Dicken

Dicken Garden is a 10 plot annual site located on the property of Dicken Elementary School, 2135 Runnymede Boulevard. From the curve at W. Stadium take Alhambra to Sue Pkwy, then left on Runnymede, right on Carol and left on Wimpole to the rear parking lot of the school.

The garden was created at the request of neighborhood residents in Dicken Woods, specifically for their use. Neighborhood residents have until March 15th to apply for plots. After that date non-residents may be assigned to any remaining plots.

MAP OF GARDEN: Dicken Map

SITE COORDINATOR: Andy Comai (acomai@uaw.net)

SOIL: Soil testing done in 2010 showed Dicken's soil to be alkaline, with a pH of 7.7. Most vegetable crops prefer neutral to slightly acidic soil. Sawdust, composted leaves, wood chips, cottonseed meal, leaf mold and especially peat moss, will lower the soil pH. 15# sulfur is the recommended application for a full plot to lower pH to 6.5 The soil is considered loam, has good nutrient holding capacity, and will benefit from the addition of organic matter. 2.5# nitrogen and 2# phosphorous are prescribed (for a full-sized plot) at the beginning of the season with regular applications of nitrogen and some phosphorous throughout.

IMPORTANT SCHOOL REQUEST: The school can not provide phone or restroom facilities.

INDIVIDUAL PLOT MAINTENANCE:  Keep in mind that we are guests on this property. All gardeners are responsible for keeping weeds down in their plots and along the adjacent pathways. Various mulches may be used in your garden to inhibit weed growth, conserve water, and promote a hospitable micro-climate for plants and worms. Marsh hay is usually available in the spring, delivered to the garden from a local grower for a reasonable fee. If interested in learning more about marsh hay deliveries contact your site coordinator.

GARDEN MAINTENANCE: The major perimeters of the garden are mowed by the Ann Arbor school district only if we keep the area free from organic refuse and other debris and stones. Compost your own organic material within your own plot or take it home to be composted by the city. Please do not start renegade compost piles outside of the garden's perimeters. Pile rocks in designated areas only....rocks break mower blades! Please take all non-organic materials home with you when you leave the site. Do your part to help make the gardens beautiful this summer by maintaining your own plot and keeping the garden free from debris, etc. The neighbors say “Thank you!” in advance.

WATER:  Water comes from a spigot located on the schools wall near the garden. Please try to conserve water by mulching well and watering only when necessary. Try to take care of the hoses. If you spot a leak in the hose lines, either make the repairs yourself or notify the site-coordinator immediately.

Watering should never be unattended-hose timers are prohibited.

COMMUNICATION:  We use a garden group email list to make important announcements.  If you have not already notified us of your email address, let us know right away! E-newsletters will also contain important information about upcoming projects and events.

ABANDONED PLOTS:  Plots that have not been seriously worked by June 1st or are overgrown with weeds taller than 18”at any point in the season will be considered abandoned and may be reassigned. Contact the office if you are having problems getting started or if you have to abandon your plot.

FALL CLEAN UP: Your plot must be cleared no later than the end of the day on Saturday, October 20th, 2012. Organic material may be chopped up and spread evenly across your plot, to be plowed under later. Take home all non-organic material, i.e., fences, stakes, plastic, paper, etc. Failure to clean up your plot according to the guidelines set forth in the Member Handbook may result in expulsion from the garden.

MOVING?  Please let us know! We mail out notices during the year and they are not forwarded by the Post Office (third class mail).