Currently I am doing research on legal issues surrounding community gardens. I am interested in finding out how the current heat wave and drought in the midwest and east coast will effect the water supply needed for community gardens.

Nicole,

I'm a member of the Chestnut Hill Community Gardens in Philadelphia. The land is donated by the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania and administered by the Chestnut Hill Community Association. All gardeners must be a member of one of the sponsoring organizations. In addition, a $20.00 fee is paid annually for each 10 x 16' plot. There are 104 plots in the CHCG.

The annual plot fee adequately pays for garden maintenance. The gardens have always had access to county water. Several years ago, a summer water line was installed which is connected to the county water system and meter. Our main expense is water use and plumbing related maintenance of the pvc above ground pipes.

During the drought emergency, we abide by the same guidelines as any home gardener in Pennsylvania. We are permitted to hand water between the hours of 5pm to 9am only.

We have yet to experience water rationing at the community gardens and with recent rainful of 2-5" in the Philadelphia area, hopefully we will not this season.

You can gain further information on water use in community gardening programs in Philadelpia by contacting the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and it's community gardening program, Philadelphia Green.

Good luck with your research.

Judy McKeon

Here is a link that might be useful: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society