff after notification to tree plot use permit holders.<\/p>\n
In both garden centers, existing trees must be maintained as suitable for the plot space and<\/p>\n
the neighboring garden plots. New trees that are planted should only grow to a reasonable<\/p>\n
size that will fit in the plot and not intrude adjacent gardens.<\/p>\n
Effective December 2024
\nTree plots must use shared water spigots. Please roll up your hose and place it in your plot<\/p>\n
after each use.<\/p>\n
Gardeners are reminded of the steep sloping grades in the tree area; lessees must maintain<\/p>\n
safe walks, steps and slope retaining walls at all times.<\/p>\n
Tree plots must be maintained year-round and must be clear of excessive weeds, fallen<\/p>\n
leaves and unharvested fruit.<\/p>\n
Structural fences are prohibited around tree plots. Temporary fencing may be installed<\/p>\n
with staff approval. Due to the nature of the trees in the plots, fences that can be removed<\/p>\n
are necessary in order to prune as needed.<\/p>\n
a. Temporary fencing guidelines are as follows:<\/p>\n
|<\/p>\n
14-gauge wire fence or flexible plastic mesh with 3″ to 1″<\/p>\n
I.<\/p>\n
Up to 2%2″ Metal T or U Posts not to exceed 6 feet in height<\/p>\n
II.<\/p>\n
Galvanized steel fence T-Post clips<\/p>\n
IV.<\/p>\n
Wooden boundary footings are permitted<\/p>\n
Y<\/p>\n
Concrete or other hard curing materials are prohibited.<\/p>\n
Temporary fence sample pictures below:<\/p>\n
&<\/p>\n
oo<\/p>\n
–<\/p>\n
NX<\/p>\n
&<\/p>\n
\u00a3m.<\/p>\n
0. Garden Product Policy<\/p>\n
1. Any organic substance for use in the gardens should be approved by the U.S. Department of<\/p>\n
Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) National Organic Program or by the Organics Materials Review<\/p>\n
Institute (OMRI). To determine whether a substance is allowed in a community garden,<\/p>\n
check the USDA National Organic Program National List, Subpart G, 205.601 and 205.602 or<\/p>\n
the OMRI website, www.omri.org.<\/p>\n
Organic gardening: The form of agriculture that relies on techniques such as crop rotation,<\/p>\n
green manure, compost and biological pest control. Organic gardening uses fertilizers and<\/p>\n
pesticides but excludes the use of manufactured (synthetic) fertilizers, pesticides (including<\/p>\n
herbicides, insecticides and fungicides), plant growth regulators, sludge and nano<\/p>\n
materials.<\/p>\n
Effective December 2024
\n3. All bottles must be clearly marked and stored in such a way that they can be read by staff<\/p>\n
from outside the plot.<\/p>\n
The following table includes, but is not limited to, recommended\/not recommended substances:<\/p>\n
Recommended<\/p>\n
Not Recommended<\/p>\n
– Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)<\/p>\n
– Soap spray<\/p>\n
– Horticulture pepper\/onion spray – sulfur<\/p>\n
– Wood ashes<\/p>\n
– Sour milk solution<\/p>\n
– Lace wings<\/p>\n
– Dormant oils<\/p>\n
– Roundup is<\/p>\n
– Microcop or equivalent<\/p>\n
forbidden<\/p>\n
– Diatomaceous earth (DE)<\/p>\n
– Rotenone<\/p>\n
PEST AND DISEASE<\/p>\n
– Pyrethrate,<\/p>\n
CONTROL<\/p>\n
– Baking soda<\/p>\n
– Borax, boric acid – sluggo<\/p>\n
pyrethroids<\/p>\n
– Nicotine sulfate<\/p>\n
– Lady bugs<\/p>\n
– Malathion<\/p>\n
– Diazinon<\/p>\n
– Tangle foot<\/p>\n
– Sevin<\/p>\n
– Marigolds<\/p>\n
– Organophosphates<\/p>\n
– Beneficial nematodes – netting<\/p>\n
– Finale<\/p>\n
– Pyrethrum*<\/p>\n
– Dursban<\/p>\n
* Pyrethrin is a naturally occurring insect-killing<\/p>\n
– Organ chlorides<\/p>\n
– Chlorpyrifos<\/p>\n
chemical derived from chrysanthemum flowers. In the<\/p>\n
flowers, these bug-killers exist as a mixture of six<\/p>\n
separate chemicals that together are called pyrethrum<\/p>\n
or pyrethrins. Pyrethrins (without piperonyl butoxide<\/p>\n
or other enhancers) are permitted for use on organically<\/p>\n
grown crops.<\/p>\n
FERTILIZERS<\/p>\n
Recommended<\/p>\n
Not Recommended<\/p>\n
– Ammonium sulfate<\/p>\n
– Cotton seed<\/p>\n
– Ammonium nitrate<\/p>\n
– Kelp<\/p>\n
– Muriate of potash<\/p>\n
– Compost<\/p>\n
– Auperphosphates<\/p>\n
– Manure<\/p>\n
– Highly soluble<\/p>\n
– Blood, bone, horn and hoof meals<\/p>\n
chemical fertilizer<\/p>\n
– Liquid fish or seaweed<\/p>\n
– Ozmicote<\/p>\n
– Fertilizers classed as organic<\/p>\n
– Nonorganic<\/p>\n
MiracleGro<\/p>\n
Effective December 2024
\nP. Authority, Enforcement of Rules and Revoke of Use Permit(s)<\/p>\n
1. VMS staff is authorized to make periodic checks of all garden\/tree plots to ensure they are<\/p>\n
being maintained and adhering to the operating rules. Staff will communicate concerns via<\/p>\n
email or phone to ask that these issues be addressed.<\/p>\n
If a gardener is found to be in violation of the operating rules, the gardener shall be notified<\/p>\n
by Recreation Department staff of alleged violations and required to comply within a<\/p>\n
reasonable time from the date of the notice. Failure to comply within the allowable time<\/p>\n
may result in a hearing for disciplinary action by GRF. Violation protocol is as follows:<\/p>\n
Notice 1: Verbal outreach to resolve the violation; if no response after seven days<\/p>\n
Notice 2: Letter outlining the violation and required deadline completion; if no response<\/p>\n
after 14 days<\/p>\n
Notice 3: Compliance Division notified of violation.<\/p>\n
Upon termination or revocation of a use permit, a gardener shall not be entitled to any<\/p>\n
refund or apportionment of any fee paid to GRF for any material planted, growing or<\/p>\n
otherwise located within the garden centers or for any improvements made on the<\/p>\n
premises by the gardener, and at the option of GRF, all or part of such material and<\/p>\n
improvements shall become the property of GRF. Gardeners are responsible for leaving<\/p>\n
plots weed and debris free and ready for the next gardener. If not, GRF may charge for<\/p>\n
cleanup when a garden is left in such a condition as to require clean up.<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
Violations that warrant disciplinary action through Security Services or the Orange County<\/p>\n
Sheriff’s Department (if warranted):<\/p>\n
\u4e00\u500b<\/p>\n
Theft of tools and equipment<\/p>\n
b<\/p>\n
Theft of produce and plants<\/p>\n
\u78b3<\/p>\n
Vandalism of tools, equipment<\/p>\n
d<\/p>\n
Foul language and offensive behavior, including but not limited to threats, intimidation,<\/p>\n
violence, racial\/ethnic slurs and sexual harassment (GRF anti-harassment policy)<\/p>\n
Odors, including second-hand smoke (cigarettes, cigars, marijuana, vaping, etc.), are a<\/p>\n
violation of the GRF anti-harassment nuisance policy<\/p>\n
Violation of GRF policies<\/p>\n
Receiving more than three combined written warnings without correction of the issue(s)<\/p>\n
Failure to pay registration fee by the deadline<\/p>\n
Note: The Recreation Department reserves the right to review and adjust the operating rules to<\/p>\n
accommodate the needs of the community at any time. The Recreation Department also<\/p>\n
reserves the right to enter any plot at any time. All GRF policies and procedures apply to the use<\/p>\n
of the amenities.<\/p>\n
Effective December 2024<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"template":"","document_category":[2161,1082,1123],"document_type":[53],"class_list":["post-48733","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","document_category-garden-center-documents","document_category-policies-procedures-operating-rules-grf","document_category-recreation-facility-operating-rules","document_type-other"],"acf":{"document":82179,"resolutions":null,"legacy_id":"2123","pdf_extracted_text":""},"yoast_head":"\n