Growing Together: Stratton Meadows Neighbors Celebrate Their 4th Planting Party!

Stratton Meadows neighbors celebrate a new community-installed landscape.

Something special is taking root in Stratton Meadows. Since May 2024, neighbors have been coming together to transform front yards into thriving, sustainable gardens. This month marked their 4th planting party, and with every shovel of soil, the dream of creating Colorado Springs’ most sustainable neighborhood is becoming more real.

Neighbors of all ages came together to plant 88 plants, including fruit trees, berry bushes, herbs, and flowering native perennials. The result is an edible, water-wise, and pollinator-friendly landscape that will provide both beauty and bounty for years to come. This project is part of Hey Neighbor’s partnership with the Fountain Creek Watershed District , demonstrating how neighborhoods can use roof runoff wisely to create gardens that benefit both people and the planet. Not only will this yard provide fresh food, but it will also buzz and flutter with birds, bees, and butterflies, creating a living classroom for the community to learn from and enjoy.

“It’s incredible to see how much can get done when neighbors come together,” said Kelly Bull, Hey Neighbor’s Executive Director. Two years ago, she dreamed of seeing Stratton Meadows become a model for what a sustainable neighborhood could look like. Today, that dream is coming to life—one yard at a time.

This time, the group had a little extra help. Robertson’s Landscape pitched in with pre-digging and leveling work, setting the stage for a smooth planting day. Students from Colorado College’s Sunrise Movement club came out to help and brought their infectious enthusiasm and energy with them. Marilyn Dawson, Hey Neighbor’s community coordinator, brought along her granddaughter and great-granddaughter, both eager helpers who loved getting their hands dirty. Timberline Landscaping generously donated and delivered high-quality compost and mulch, ensuring the new plants have the healthy soil they need to thrive. Most of the plants were purchased from the City of Colorado Springs Horticulture Greenhouses during their annual sale, which raises funds to build an outdoor classroom for the community.

With every planting party, the roots of this movement grow deeper. Each tree, shrub, and flower tells the story of what’s possible when neighbors unite to care for their shared home. Stratton Meadows is becoming more than a neighborhood—it’s becoming a living example of connection, stewardship, and hope for the future.