In 2010 the vision of a community garden on the church’s vacant lot became a reality. With help from Denver Urban Gardens the first 16 plots were readied. Even though it was a late start in the season, the plots were immediately filled and within a month a lush and thriving garden existed in an area that a few weeks earlier was just weeds.
As the garden grew, community interest and participation also grew. We had a mix of gardeners from different places in this country, as well as from Korea, Africa, and Mexico. Not only does it provide food the garden provides an enjoyable social, cultural and educational experience for all. The gardeners had “watermelon nights” and work days, clean up days and a harvest potluck. People were always stopping by to look and linger at the garden. Children love the garden. Through the garden, relationships were established with gardeners from the Korean Methodist congregation, low-income apartments in the area, and surrounding neighbors. The response was, and continues to be, very positive and there is a waiting list.
We hope to at least double the current size of the garden this summer with the help of Denver Urban Gardens. DUG has been in existence 25 years and has over 100 gardens. DUG funding is diverse and comes from individuals, corporations, foundations and city, state and federal agencies. They believe in “growing community — one urban garden at a time” by supporting neighborhoods as they work to create their own urban garden. Its roles will include Aurora Water Dept. liaison, land manager, fiscal agent, design and construction coordinator, organization of volunteer construction labor, and facilitator of construction and garden improvements. DUG works to solicit funds for construction material and identifies garden funding partners. DUG is responsible for the planning of the garden and improvements to it.
It is DUG’s and the church’s philosophy that everyone may garden regardless of an ability to contribute financially. Our garden offers opportunity for people to grow their own healthy organic produce providing food and healthy diets. The gardeners are planing fundraising and outreach events and are excited to begin partnership with Denver Urban Gardens in 2011.