Our biggest event of the year is October 7—Prairie Harvest Fest!

Why Community Gardens Matter at Painted Prairie

Published
Apr 28, 2021

Whether you are a family of four or a family of one, Painted Prairie’s community gardens offer healthy lifestyle choices, a sense of community, and an easy way to enjoy the Colorado outdoors

Did you know?

Painted Prairie has two community gardens — Columbine and Indian Paintbrush Gardens. Both gardens are located within easy walking distance from anywhere in Painted Prairie. These gardens offer a place to gather, make family memories, or spend quiet time alone with your very own plot of homegrown vegetables.

Whether you are growing for your own family or to donate to a local food bank, community gardens offer more than a sustainable food source. Our community garden plots are for anyone new to urban farming and who want to connect with the outdoors in a healthy, nutritious way.

While not a new concept, community gardens are popping up all over the country, including right here in Colorado. From urban areas to the suburbs, national trends show that these small urban garden spaces are growing faster than in previous years. According to a blog post by The Trust for Public Land, in 2019, the number of community garden plots in city parks has increased 44% since the group started keeping track in 2012. Currently, there are approximately 20 community gardens in Aurora, Colorado, that provide food and community connections for residents.

It is that connection to the earth, the respite from life’s stresses, and the shear joy of growing and harvesting our own food that brings the neighborhood together at Columbine and Indian Paintbrush Gardens. Long before DIA was a blip on the radar, the early pioneers who settled this land joined together to grow their own food and live a simple, sustainable life. Our community gardens are designed to attract residents (and butterflies), and are another way Painted Prairie is tying into the agricultural roots of the community.

Painted Prairie’s Bring on Spring event, May 1, 2021 kicks off with our first How-to Garden Clinic

How do I start my own urban garden?

If you are ready to jump into urban gardening at Painted Prairie, we have a few easy steps to get you started:

  1. Your Location: Will you be able to walk or bike to your garden plot? Simply knowing that you can walk out your door and be in your private plot in a matter of minutes, is important to maintaining your garden.
  2. Your Diet: What vegetables do you eat on a regular basis at home? Planting vegetables that your family regularly consumes is a great way to start. Exploring new vegetables to try is always encouraged, and helps your kids try new tastes.
  3. Your Know-How: Do you have a green thumb? It doesn’t matter if you are a new gardener or a seasoned pro, there are many resources available to both amateurs and Master Gardeners alike. For a limited time, Painted Prairie will host monthly gardening clinics hosted by the Dig and Dream Garden Club to help you get started. In addition, the CSU Extension Office is an invaluable resource for gardeners of all levels. To sign up for our first How-To Garden Clinic, click here to RSVP.

If you are interested in renting a garden plot for the summer, reservations are available by contacting John with Advance HOA via email at [email protected]. Remember, gardening is fun and a great way to get to know your neighbors and enjoy the Colorado outdoors at the same time!

Resident Testimonials

Johann Duran

Once we heard of Painted Prairie in 2021, we were hooked! We loved the diversity of the community, the open space, and everything else it has to offer. Our house has very rapidly turned into a home. We actually met some of our closest friends at a Painted Prairie event.

Jacci Cradle

Painted Prairie has become a place that feels like home for my family because of the strong sense of community and the diverse and inclusive atmosphere. It’s a place where we can connect with neighbors, support local businesses, and truly feel like we belong. The shared values of unity, diversity, and sustainability in the community align with what our family holds dear. It’s a place where children can thrive, and we can contribute positively to the community.

Gabriele Dos Santos

Being an active community while bringing us together on the different events throughout the year. We have been fortunate to enjoy the farmers markets, the neighborhood BBQ, the pancake breakfast, the family painting class, movies at the park and the Fall Festival! Our son and dog also love all the parks!

© 2023 Painted Prairie. All rights reserved. All amenities and information are subject to change without notice.
Privacy PolicyTerms of Use