JULY 2025 NEWSLETTER

The garden is looking lush and vibrant so we're going to focus this newsletter on our other responsibilities as Dowling gardeners; maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for ourselves, other gardeners, and the public. 

Review all of Dowlings rules and bylaws on the website: https://www.dowlingcommunitygarden.org/members/rules-bylaws.

Personal Safety

There have been reports of thefts in the area over the past few years. Remember to lock your vehicle, avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle or plot, and always maintain awareness of your surroundings.

Conduct

The DCG rules and bylaws include some key tenets for how we act as a community within the garden. Failure to stay aligned with these rules may result in formal violations or immediate plot forfeiture. 

8a. Act in a manner considerate of the rights, needs, and safety of other gardeners and the community at large and with courtesy toward others. Violence, threats of violence, harassment or acts of vandalism will result in immediate termination of gardening privileges.

8j. Respect the Garden’s property and assets. Use equipment and tools owned in common responsibly and treat them as you  would your own. Return them to the shed promptly and store them neatly and securely for the safety and convenience of  fellow gardeners.

8k. Do not enter another’s plot except with permission or on Garden business, or allow your pets or children to do so.

Supervision of Children + Pets

Gardeners have observed unsupervised children playing with garden tools, throwing debris in water barrels, and jamming debris into the shed door. Please remember that children need to be supervised at all times and parents/guardians need to ensure that the play is not destructive, disruptive to other gardeners, or damaging to garden property. 

This is key for both the safety of the children and the enjoyment and convenience of the gardeners who spend so much time caring for Dowling.

Pets need to be leashed at all times while on Dowling property and all pet waste should be picked up and disposed of at home. Dowling does not have any trash removal services.

Care of Garden Tools

• Garden tools should be returned to the shed as soon as you're done using them. Never leave garden tools in your plot overnight.

• DCG's tools should be used for garden work only, they are not toys for children to play with. The Steering Committee has received reports of children playing with garden tools which prevents other gardeners from using them, puts additional wear on tools that need to be frequently maintained and replaced, and has caused damage to garden property in the past. 

• If a tool breaks while you're using it, please send an email to dowlingcommunitygarden@gmail.com. These tools are used heavily by hundreds of people so they do break from time to time. It's helpful to let the Steering Committee know so we can help get them fixed or replaced.

Keeping Shed Door Locked

The shed door should be locked at all times, even when there are many gardeners coming in and out. It's an added step, but helps ensure it never gets left open for an extended period of time. We've had items stolen and attempted break-ins over the past few months and want to minimize the risk and loss to the Garden.

If you've lost your key or need a second key to ensure you can keep the shed locked at all times, reach out to dowlingcommunitygarden@gmail.com and we'll help get you a key.

Clear Pathways

Remember that all gardeners are responsible for keeping their half of the paths around their plots free of tall weeds and debris. See the image attached to help understand the section of paths to maintain around each plot. 

We've also seen areas where fencing, infrastructure, etc. has fallen into the pathway, creating an obstruction and tripping hazard. Please ensure the materials used in your garden are stable and anchored enough to avoid toppling into pathways.

The Fun Stuff - Upcoming Events - DCG's Event Page

• Lemonade Social & Tomato Tasting - Saturday, September 13 from 1-3 PM

Please mark your calendars for a Lemonade Social and Tomato Tasting at the Dowling Community Garden on September 13, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. All are welcome. Cupcakes will be provided. Please bring a chair or blanket for seating. 

Thank you for helping keep Dowling a safe, beautiful, and joyful place to garden.

DCG Steering Committee