Colorado Springs residents have a range of garden-themed activities and learning opportunities scheduled over the coming weeks, from hands-on children's sessions to weekend flower-picking and seasonal markets. Events are spread across neighborhood green spaces and small farms, many with admission fees or pre-registration required.
Quick picks for families and gardeners
For younger participants, Phelan Gardens at 4955 Austin Bluffs Parkway is hosting a short, guided program called Tiny Plants Pop Up for Kids & Teens on Wednesday forages (ages 7-13), from 10 to 10:30 a.m. The class fee is $13; organizers ask that families register at phelangardens.com.
- Gather Mountain Blooms (5210 S. U.S. 85/87) will operate multiple pick-your-own flower sessions and larger festivals through late August and into September. Admission and picking fees vary, and many offerings require advance purchase at gathermountainblooms.com.
- Cottonwood Center for the Arts (427 E. Colorado Ave.) hosts the Victory Garden Market on July 19 and again on Aug. 16, featuring vendors, plants, treats and presentations by local master gardeners.
- Specialty workshops such as a Tropical Terrarium class and a xeriscape garden tour are available for adults seeking hands-on instruction or seasonal landscape advice.
Schedule highlights and practical details
Below is a concise listing of events pulled from local organizers. Attendees should check the listed websites for the latest ticket availability and any changes.
| Date | Event | Location | Price / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday (ongoing) | Tiny Plants Pop Up for Kids & Teens | Phelan Gardens, 4955 Austin Bluffs Pkwy | $13; register at phelangardens.com |
| Fridays through Sept. 25 | You-Pick Flowers | Gather Mountain Blooms, 5210 S. U.S. 85/87 | $25 for a cup; check gathermountainblooms.com for admission |
| July 19 | Victory Garden Market with tree-care presentation | Cottonwood Center for the Arts, 427 E. Colorado Ave. | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; info at cottonwoodcenterforthearts.com |
| July 24 | Tour: Xeriscape Gardens | 2855 Mesa Road | $25; register at pillarinstitute.org |
| July 24-25 | Annual Iris Rhizome Sale | Spencer's Garden Center, 1430 S. Tejon St. | Hours vary; elmohririssociety.org |
| July 25 & Aug. 1 | Zinnia Days | Gather Mountain Blooms | $10 admission; $25 for cup |
| Aug. 8 | Tropical Terrarium Workshop | Phelan Gardens | $40; phelangardens.com |
| Aug. 15, 22 & 29 | Sunflower Days | Gather Mountain Blooms | $10 admission; $25 for cup |
| Aug. 16 | Victory Garden Market with seed-storage presentation | Cottonwood Center for the Arts | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; cottonwoodcenterforthearts.com |
“Tree Care with Emphasis on Fruit Trees”
Several gatherings include educational components led by local master gardeners—topics range from tree care to seed collection and storage. These presentations are aimed at backyard gardeners wanting to improve orchard health, preserve varieties and manage water use in Colorado’s semi-arid climate.
Why these events matter locally
Community markets and hands-on workshops serve multiple roles in Colorado Springs: they support small farms and garden businesses, give residents access to locally grown produce and flowers, and provide free or low-cost horticultural education. For households adapting landscapes for drought resilience, events such as the xeriscape garden tour offer practical demonstrations relevant to city and neighborhood yard care.
Organizers encourage early registration for limited-capacity classes and recommend checking the listed websites for tickets and the latest details. Event hosts also invite submissions for future listings; email notices are accepted at the Cottonwood Center for the Arts contact listed in the event postings.
For families and gardeners alike, these summer offerings provide a mix of recreation, learning and local commerce across Colorado Springs neighborhoods and nearby farm sites.
