What does it mean to have a plot in the Surprise Valley Garden?

You will have your own personal plot to plant whatever you choose! Water is provided in your plot, and you provide all plants, seeds, fertilizer, weeding, etc. Only you will harvest from your own personal plot. It is not open to other Garden Members. Details about what is expected of garden plot membership can be found in the Garden Agreement and Rules.

What does my plot fee pay for?

Plot fees go directly into the garden by paying for: irrigation needs, porta-potty, trash removal, tools, classes, perennial fruits & herbs, bees

What kinds of fruits and vegetables are grown in the community areas?

Annual vegetables are grown in a community area (room permitting) and varies every year. Produce grown in these areas are intended not only for our community garden members, but also for our greater community through donations to local food banks. Your membership also includes the opportunity to harvest from our perennial plants: raspberries, blueberries, elderberries, rhubarb, pears, apples, asparagus, lavender, comfrey, mint, and sage.

What happens if I only work on my own plot and I don’t volunteer in other areas of the garden?

The success of the garden and the community annual and perennial crops we hope to harvest is tied directly to Garden Member involvement. We hope that you are able to volunteer to work in other areas of the garden as part of your agreement to garden in this community. Active, contributing members will be welcome to harvest what is grown together.

I was very excited about gardening this season and paid for a membership. Unfortunately, I’m not able to follow through with gardening this season. What should I do?

We understand that life happens sometimes. Please communicate your situation with a Garden Coordinator. It may be possible for a friend or extended family member to step in and a Garden Coordinator can work out those details with you. Procedures for abandoned plots are outlined in the Garden Rules. We are not able to issue refunds for Garden Membership.

I see that lots of flowers are grown in the garden. Can I pick these?  

There will be opportunities for Garden Members to harvest flowers throughout the season and details will be provided when this is open. Flowers are also donated to local community organizations and sold locally to garner support for the garden. If you or someone you know is interested in purchasing flowers, have them contact us!