Gerry Patsula Community Gardens

Beaumont & District Agricultural Society (BADAS) operates the Gerry Patsula Community Garden (GPCG) that is located on the agricultural fairgrounds west of Beaumont.

1. Operating procedures will be reviewed and approved yearly by the BADAS Board of Directors.

2. All garden plot applicants must be members of Beaumont & District Agricultural Society and hold valid membership at time of plot application.

3. All plot applications are to be made through the online registration portal. If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the GPCG Coordinator.  A separate application will be required for each plot requested.

4. Plot availability will be determined by chronological confirmation from the online registration portal. Although there is no guarantee that repeat gardeners will have same plot every year, where possible the GPCG Team will keep gardeners in the same plot if requested.

5. Plot Types and Fees:

• Full Plot (Rectangle 20’ x 30’ or 600 sq. ft.) $80 – Quantity 65.
• Half Plot (Triangle 20’ wide x 30’ long for 300 sq. ft.) $40 – Quantity 9.
• Half Plot (Rectangle 20’ x 15’ for 300 sq. ft.) $40 – Quantity 24.
• Raised Bed Plot (Cedar planter 30” high x 4’ wide x 8’ long) $25 – Quantity 3.

6. Dates:

• Garden Season is from mid-May to mid-October, start and end dates being dependent on the weather of course.
• Orientation Sessions: There are 3 orientation sessions offered each Spring. It is compulsory for gardeners to attend one of the sessions.

7. All garden plot users must be included on plot application. Please inform GPCG coordinator of changes during the garden season.

8. Upkeep of the garden plot during the growing season is the responsibility of the gardener or group assigned to the plot. If the plot is not being maintained or weeds are left uncontrolled the gardener will receive a warning.  If after receiving a warning there is no change in maintenance to the plot, BADAS reserves the right to release the gardener and to plow under the garden plot.  The gardener shall be notified of this action prior to its occurrence and shall NOT receive any reimbursement for costs incurred.  The plot may be re-assigned if there is a waiting list.

9. The GPCG follows organic principles. The use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and fungicides is not permitted.  ONLY the BADAS Board of Directors is allowed to authorize use of chemicals on the fairgrounds.

10. BADAS Requirements:

Maintain any unassigned plots.

Fairgrounds maintenance around the community gardens.

Maintain shared garden equipment (water pump, tillers, hoses).

Primary soil preparation prior to plot assignment.

11. Gardener Requirements:

• Be responsible for the upkeep of the garden plot such as weeding, cleaning up non-organic garden aides (stakes, pea fence, row markers, etc.).
• Will NOT use any non-organic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides (If you have a question about a product, ask the GPCG Coordinator for clarification).
• Responsible to provide own seeds, plants and gardening tools.
• Lock access gate when you are the last one leaving fairgrounds.
• All pets at the GPCG must be on leashes and must not interfere with other gardeners or plots.
• Advise other gardeners sharing the applicants plot on the operational procedures.
• Adhere to the BADAS Abusive Patron Policy (refer to BADAS website – URL to be supplied later).
• All garden plot users will complete a waiver form prior to plot assignment (refer to BADAS website – URL to be supplied later).
• Attend one orientation session prior to receiving a plot.
• Remove all materials and crops by end of season in October when gardens close for season (residual plant matter is okay to leave on plot, but non-organic garden aides need to be removed).
• Gardeners are not to drive beyond the garden site; specifically, vehicles are not to be driven on the Cross-Country Course.
• Children accompanying gardeners must not roam beyond the garden area.
• Failure to comply with these procedural guidelines will result in a warning and could result in loss of garden plot without refund.

12. Advice on how to be a good community garden neighbour:

• Do not plant in a manner that your plants will shade or encroach on an adjacent plot.
• Roll up hoses, refill water barrels when low, put watering cans away when finished.
• Remove or chop up large woody plants (sunflowers and corn stalks) at the end of season.
• Be respectful of the variety of different gardening techniques and approaches.
• Remove entangled plant material from tillers after use.
• Refill fuel in water pump and tillers when low.
• Follow directions on the proper use of water pump and tillers.
• DO NOT dispose of diseased plants or weeds that have gone to seed in common compost.
• Practice crop rotation and sustainable gardening.
• Notify GPCG coordinator of operational & garden issues or suspicious activity.

13. Contact information:

Email: gpcgadmin@beaumontagsociety.com

14. NO SMOKING IN THE GARDEN AREA.
15. Additional information can be found at:

URL for new website and ‘Gardens’ section to be supplied later

16. GPCG Operating Procedures to be reviewed annually.

Urban Agriculture Centre (UAC)

Resources:

• Passive Solar Greenhouse
• Tool Library and Resource Centre
• Food Forest: Fruit Trees, fruit shrubs, raspberry canes, herbs,
• Native Plant Windbreak
• School Garden Plot
• Seating Area
• Fire pit
• Workshops and Educational Programs for Youth and Adults
• Rentals for events and workshops coming in 2025

This facility is new in 2025, we are seeking partners, sponsors, and community members to help us grow agricultural, environmental and nature-based programs. Contact for details.