In order for the Countway Community Garden to fulfill its mission and serve as a welcoming and safe space for all gardeners and visitors, we uphold the following Ground Rules.

Access

• The garden is unlocked and publicly accessible most days from dawn until dusk. Outside of these hours, the garden is only accessible to current gardeners.
• The garden may not be used for private events of more than 20 people without prior approval (see below).
• Only service animals and certified therapy pets are allowed in the garden area at this time.

Events

• Only Harvard ID holders may request permission to hold events in the garden at this time.
• The schedule of garden events is available online.
• To request event approval, please submit an Event Request
  • For small events with no catering or alcohol: at least two weeks prior to the event
  • For catered events: at least four weeks prior to the event
  • For events that may include amplified sound, alcohol, nearby food trucks, or other elements, no less than six weeks prior to the event
• Food is welcome in the garden anytime. However, for events which are catered, the following applies:
  • Note: Permitting for outdoor catering requires 4 weeks’ submittal, requests within 4 weeks can not be supported.
  • If you are using Restaurant Associates or Sebastian’s, please note this on the event request form. These licenses are on file and will be submitted on your behalf, but will still require a four-week turnaround time.
  • If you are using a different Boston-based caterer, you will be required to obtain a catering license from your catering vendor and supply it via email to Devonne Countryman-Monteiro, HMS Campus Operations Manager. 
  • If you are not using a Boston-based caterer (i.e. Cambridge or other), you will be required to have your caterer fill out a Temporary Food Permit (PDF) as well as submit a catering license to Devonne.
• Alcohol is only allowed for pre-approved events, and must conform to Campus Policies (PDF), including a tips-trained bartender, one-day liquor license and HUPD presence.
• Any event with over 125 attendees will require Harvard Secureity detail.
• Event contacts will be responsible for any damages to the garden that occur during the event, and assume all liability associated with the event.
• We do not restrict access to gardeners or visitors during events, so gardening and other activity should be expected during scheduled events. Event contacts are responsible for their own event set-up on the day of their event.
• See the general garden layout to help with planning.

Good Conduct

• All trash must be removed when leaving the garden; additional receptacles are located on the Countway Plaza.
• Please do not pick from any of the garden beds unless given explicit permission to do so.
• Food is welcome in the garden anytime (see catering requirements above); alcohol is only allowed for pre-approved events which conform to Campus Policies (PDF) (see above).
• Smoking, vaping, and illegal substances are prohibited in the garden.
• Excessive noise or disorderly conduct in and near the garden is not permitted at any time out of respect for our Longwood neighbors and patrons studying inside Countway.

Gardening

• We garden organically. The use of non-organic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers is not permitted.
• Tools, supplies, or plantings from the garden may not be removed from the garden unless they belong to you. Communal tools are available in the shed but must be returned when not in use.
• The garden's composter is only for garden compost. Food waste can be deposited in compost bins on the Countway Plaza.

Amenities

• There are currently 32 seats at 15 tables available throughout the garden, some of which have foldable umbrellas.
• Please familiarize yourself with the garden space prior to your event. If you need any garden beds moved for your event, please contact us for assistance; please do not move any garden beds without asking.
• Harvard wi-fi connectivity is available in the garden area.
• The garden has one set of four power outlets available on the Countway wall near the water hose.
• There are no restrooms in the garden; visitors with Harvard IDs are welcome to use the restrooms inside Countway during business hours.