The garden will be open year-round to participating gardeners in good standing with The Valley Farmers and The Hidden Valley Lake Property Owners Association. The following rules are intended to help the garden run smoothly. Please cooperate to make this garden a success. 1. A plot lease fee will be paid annually. Plot fees are decided annually and are non-refundable. 2. You are responsible for keeping your garden plot and the connected pathways tidy and weed free. Failure to do so may result in gardening privileges being revoked and no guarantee of a plot in subsequent seasons. In severe neglect cases – you will be contacted by the Garden Shepherds twice over the course of 2 weeks. If no progress towards weed removal and tidying is made in that time, at the end of three weeks, you will be sent a letter informing you that your plot privileges have been revoked and your plot will be open to be reassigned. 3. Use water wisely and return garden hoses to the proper location 4. No herbicides or non-organic pesticides are to be used in the garden. 5. No pets, illegal drugs, smoking or fires are permitted in the garden. 6. Children must be supervised at all times. 7. All trash must be disposed of properly. 8. Garden plots may be tilled by the gardener at their own expense. 9. Do not plant your garden in a way that shades other garden plots. 10. Visitors are welcome in the garden if accompanied by a participating gardener. 11. Returning gardeners are given first priority in plot assignment. A waiting list will be maintained if plot availability is limited. 12. All plots must be cleared of plant material at the end of the season unless fall crops or cover crops are planted.