Politics & Government

Morris Plains Community Garden: No Pets, No Pilfering, No Pot

Morris Plains releases rules for new program.

The new Morris Plains Community Garden opened on March 15 at Central Avenue Park. It is designed for people who don't have yards, people whose yards aren't conducive to growing and people interested in sharing the gardening experience with neighbors. There are only a few plots left, so now's the time to act if you want to get in on the fun.

Only "large" plots measuring 4’ x 32.5’ remain, but it's possible they can be subdivided into “junior” plots measuring 4’ x 15’.  The site is sunny and those plant-nibbling deer will be kept out with an 8’ fence. Water spigots are available. The garden hours are sunrise to sunset from March 15 to November 15.

To check on the availability of plots, call the borough clerk's office at 973-538-2224 or email mpcommunitygarden@gmail.com.

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As for the rules, there are way more than five:

  • The garden will be operational from March 15th to November 15th.
  • Any garden not under active cultivation by June 15th will be forfeited and reassigned to the next applicant on the waiting list.
  • Hours of operation for the garden will be from sunrise to sunset each day.
  • To help to defray the cost of maintaining the garden the following  yearly fee will be charged: Large plots cost $50.00 per year for Morris Plains residents and $75.00 per year for non-residents. Junior plots cost $25.00 per year for Morris Plains residents and $50.00 per year for non-residents. 
  • Out of respect for fellow gardeners and surrounding neighbors, no loud music or boisterous behavior will be allowed.
  • No pets are allowed in the community garden.
  • The gates to the garden must be kept closed at all times.
  • Please park only in the designated areas and do not block other gardeners
  • Both woodchips and mulch will be provided in piles outside the garden fence. The woodchips are ONLY for use on the pathways and not the garden plots. The mulch is ONLY for use on the garden plots - NOT on the pathways.
  • Water spigots are provided in the central pathway of the garden.  Only hand watering is permitted. 
  • The use of raised beds are permitted if desired.  However, the use of rocks or large stones to define the garden plot is not allowed.  All materials used to create and maintain the raised bed must be moved out of the garden at the end of the growing season.
  • Plants whose height exceeds five feet are not allowed. Tall plants shade neighboring plots.
  • Each gardener is responsible for maintaining a 2 foot wide pathway on the front (GATE SIDE) of their plot. It is suggested to line the pathways with newspaper and then cover it with woodchips (provided by the town) to help prevent weed growth. This must be completed by May 2 and maintained throughout the season.  The gardens bordering the fence must keep a 3 foot wide path between the plot and the fence.
  • Each gardener is responsible for keeping the perimeter of their plot clean and weed-free, especially fence lines. 
  • Compostable garden refuse and rocks must be placed in their designated dumping areas outside of the fenced garden. 
  • If for any valid reason, your garden will be unattended for 2 weeks or more, Please EMAIL the Garden Coordinator at "mpcommunitygarden@gmail.com". Failure to maintain your garden plot or path will result in a forfeiture.
  • Respect the garden plots of others. Anyone caught stealing from another garden forfeits their garden plot.
  • The grassy aisles between the gardens must be kept free of any debris that would cause a mowing hazard, i.e.; chairs, watering cans, hand tools, etc. Water must be hand carried to your garden plot.
  • Indiscriminate use of pesticides will not be tolerated. These are very serious chemicals with serious side effects. There are times when their use may be appropriate but they must be approved by the Garden Coordinator prior to application to ensure the safety of the other gardeners as well as the adjacent gardens, the grassy areas and the river. 
  • If you make arrangements for someone to work in your garden in your absence, please let the Community Garden Coordinator know via email at "mpcommunitygarden@gmail.com".
  • Anyone found growing illegal drug producing plants forfeits his/her garden plot and will be reported to the police.
  • At the end of the season, no later than November 15th.), all spent plants and weeds must be removed and disposed of in the appropriate designated location. Gardeners who do not fully clean out their plot will not be invited to renew the following season.

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