District 10 Como Community Council

Churchill Rain Gardens

In 2016, D10 Como Park partnered with the Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) in the planting of two large rain gardens at the intersection of Van Slyke Avenue and Churchill Street.

In 2021, D10 secured a maintenance grant through 2027 for this space from CRWD. A large weeding event was coordinated in November 2021 with volunteer neighbors and the Girl Scouts of the Twin Cities German Immersion School! Stay tuned to the D10 Newsletter for more opportunities to get involved. You can also follow the Churchill Rain Gardens on Facebook!

Our current volunteer gardeners that have been maintaining the plot are looking for some interested neighbors to help with planting and maintenance of this beautiful space. This is a great opportunity to help support your community and meet neighbors.

If you’re interested in helping out or learning more, please email district10@district10comopark.org.

Como Community Garden

District 10 sponsors a community garden on the southwest corner of Almond Ave and Asbury St (just off Snelling, near Tilden Park).

The Garden was founded in 2014 and has 25 garden plots. If you’re interested in becoming a gardener at the Como Community Garden you can email district10@district10comopark.org and we will be in touch about any available plots or adding you to the waiting list.

D10 Como Community Garden Rules

This document sets out the rules that govern the District 10 Community Garden (the “Garden”). These rules are intended to help all Gardeners grow fresh, healthy food in a thriving garden, to help create a sense of community among Gardeners, and to help the Garden to be a good neighbor.

The District 10 Como Community Council (the “Sponsor”) is a nonprofit organization that leases the land for the Garden, sponsors the Garden, and administers these Rules. Every person who has a plot in the Garden (“Gardeners”) must sign a legal agreement with the Sponsor in which the Gardener agrees to comply with these Rules. In addition, Gardeners must sign an agreement indemnifying the owner from liability.

The Sponsor will create a standing Community Garden Management Committee and appoint members to manage the day-to-day operations of the Garden. The Community Garden Management Committee will consist of three Garden Co-Coordinators. The Sponsor has complete authority to interpret the Rules and make determinations.

Garden Access

Season: The Garden is open and accessible during the gardening season.

Hours: Gardeners may be in the Garden from dawn to dusk.

Garden Plots

Plot Allocation: Plot allocation is determined by the following priorities:  

  1. Returning Gardeners in good standing who submit a signed Garden Agreement, Liability Form, and  applicable fees by the deadline established by the D10 administrator.  
  2. Official Waiting List  
  3. District 10 Residents  
  4. Non-Residents  

In the event that plot demand exceeds capacity, plots will be assigned first by priority, then by lottery. If additional  plots are available, Gardeners may request a second plot.  

Use of Own Plot: Gardeners may use only the plot(s) assigned to them by the Community Garden  Management Committee. Gardeners will maintain their plants within their plot(s) and will trim any plants that  extend into neighboring plots or into common areas. Gardeners may not alter the dimensions of their plot(s).  

Plantings: Gardeners may plant vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Gardeners may not maintain plantings or  plant-supporting structures that, by the nature of their height, material, or density, impede the security of the  garden or impede adjacent gardeners’ access to sunlight.  

Supplies: Gardeners are solely responsible for the planning and management of their own plot(s), including  providing their own seeds, plants, organic fertilizer, and tools.  

Organic Methods: Though the garden is not a certified organic garden, gardeners will utilize organic methods  of gardening whenever possible. Basic use of compost, organic mulch, and weeding is allowed. Acceptable  use of fertilizers and supplements is outlined in the Appendix. Use of any other fertilizers, pesticides,  herbicides, or rodenticides (even if labeled “organic”) is not permitted without express permission from the  Management Committee.  

Water: Gardeners are responsible for watering their own plot(s). Gardeners will not overwater their plants or  leave a hose unattended. The cost of water is included in the cost of plot rental, so any excessive water usage may cause the cost of plot rental to increase the following year.  

Tools: Gardeners may bring their own tools into the Garden to use in their plot(s), but may not store tools  other than hoses, compost bins, small hand tools, and rain barrels in the garden. Gardeners are responsible  for any damage caused by tools they bring into the Garden, so should use them with care. Gardeners may not  use any power tools that require gasoline without approval from the Management Committee, and then only  power mowers or weed trimmers to maintain the garden area. 

Plot Maintenance and Trash: Gardeners will maintain their plot(s) and adjacent paths in a clean and neat  fashion. They will promptly remove any weeds, overgrowth, or other waste from their plot(s). Gardeners will  promptly harvest edible plants. Gardeners are responsible for hauling and disposing of their own trash, such  as weeds, boxes, trays, bags, packets, and similar items.  

Summer gardening begins in early spring. Plots should be weeded and planted in a timely manner. Plots not planted will be reassigned. Winter gardening begins in early fall. Your plot should be replanted with a winter or cover crop, amended with compost, or covered by mulch.  

Straw, hay, and similar materials are prohibited as winter cover. Gardeners are required to remove these materials at the end of the summer gardening season.  

Yearly Cleanup: Gardeners will perform a yearly clean-up on their plots. All fencing, trellises, stakes, and  synthetic mulch must be removed from seasonal plots and taken home for the winter.  

Compost: A pile of compost onsite is provided by the Ramsey County Yard Waste program for gardeners’  use. Do not place any weeds or garden waste in the pile of compost. The garden does not host composting  onsite. All weeds and garden waste must be stored within the boundaries of individual plots and removed from  the garden. 

Absence: Gardeners may not abandon their plot(s). Abandonment is defined as failing to maintain a plot.  Gardeners who will be away from the Garden for more than 1 month but less than 3 months must inform the  Sponsor. The Gardener and the Sponsor will determine an alternative, such as a temporary substitute  Gardener acceptable to both. Gardeners who are away for more than 3 months will lose their plot(s).  

No Personal Property: Gardeners may not keep any personal property on their plots or in the Garden when  they are not in the Garden. If Gardeners leave personal property on their plots after the termination of their  participation in the Garden, the Sponsor can keep and sell the abandoned property.  

Common Areas & Responsibilities

Common Responsibilities: Gardeners will keep clean and neat any common areas such as pathways,  storage sheds, and areas maintained/mowed by the city. Gardeners will promptly report any concerns about  the safety of the Garden to the Garden Co-Coordinators. If there is vandalism, storm damage, or other damage to  the Garden, all Gardeners are expected to help clean up and restore the Garden to its prior condition.  

Communication

Contact Information: The Garden Co-Coordinators will be the official point of contact for the Sponsor and  Gardeners. The Garden Management Committee will gather and share Gardener contact information with all  Gardeners. Gardeners must inform the Coordinators of any change in their email or phone numbers.  

Gardener Input: Gardeners are encouraged to provide suggestions about Garden Operations to the Coordinators.  Gardeners should contact the Coordinators directly — not the Sponsor’s office — with any questions relating to day-to-day operational matters.  

Gardener Orientation: New Gardeners must attend an orientation, organized by the Sponsor, to become familiar  with how the Garden functions and their responsibilities as a Gardener.  

Annual Meeting: Once a year, the Sponsor will invite all Gardeners to an annual meeting to notify Gardeners  of any changes made in how the Garden operates, the Rules, in assignments of plots, to discuss any issues  or concerns, and to elect a new leadership team. Sponsor will provide written notice of the annual meeting in  the District 10 e-newsletter and through the existing Garden email list.  

Conduct

All Gardeners must comply with all rules from the landowner and the City of St. Paul.  

General Conduct: Gardeners are expected to be civil, honest, and cooperative in dealing with the  landowner, Sponsor, Garden neighbors, other Gardeners, and guests of other Gardeners.  

Guests: Gardeners may bring guests, including children, into the Garden provided that the guests comply  with the Rules. Gardeners must supervise any child under the age of 16. Gardeners will be responsible for  the conduct of their guests, including making sure they do not damage or interfere with activities on other  plots or otherwise engage in inappropriate conduct. If someone else is going to be independently gardening in a plot, gardeners must share their contact information so they can receive rules reminders and updates as well, with exception for plots with an approved communications plan. Guest violations of these Rules are treated as violations by the Gardener.

Pets: Gardeners may not bring any pets or animals into the Garden, including for burial. No pet waste is allowed in the Garden area.  

Respect Others’ Property: Gardeners may not enter other plots, use another Gardener’s tools or supplies,  or harvest another Gardener’s produce without the explicit permission of the other Gardener. Gardeners may  not enter property next to the Garden without the owner’s permission.  

No Illegal Plants: Gardeners may not grow any plants considered illegal under state or federal law. For example, Gardeners may not grow Cannabis sativa (marijuana) whether or not the use of marijuana may  be lawful for medical purposes under state law. 

Compliance: Gardeners must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.  No Firearms: Gardeners may not carry, use, or store firearms in the Garden.  

No Smoking: Gardeners may not smoke in the Garden.  

No Alcohol/Drug Use: Gardeners may not consume or use alcohol or illegal drugs while on the Garden  premises. Gardeners may not bring alcohol or illegal drugs onto the Garden premises. Gardeners may not  come into the Garden while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.  

No Sexual Relations: Gardeners may not engage in sexual relations in the Garden.  

No Fires or Cooking: Gardeners may not start or maintain a campfire, burn weeds, use a barbecue grill, or  cook in the Garden.  

No Loud Music: Gardeners may not play music or a radio loud enough to be a nuisance to other Gardeners  or to the Garden’s neighbors.  

No Sales: The Garden is for personal, noncommercial use only. Gardeners may not sell any produce or  flowers grown in the Garden. Individual Gardeners may donate excess food to a local food shelf.  

Dispute Resolution, Rule Violations, & Sponsor Rights

Dispute Resolution: Gardeners will inform the Sponsor of any disputes about the Garden or with fellow Gardeners or coordinators. The Sponsor will hear these disputes and resolve them in the best interest of the Garden.  

Rule Violations: Gardeners may lose their privilege to participate in the Garden if they fail to comply with any  of the following Rules.  

A Gardener may not:  

  • Endanger other Gardeners, the Sponsor, neighbors, or other individuals  
  • Take or use another Gardener’s tools, supplies, or produce without permission  
  • Encroach on Garden neighbors’ property  
  • Grow illegal plants  
  • Carry, use, or store firearms in the Garden  
  • Use or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs in the Garden 
  • Have sexual relations in the Garden  

The Sponsor may, at its discretion, immediately terminate a Gardener’s privilege to participate in the Garden  for violating one of these delineated rules. If that occurs, the Gardener must leave the Garden by the end of  Garden hours on the termination day and may not re-enter the Garden without Sponsor’s permission.  

If a Gardener violates any of the other Rules, the Sponsor will inform the Gardener of the violation by sending  an email to the Gardener or putting a red flag on the Gardener’s plot. The Gardener will have one week to  correct the violation. If the violation is not corrected within one week, as determined by the Sponsor, the Sponsor may, at its discretion, terminate the Gardener’s Agreement. After termination, Gardeners will have two weeks to harvest and clean up their plot.  

Terminated Gardeners are not entitled to any refunds or other payments from the Sponsor.  

No Limit on Sponsor Rights: The processes, guidelines, and information contained in this document do not  limit the Sponsor’s ability to enforce its rights under these Rules, limit or qualify a Gardener’s obligation to  comply with applicable law or the Rules, or limit the Sponsor’s right to notify and/or involve government  authorities as it may determine.  

No Refund or Other Claims: Gardeners under no circumstances will be entitled, directly or indirectly, to any  refunds; any direct, incidental, consequential, punitive, or other damages; any other forms of compensation  from the Sponsor or the owner of the Garden’s land; or to obtain an injunction, specific performance, or other  equitable remedy as a consequence of termination from participation in the Garden. 

Other Provisions

Garden Rule Modifications: The Sponsor may amend these Rules at its discretion without advance notice.  The Sponsor will provide all Gardeners with a copy of the current Rules and will summarize any changes at  the next annual meeting. Gardeners, through the Garden Coordinators, may propose Rules for the Sponsor’s  consideration.  

Master Lease: The Gardener’s Agreements with individual Gardeners are subject to the Master Lease  between the landowner who owns the Garden’s land and the Sponsor. As a result, if the landowner terminates  the lease, the Garden will close and the Gardener’s Agreement will terminate. At that time, Gardeners will no  longer have access to the Garden.  

Waiver: Any waiver by the Sponsor of these Rules must be in writing and signed by the Sponsor. Failure,  neglect, or delay by the Sponsor at any time to enforce the provision of these Rules will not be considered a  waiver of the Sponsor’s rights under these Rules. Waiver of any breach or provision of these Rules or failure  to enforce any breach or provision of these Rules will not be considered a waiver of any later breach or the  right to enforce any provision of these Rules.  

No Discrimination: Sponsor will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability,  age, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a  veteran.  

Translations Not Binding: Sponsor may provide Gardeners with a translation of these Rules and related  summaries or other explanatory materials. Sponsor does so as a convenience. Should there be any ambiguity  or conflict between the English and the translated versions of these documents, the English- language  versions will prevail. They, not the translations, are the official, legally binding documents.  

Appendix

Gardeners can apply the following fertilizers and soil supplements without approval of the Management Committee.

Fertilizers: Commercial fertilizers specifically labeled as organic and derived from vegetable and animal matter. May contain added minerals, but no synthetic ingredients.

Calcium: Elemental, eggshells, foliar sprays, or other supplements such as bone meal.

Pulverized Limestone: Can be used to raise pH if soil pH tests below 6.

Nitrogen: Derived from plant and animal by-products. Examples include fish emulsion, alfalfa pellets, soybean meal, composted manure.

Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt): To provide magnesium.

Soil conditioners: Derived from plant or animal materials. Examples include: seaweed extract, worm castings, worm compost, coffee grounds, peat moss.

Use of fertilizers and supplements must comply with these four requirements:

  1.  Application must be by hand or spray bottle (no hose-end or tank sprayers).
  2. Nutrients must be “dug-in” so that they don’t spread or “run off” during rain/watering (does not apply to foliar sprays).
  3. Commercial products must be used in compliance with label directions.
  4. Fertilizers and supplements must be used in a manner that does not affect neighboring plots or any area outside of the individual Gardener’s plot boundaries.