Thunder Gardens Community Growing Gardener Agreement and Code of Conduct

This Agreement sets out the expectations, responsibilities, and standards of conduct for participants in the Thunder Gardens Community Growing program.

Thunder Gardens is a working farm and a private family residence. Participation is a privilege grounded in shared responsibility, cooperation, and respect. The success of this program depends on participants contributing time, effort, and care so food can be grown efficiently, shared fairly, and enjoyed by the community.

Community Growing is different from individual gardening. There are no personal plots. All participants work together on shared growing areas and share in the harvest. Individual actions affect the entire group.

Parking is permitted only in designated parking areas. Do not use the house laneway or block access routes, equipment paths, or neighbouring properties.

Thunder Gardens operates under a shared work and shared harvest model. All planting, weeding, maintenance, and harvesting are collective responsibilities.

Food grown through the program is shared among participants according to the program structure communicated at registration and throughout the season. No produce may be sold unless it is part of an approved partnership or initiative.

The growing season runs from mid May to late October. Exact dates may vary year to year and will be communicated to participants.

Regular attendance is essential. Planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting must happen at specific times to ensure crops thrive and food is not lost. When participants are absent without making up their commitment, the workload shifts to others and productivity is reduced.

When you register, you commit to your assigned shift for the duration of the season. Shifts are balanced to support smooth operations and avoid overburdening coordinators and participants. Permanent shift changes are generally not possible once the season has begun.

If attendance becomes a challenge, communicate with the Garden Coordinator as early as possible. In some cases, alternative contributions may be discussed. Communication helps operations run smoothly.

If a participant chooses to opt out of the program, refunds are not available.

Community Growing shifts operate rain or shine. Dress appropriately for sun, rain, insects, and uneven terrain.

In cases of dangerous weather, shifts may be cancelled or adjusted. Notice will be provided by the Garden Coordinator.

Farming involves physical work, and participants have different abilities and comfort levels. Coordinators will work to identify appropriate tasks where possible.

Communicate needs, limitations, or accommodation requests to the Garden Coordinator so we can plan tasks thoughtfully.

Thunder Gardens follows organic and sustainable growing practices.

• Only certified organic fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, compost, and natural soil amendments are permitted.
• If you are unsure, check with the Garden Coordinator before applying any product.
• Only healthy plant material may be added to the designated compost areas. Diseased plant material may need to be removed from site as directed.

A composting toilet is available for participant use. Follow all posted guidelines. Handwashing after use is required.

Take all personal garbage home. There are no on site bins for personal waste.

Dogs are permitted only when leashed at all times and must be kept out of growing areas. Owners are responsible for immediate cleanup and removal of waste.

Thunder Gardens is committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for all participants, coordinators, visitors, and family members who live on site. The program relies on cooperation, trust, and mutual respect.

Participants must:

• Act with respect toward coordinators, fellow participants, visitors, and the farm property.
• Follow all farm policies and instructions provided by coordinators.
• Work safely, attentively, and to the best of your ability, asking for guidance when needed.
• Wear appropriate clothing, including closed toe footwear, and be prepared for changing weather, mosquitoes in the early season, and field conditions.
• Not engage in harassment, discrimination, bullying, verbal abuse, or physical aggression of any kind.
• Respect the privacy of others and seek permission before sharing contact information or images of other participants.
• Raise concerns or observed wrongdoing promptly with the Garden Coordinator.
• Respect decisions made by coordinators, recognising their responsibility to safety, productivity, and program integrity.

Program communication will occur through approved channels such as email or messaging groups, as determined by Thunder Gardens, to ensure clarity and inclusion.

Participation involves inherent risks associated with outdoor work, tools, uneven terrain, weather, and farm operations.

Participants accept full responsibility for personal safety, protection of personal belongings, and for the safety of their household members and guests.

Participation requires acceptance of this Agreement and Code of Conduct at the time of registration. Registration and payment constitute full acceptance of all terms and conditions outlined on this page.