Home Builders Sow Seeds for Urban Agriculture

In the Stapleton neighborhood of Denver, developer Forest City has recognized the growing interest in urban gardening by partnering with The Urban Farm Company to offer ready-made raised-bed gardens to homebuyers.

1 minute read

August 8, 2013, 12:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


"Conservatory Green, which developer Forest City Stapleton is advertising as 'urban' and 'garden-ready,' is embracing the idea that individuals can become farmers, or at least gardeners, even in tight urban areas," reports Matthew Patane. "Forest City Stapleton recently entered into an agreement with The Urban Farm Company of Colorado to offer homebuyers raised-bed gardens for their front yards or backyards."

"These huge corporate home builders, they have begun to realize that this is what people want," said Bryant Mason, the founder of Urban Farm.

"Tim Aston, Colorado State University extension director in Arapahoe County, said planned housing developments, such as Stapleton, are taking a different approach to neighborhoods," adds Patane. "Developers are 'emphasizing the communal aspect more,' instead of simply maximizing housing space."

"It's a big perk now for new development to have (urban gardens), along with a pool or a dog park option, even if it's just a community garden," Aston said.


Tuesday, August 6, 2013 in The Denver Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog