Community Garden Program Application

 

D&R Greenway looks forward to welcoming you
back to your Community Garden plot at
St. Michaels Farm Preserve for the
2026 growing season.

As a 2025 gardener, you will receive priority
to return to your previous plot(s)

$65 annual registration fee per plot

Registration Deadline - March 19, 2026

If we haven't heard from you by March 19, we'll try to reach you, and after March 23, we will make your plot available to another gardener.

Once you secure your plot for the year, it is yours and you are responsible for weeding, watering and maintaining your plot. Please keep any vegetation, tools, or weeds from the grass area directly surrounding your plot so that it can be mowed as necessary. While some tools and compost are available, we encourage you to BYO tools and gloves.

If you plan to keep your plot in 2026, the security deposit from last year will roll over to this year. If you are not keeping your plot, your security deposit will be returned to you provided your plot was maintained and left in good order at the conclusion of the 2025 gardening season. You may also choose to leave your deposit with us as a tax deductible donation towards our mission to preserve and care for land.

All of us at D&R Greenway look forward to seeing you back at the St. Michaels Farm Preserve!  It is truly a special place. The views from the Community Garden across the Preserve are magnificent, and there is almost always a breeze on the hill!

Thank you for joining us in support of
land and community.

St. Michaels Farm Preserve
2026 Community Garden Registration

1. I understand that payment of a $65 usage fee (per plot per year) in conjunction with this application does not constitute a rental, sale or lease agreement, and that D&R Greenway Land Trust has the authority and right to terminate my permissive use of the gardening plot at any time for reasonable and just cause. 

2. I understand that my security deposit of $100 will be returned to me at the end of the 2026 gardening season if I choose NOT to participate in the 2027 gardening season, provided I have caused no damage to the property or related buildings or structures, and I’ve removed everything from my garden plot. The security deposit will be rolled over to the 2027 gardening season if I decide to keep my plot in 2027.

3. I acknowledge that D&R Greenway will not be responsible for any of my crops, equipment, or property that is lost, misplaced, damaged or stolen from me while at the Community Garden site.

4. I understand no harsh chemicals are permitted and will use only organic and natural fertilizers and pest controls.

5. I am responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of my plot(s). Regular watering, weeding, harvesting and any other garden-related maintenance are all my responsibility as the gardener.

6. I will clean my plot(s) of weeds, dead plants, and debris, will put wood chips in my respective aisle by no later than May 1, and will plant my garden plot(s) promptly by June 1.

7. I agree to keep the pathways passable immediately surrounding my assigned plot(s), free of any vegetation, debris, and garden hardware during and throughout the 2026 growing season.  I will keep within the boundaries of my plot.  I will put hoses away as I found them.

8. Good neighbors keep weeds on and surrounding their plots at a minimum so that everyone enjoys the community gardening experience.

9. IMPORTANT - I understand that dogs are not permitted in or around the garden.  I understand that livestock is not permitted in my plot or on the grounds.

10. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times.

11. I understand that I am to close BOTH the GATES from the ENTRANCE into St. Michaels Farm Preserve, and to the fenced GARDEN area. This keeps unauthorized cars from entering the preserve, and protects the garden from deer.

12. I understand that all of my gardening activities on the St. Michaels Farm Preserve will be conducted at my own risk. I, and any others whom I may bring with me to the garden, will not seek to hold D&R Greenway Land Trust liable for any injury or damages sustained or which may occur while participating in this project.

13. I understand I must complete and sign this form and pay the registrion fee PRIOR to accessing the garden.

14. Traditional Lenape corn will be grown again this year next to the D&R Greenway community gardens at the past location of the Sharing Garden. A farmer will utilize the land at St. Michaels Farm Preserve to grow approximately a half-acre of Puhwem corn in order to increase seed stock of this native crop. The seed will be planted, maintained, and harvested by hand and then given to the Lenape. It is IMPORTANT that gardeners DO NOT grow any type of corn this season in order to maintain the integrity of the seed since corn cross-pollinates.