Garden Member Rules
We’re thrilled to have you be a part of our garden!
Please see below for Harlem Rose Garden Rules and Regulations for all members old and new! These regulations are approved by Green Thumb and are structured so that we are sure to be a protected space open to all members of our community for years to come.
About membership
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To maintain membership, members must abide by the guidelines and rules of the Harlem Rose Garden and commit to volunteer hours depending on the membership level. They are asked to attend monthly meetings, help maintain the garden by watering, cleaning, weeding and removing garbage from the garden, the sidewalk and tree pits as needed.
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In order to join the Harlem Rose Garden, potential members can fill out the application on our website at www.harlemrosegarden.nyc.
Members must provide contact information and sign Green Thumb’s waiver of liability. Membership implies your informed consent that community gardening can involve risk of injury through strenuous activity.
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There 4 membership tiers with pricing structures:
Pay As You Are Able & Senior: suggested $20/year -- 2 hours/week
Rose: $75/year -- 2 hours/week
Harlem: $150/year -- 4 hours/month
Sustaining: $350/year -- volunteer hours as able
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Membership is valid from April 1 through March 31 of the following year (no matter when you join).
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The minimum age to become a member is 18 and must live near the garden.
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Members will receive keys to the garden and shed contingent upon the fulfilment of their required volunteer hours and adherence to the Garden’s rules and policies.
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If a member leaves the garden (e.g. moves out of the area or decides not to renew their membership), the keys must be returned to a member of the Steering Committee.
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Members may access the garden and host events with pre-approval from the Steering Committee. Members can enjoy the garden year round from dawn till dusk.
If a member is in the garden, the gates should remain open so the public can come in and enjoy the garden. The gates should never be left open unless there is a member in the garden.
*Please note, the steering committee reserves the right to revoke membership if volunteer hours are not honored.
Garden Rules
No alcohol
No smoking
No drugs
No loitering in front of the garden
No dumping
No events without prior Steering Committee approval
No unsupervised children and minors
No food waste or pet droppings disposed of in the garden trash cans
No behavior disruptive to our neighbors or any member or visitor within the garden
Do not leave the garden open and unattended
Dogs must be leashed at all times
Members are agreeing to abide by the rules above. Non-compliance can result in a warning, suspension or revocation of membership.
Mission
The Harlem Rose Garden is an urban oasis, providing a calming green space for East Harlem residents. Garden members cultivate the grounds, host social events that benefit the neighborhood and foster local arts and culture to improve community spirit.
Garden Bylaws
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Members communicate by email, group chat and monthly meetings. Monthly meetings take place on the first Saturday of the month from April 1 through October 31 at 11:00 a.m. in the Harlem Rose Garden (weather permitting). Members may discuss and vote on garden-related issues and business matters at these monthly meetings. A quorum is not required.
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The garden Steering Committee consists of 12 active members including treasurer, secretary, membership chair, membership co-chair, technology lead, event lead, social media lead, grant & fund raising lead, garden maintenance lead, administrative lead and 2 floaters who assist where needed.
Members volunteer for these positions and meet or communicate as needed to sustain the management of the garden. Steering Committee members commit to serving a minimum of three years. To become a Steering Committee member, an individual must be a member of the Harlem Rose Garden for 2 full seasons and volunteer hours need to be fulfilled. Steering Committee decisions are made by a majority vote and a quorum is required.
The Steering Committee members must adhere to their roles and responsibilities. If they're unable to fulfill their duties, they will be asked to resign and be replaced by another member as outlined above.
The steering committee reserves the right the cap the number of members, the exact number to be determined by the Steering Committee every year at the opening of the season.
Harlem Rose Garden (HRG) monthly meeting minutes will be distributed via email to all members by the Secretary.
At least one Green Thumb workshop must be attended by one or more members of the Steering Committee annually.
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Amendments to the bylaws have to be voted on by the Steering Committee. The bylaws are reviewed by April and are binding for the season.
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If one garden member accuses another member of breaking the rules he/she should file a complaint with the steering committee.
The steering committee will attempt to mediate and resolve conflicts and disputes by a majority vote. If mediation fails, the steering committee has the final authority to decide the outcome, including revoking membership. If the steering committee deems necessary, they will consult with our Green Thumb coordinator when making this decision.
Once a membership has been revoked (i.e. disruptive behavior, harassment or violation of the Member Rules), that membership shall not be reinstated unless approval for reinstatement is received by a majority vote of the Steering Committee.
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The treasurer maintains the financial records of the garden. These records are reviewed by the steering committee throughout the season and annually by all members at the April meeting.
