Welcome

The Garden is a social-experiment and not the default world.

It is a radically free and open space in many ways, and this also comes with some agreements and limitations.  Outside of these agreements, we welcome your free bird.  The negative-space they create is vast and open to your curiosity and imagination.

As such, we ask all residents, team, and volunteers to abide by these agreements during their time at the Garden. You may see many of these as common sense, but a few of these are unique to The Garden and not-what-you’re-used-to.  This used to be shorter.  Alas.

Agreements:

• [ ] I ****take responsibility for myself on site:

  • [ ] I will leave spaces in a cleaner and neater way than when I arrived.
  • [ ] I will put away my belongings and I understand that if I leave my belongings around,  it is not The Garden’s responsibility. They will end up in Lost Property and may be donated or sold on eBay.
  • [ ] If I consistently leave a mess, I may be asked to leave the site.

• [ ] I take care of nature:

  • [ ] I will only use eco-friendly and biodegradable toiletries in the outdoor showers.

  • [ ] I will sort out my recycling and dispose of it in the relevant bins.

  • [ ] I will use the compost toilets responsibly, following the instructions.

  • [ ] I will LEAVE NO TRACE - I will not leave rubbish around the site- if I see any, I will pick it up and dispose of it.

  • [ ] I will not swim in the lake or the cold plunge with sunblock/lotion on.

• [ ] I respect The Garden:

  • [ ] I will not enter the following spaces without permission from a Garden team member: the office, the industrial kitchen, the room-in-the-room, the workshop, the containers, and any private accommodation (unless the person living in the accommodation invites you in…)

  • [ ] I understand that the entire property is alcohol & smoke free. Therefore, I will not bring alcohol or tobacco to the property, I will not be intoxicated on-site, and if I must smoke, I will do so by myself outside the gates to break the culture of social-smoking.

  • [ ] I understand that phone calls and computers/phones making noise can happen only: in nature, in private accommodation, in call rooms or 20m away from buildings (with the exception of the downstairs call terrace). I will not make this noise in the main building.

  • [ ] I will not use electronic devices in the Dojo, with the exception of those needed to play music, conduct workshops, or films during movie nights.

  • [ ] I will not move furniture or decorations without approval from The Garden team.

• [ ] I support health, safety and security on site:

  • [ ] I have read and agree to abide by the Consent Policy.
  • [ ] I will promptly report issues of concern directly to the organisation, by coming to the office in person or using the General Feedback Form on the telegram group.
  • [ ] I will cooperate with any measures taken by the organisation to ensure the health, safety and security of those on site.
  • [ ] I agree to abide by the principles of direct communication. If I have an issue or conflict with someone, I will speak to them directly and sensitively. If I don't feel comfortable doing so, I will speak with the Community Manager or another member of The Garden team for support.
  • [ ] I understand that this is not an intentional community and that I can't live here forever or organize a collective governance mutiny.

Logistics and Policies:

• [ ] If I want to move my accommodation or extend my stay, I will request it via email: [email protected] or the relevant booking platform.
• [ ] I respect the agreed check-out time of 11 AM. Overstays will be considered as an extra day & will be charged accordingly.
• [ ] I understand that I am financially liable for any damage I cause to property.

Cultural and Social Awareness