The London Garden - A Guide to Respecting Each Other
Welcome to The London Garden. We're so glad you're joining us.
Ours is a shared space, a place to grow, learn and connect. Whether you're here to dig, to craft, to teach or simply to sit among the greenery, you're part of a community now, and every community grows best when we tend to it together.
This short guide isn't a list of rules so much as a few gentle agreements. We ask everyone who joins a workshop or visits the garden to read it and keep it in mind.
Listening is part of learning
Our workshops are led by people who give their time and knowledge generously, mostly voluntarily. When a session is underway;
- please follow the facilitator's pace rather than rushing through the topics. This is because there's always a mixed capability group, and those new to the topic want to learn and note down. We understand one way is not always the way, but we introduce certain topics so everyone has the chance to try it out, compare notes and then try out uncommon ways. This is usually what is shared in the workshops later on.
- Wait to be invited. If you'd like to add something, wait for a natural pause or a question to the group. Sometimes those new to the topic miss out on the different information when it's coming from several angles at once. We want everyone to have the chance to note all views down, to take home and try.
- Pass the watering can. In group settings, everyone deserves room to speak. Keep contributions brief so others can have their turn.
- Disagree kindly. It's fine to have a different view. Offer it with respect, and accept that the facilitator and other attendees may still do things their way. We always say, there's no one route, and here we like to try them all. This is why we really enjoy the parts of the session where attendees share the methods they use, community exchange of ideas and practices is why we value in the space, and you do too.
Give people their privacy
A garden is a sociable place, and new friendships often take root here. But people share only what they choose to share.
- Don't press for personal information. Please don't ask others for details about their home, work, health, finances or relationships.
- Let people offer, not be asked. If someone wants to tell you something about themselves, they will.
- Respect a "no". If someone declines to answer a question or join a conversation, let it rest without asking again.
Look after the space and each other
- Be kind and patient with fellow attendees, volunteers and facilitators.
- Treat tools, plants and shared spaces with care.
- Include others. A newcomer standing alone is an easy thing to fix.
- If something feels wrong, tell a facilitator or a volunteer. You won't be making a fuss; you'll be helping us keep this a good place to be.
A note on the spirit of it all
None of this is meant to make anyone feel watched or unwelcome. Quite the opposite. A garden where people feel safe, heard and respected is a garden where everyone grows a little better, including the plants.
If you ever have a question about how things work here, just ask.
Thank you for being part of The London Garden.
Grow, learn, connect.