The Colorado Master Gardener Program: Planting Gardens, Growing People


CMG School Garden in Denver County
Mi Casa Resource Center


Tomatoes at Mi CasaColorado Master Gardener volunteer Susan Shepard works with the community to revamp the after school Mi Casa community garden at Lake Middle School in west Denver. Mi Casa Resource Center is a non-profit whose mission is to provide quality employment and education services that promote economic independence for low income, predominantly Latino families.

New raised beds give vegetable roots better growing depth and students a better change of realizing a crop with fewer weeds. Susan says" I love to see children's eyes light up when they look at the work they've done in the garden and as the learn about how things grow." Lessons learned included healthy eating choices (more vegetables) and the benefits of locally grown food.

Mi Casa GardenSusan also also sells produce she grow in her own backyard "urban farm" in the neighborhood. Her entrepreneurial business model is valuable for children to see as they begin to think ab out career choices and self-sufficiency.


Contact Us

CSU Extension, Denver County Office
     888 E Iliff Ave.
     Denver, CO 80210
     Phone: 720-913-5270
     Fax: 720-913-5289
Denver CMG Help Line: 720-913-5278
Denver CMG Email: denvermg@ext.colostate.edu
Denver CMG Web: http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/4dmg/

Horticultural Staff