The Blacket Ave Community Garden was established in 2010 when a group of residents asked Accommodation Services for permission to take over an area that had previously been thorny shrubs and rubbish. The area within the beech hedge was given over for a community garden with the understanding that the residents at Blacket Ave family accommodation must share and maintain the space together, at our o
wn expense. There are family boxes, communal beds, and established herb and flower beds for all to enjoy. Following are some garden guidelines:
1. The garden is organic, meaning that no pesticides may be used anywhere.
2. The garden is a shared space, so we ask that all residents be considerate of the plants planted by others.
3. The garden is part of university family accommodation so supervised children are welcome to help. The community garden does not take responsibility for unsupervised children and parents/carers should know that some things in the garden are painful (like nettles) or toxic (like potato fruit).
4. The raised boxes (constructed and filled with compost at the personal expense of previous residents) are for raising vegetables and are made available each year for those who want to fill and maintain them. Those who wish to have their own box must use it and keep it and the surrounding area free of weeds. Boxes can be requested each fall.
5. The two brown bins for garden waste are the responsibility of the garden committee and must be taken kerbside every two weeks for collection. This is NOT the porter's job.
6. Shared garden equipment including tools, pots, seedling trays etc. are kept in the laundry room. The hose outside the laundry room also belongs to the garden. Please take care of and return any equipment that you use.
7. The black compost bin can be filled with veggie waste. Please do not put weeds or other food into the compost bin. Remember that the earthworms do not like very acidic fruit like citrus or pineapple!
8. Herbs may be harvested and enjoyed by everyone (even those who do not help in the garden), but other crops are shared among those who regularly work in the garden.
9. Bees are a protected species in the UK and many flowers have been planted to attract these pollinators. Please don't harm our bumblebees!!
10. Want to know more? Just ask anyone you see working in the garden--we'd love for you to get involved!
