Gardener FAQs

  • General FAQs

    Getting started, contact information, and access to the park.

    Click Here

  • Tools & Supplies

    Where to get plants, seeds, tools, and supplies.

    Click Here

  • Compost, Trash, Invasives & Water

    Where to dispose of trash, what can go in the compost, and how to deal with invasives.

    Click Here

  • Rules & Regulations

    Gardener responsibilities and park regulations.

    Click Here

General FAQs

Who can I reach out to at FGS to help me get started?

The Area Directors and Section Coordinator assigned to your area of the park are great resources. Your garden neighbors can be a wealth of information and very helpful, too. Lastly, make sure to read the FGS Weekly!

I often have visitors ask me about the Gardens. Where should I direct them?

Please point them to the FGS website and/or the FGS bulletin board at the main entry to the park. Learn a bit about the Fenway Garden Society yourself as we are the stewards for the Fenway Victory Gardens. It is interesting and fun to learn more about the organization of which you are a member.

What do I do if I decide to give up my garden?

Please email renewals@fenwayvictory.gardens.org and notify your Area Director and Section Coordinator.

What are Grill Days?

FGS obtains a permits with the City annually where gardeners can grill in their gardens. Gardeners may only grill when FGS has a permit to do so. Grill dates will always be announced via FGS Weekly emails, and posted on the FGS Calendar page. Grill Days are for FGS members and their guests, and grilling is limited to Member garden plots (i.e., not in the meadow).

Everyone must adhere to the “FGS Grill Day Rules” for everyone’s safety and the security of our parkland:

  • Use propane only (NO open log fires or charcoal).

  • Always have a water source ready in case of an emergency.

  • Dispose of trash and/or food items when you leave at the end of the event day (note: please help out park maintenance employees by disposing of trash items in the dumpster).

  • Remove grills and propane tanks within 24 hours of the event ending.

Tools & Supplies

What tools and supplies should I have on hand and where should I keep them?

We recommend that gardeners typically have their own shovel, pitchfork, trowel, hand clippers, pruners, hose and nozzle and/or a watering can.

Note: There is a general rule that you shouldn’t leave anything in your garden that you won’t be upset about losing. The gardens are in a public space, and we do have instances of theft and vandalism. We recommend that you either lock up your tools or hide them out of sight. Some gardeners who live nearby take tools back and forth from home.

Does FGS have tools I can borrow? How can I borrow them?

FGS has speciality tools and power tools available to lend to gardeners. CPDs will be used for gardeners to request the use of FGS tools. The requests will be fulfilled on a first come, first serve basis. More info will be shared in FGS Weekly. Please ask your Area Director and/or Section Coordinator about how to borrow these.

Where can I purchase plants and garden tools?

Where should I look to source seed packets and plants?

Compost, Trash, Invasives & Water

Is there an irrigation system in the Gardens?

There is a water connection for approximately every 3 gardens. You’ll need to get your own hose and use a silcock with a square hole (or water key) to turn on the spigot. FGS will provide new gardeners with a water key at their garden giveaway.

When does the water get turned on and off in the Fenway Victory Gardens?

The water typically gets turned on in late April or early May and turned off in mid-October. The timing varies slightly from year to year depending on the weather forecast and the City of Boston. You will be notified about this through FGS Weekly.

What do I do if I notice a water leak?

Please report water leaks or issues here.

Where do I dispose of various materials, such as soft, non-invasive plant materials, excess soil, woody plant materials, trash, or metal?

For proper disposal of such materials please see Compost & Trash Management Document on the Educational Resources page. 

What are invasive species and how do I deal with them?

Please refer to our Educational Resources page to help identify, deal with, and dispose of common invasives species found in the gardens.

Is it okay to put food scraps from home in the compost piles?

Only materials from our gardens may be placed in the compost piles. There is a significant rat problem in the city, and the Fenway neighborhood has its fair share of the rodents. Please do not add to the problem by putting your residential waste in the FGS compost piles.

Rules & Regulations

Are there restrictions as to what I can plant? Where can I learn more about what is permissible in my garden?

There are restrictions related to height and invasives. Also, you should never shade your neighbor’s garden. Additionally, there are many other guidelines including those related to garden structures and fencing. As an FGS member, each year you are required to review the FGS Guidelines and Regulations. Please become familiar with the document and ask your Area Director or Section Coordinator any questions that you have.

Is access to my garden restricted after the growing season and over the winter?

You may be in your garden during all seasons. Please note that per the FGS Guidelines and Regulations, a Fall cleanup is required. 

What is the guideline for accessing the park with the car?

There are two main/car entry points to the park and routes you can pass through. If you need to drop off supplies, you are only allowed to park your vehicle for 20 minutes. You may not block paved walkways as those need to be kept clear and fully accessible. 

What is the guideline for parking within the park?

You are only allowed to park your vehicle for 20 minutes (e.g., dropping off your supplies). If this is abused, we may all lose the privilege and you definitely don’t want to be responsible for that happening. Also, you may not block paved walkways as those need to be kept clear and fully accessible.

How was our current set of rules established?

The FGS Guidelines and Regulations were first created decades ago and are periodically revised by FGS with the approval of the Commissioner of Boston Parks and Recreation Department. The last revision was in 2023.

Each gardener is responsible for maintaining a secure gate and fence lines. If you need help with building a fence or repairs, you can refer to How to Build a Fence and/or check in with your Area Director and/or Section Coordinator. We also encourage you to ask other gardeners for advice or make plans to help each other with fencing projects.

Who is responsible for maintaining a secure gate and fence lines?

Why are there so many rules in the Guidelines & Regulations?

As stewards of the Fenway Victory Gardens which are part of City of Boston land, we are required to have a comprehensive list of guidelines. In order to keep the day-to-day management of the gardens under the purview of the Fenway Garden Society, it is necessary that each gardener abide by the Guidelines and Regulations. 

What if I have other questions that weren’t answered in this FAQ?

Email info@fenwayvictorygardens.org with any questions you might have.

Previous

Members Handbook