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� � o Access to water. Develop a watering system for the community garden depending upon the resources available. Many gardens use a combination of hoses and water banels (55 gallon food-grade barrels). o An adjacent delivery site for large quantities of woodchips and compost. This area should be accessible by large trucks and set-up to contain the delivered materials, such as a short wood or stone retaining wall to eliminate runoff and discourage neighbors from parldng on it. o A fence around the perizneter with a hedge, and a drive-through gate if the delivery site for compost and woodchips is inside the fence. In our experience, this is a key element of success. Don't count on eliminating all acts of vandalism or theft, but fencing will help to keep these to tolerably low levels. o A tool shed or other structure for storing tools, supplies, and materials. o A bench or picnic table where gardeners can sit, relax, and take a break--preferably in shade. If there are no shade trees on the site, a simple arbor can be constructed from wood or pipe, and planted with vines. . o A sign with the garden's name, address (street location), sponsors, and a contact phone number for more information. If your community is bilingual, include information in both languages. o A shazed composting area for the community gardeners. Wood pallets are easy to come by and (when stood on-end, attached in an U-shape, and the inside covered with galvanized rabbit-wire) make excellent compost bins. b. Nice Additions to Your Garden Plan o A small fruit tree orchard, whose care and harvest can be shared by all the members. The orchard can also create shade for people as well as shade-loving plants. o Perimeter landscaping, which can focus on native drought tolerant flowers and shrubs, plants which attract butterflies and hummingbirds, or roses and other flowers suitable for cutting bouquets. Herbs are also well-suitetl to perimeter landscaping and help to create baniers to unwanted pest insects who do not like the smell of their essential oils. o A children's area, which can include special small plots for children and a covered sand box. o A meeting area, which could range from a semi-circle of hay bales or tree stumps, to a simple amphitheater built of recycled, broken concrete. Building a shade structure above, would be beneficial as well. o A community bulletin board where rules, meeting notices, and other important information can be posted. o A plot for the food shelf. Contact your local foodshelf to see what items they would like. Consider shelf-life. If not food, then consider donating a bouquet of flowers to an organization that serves the community. o A simple irrigation system with one hose bib or iaucet ior every four piots. Hand waiering with a hose is the most practical and affordable for individual plots (and it's almost a necessity when you start plants from seed). Drip and soaker-hose irrigation can be used in all areas of the garden for transplanted and established plants, but especially for deep-rooted fruit trees and ornamentals. If no one in your group is lrnowledgeable about irrigation, you might need some assistance in designing and maintaining your irrigation system. Seek out a landscape contractor or nursery or gazden center professional to heIp you deveIop a basic Iayout and materials list. 11. Creating a Garden Budget Use your design to develop a materials list and cost-out the project. You will need to call-around to get prices on fencing and other items. You might be surprised at the total cost once the individual items from the Basic Elements List (above) are added together. At this point, your group might decide to scale back t:;�,drnir,; ��iaur�ti(�(; Sta;i-i��(��ui:{:.�. C,•��{ =1N1�� wi��w.gardeningmatlers.org $:�4