Garden-sharing ground rules
A Lend & Tend arrangement works best when both people know what’s expected. These ground rules are a plain-English summary of our garden-sharing agreement template — a sensible starting point you can adapt to your own garden. They’re a guide, not legal advice.
The main points
Sharing, not exclusive use
The garden is shared. The tender doesn't get exclusive use, and if the lender and tender disagree about how the space is used, the lender's wishes take precedence.
Produce is for the tender
Anything grown is for the tender and their household — not for any trade or business. You can agree to share some produce with the lender; note that in your agreement.
Keep it cultivated and tidy
The tender keeps the space cultivated, in good condition, clean, tidy and free from weeds, and leaves it that way at the end.
No hazardous substances
No pesticides, fungicides, poisons or other hazardous substances without the lender's written approval (an email is fine).
No structures without consent
No sheds or other structures may be put up without the lender's written consent.
Liability & insurance
Neither party is liable for accidental injury or damage except through negligence. Check your own insurance — Lend & Tend accepts no liability.
Ending the arrangement
Either party can end the arrangement with notice. It can also end on an agreed date, or if the space is left untended for more than a month between March and October.
Conditions of use
Things to agree before you start. Many simply need a quick yes/no between lender and tender — your agreement captures the common ones.
Animals
No animals may be kept or let loose in the gardening space without the lender's consent — for example, a well-controlled pet dog.
Trees
Don't plant fruit or other trees/plants that take more than 12 months to cultivate, and don't cut or prune existing trees, without the lender's written consent.
No nuisance or annoyance
Use the space safely and considerately, causing no nuisance to the lender or neighbours, and don't obstruct or damage other parts of the property.
No excessive noise
Excessive noise is not permitted. Agree in advance whether audible music is OK.
No dumping
No petrol, oil, rubbish, lubricants or other inflammable liquids or refuse may be left in the gardening space.
Reasonable rules & requests
The tender follows reasonable rules and requests from the lender for the orderly management of the space.
Statutory requirements
Don't do anything that breaches the law or that could invalidate the lender's insurance.
Unauthorised persons
Only the tender — or people approved in writing by the lender and/or accompanied by the tender — may enter the space.
Noticeboards & advertisements
No notices or advertisements may be posted on the property without the lender's express permission.
Other restrictions
Hoses/sprinklers only to fill water containers unless agreed; bonfires only for diseased plant material and never left unattended; no corrugated iron or barbed wire; and don't remove soil, minerals or gravel without written permission.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is our priority. Any incident involving harm, fraud, theft or property damage must be reported to the appropriate authorities. If you have a concern, contact us at hello@lendandtend.com.