Expansion Event: A Garden Party at The Commons in Lincoln
It was a lovely spring afternoon for a garden party at The Commons in Lincoln. A white tent set up in the courtyard welcomed guests to an immersive afternoon to celebrate a new chapter in the community’s growth.
A Feast for the Senses
Guests gathered just beyond the Lemon Pippin Café—a charming setting where sustainability and thoughtful design meet. Culinary Services Director Nina Quirk and her exceptional team prepared an extraordinary spread, seamlessly weaving the garden party theme into every bite.
The menu was thoughtfully curated: a variety of finger sandwiches including apricot, grape and tarragon chicken salad; cucumber, chive and cream cheese; smoked salmon with dill caper lemon cream cheese; and creamy avocado. Individual charcuterie cups, served in vintage floral teacups, showcased a vibrant mix of fruits, meats and cheeses—each bite a charming and colorful delight.
Elegant desserts turned the garden party into an edible work of art—macarons mimicked tomato plants, vanilla and chocolate cupcakes became vibrant flowers and decadent shortbread cookies were adorned with painted preserves and delicate edible flowers. Fruit kabobs transformed into wildflower gardens of pineapple, watermelon and grapes.
Guests savored refreshing beverages—from fragrant jasmine and lavender teas to crisp white and rosé wines—making for a delightful afternoon of mingling and relaxation.
Garden Party Activities and Community Connections
Beyond the culinary delights, the afternoon buzzed with engaging activities. Guests mingled with residents and members of The Commons’ Garden Committee—who are passionate about cultivating not just flowers but a flourishing way of life.
Highlights included:
- Potting Tomato Seedlings: Guests planted their own seedlings to take home, a living memory of the day.
- Fresh Flower Arranging: Buckets of blooms invited guests to craft their own fragrant bouquets, a personal touch to bring the garden’s beauty home.
Guided Tours and a Vision for the Future
Guests took part in hands-on activities before embarking on guided tours of The Commons’ campus and our exciting expansion project. These tours offered a glimpse of the community’s deep commitment to exceptional living, sustainability and thoughtful design.
The expansion project—already underway—includes the addition of 28 charming cottage-style homes and spacious one- and two-bedroom apartment homes that will harmonize beautifully with our existing architecture and natural landscapes. This project offers new opportunities for future residents to join our flourishing community, all while strengthening our dedication to sustainability and a net-zero future.
From incorporating natural elements that enhance both aesthetics and well-being to cultivating native pollinator plants and using dark sky compliant outdoor lighting, every detail has been carefully considered. Sustainability initiatives that will reduce our dependence on the grid include electric vehicle chargers, triple-pane high-performance windows, eco-friendly insulation, LED lights and energy-efficient mechanical systems with integral energy recovery ventilators (ERVs). Together, these initiatives ensure that residents can truly take root and flourish in a community designed to thrive.
Experience The Commons for Yourself
If you missed our inspiring Garden Party, do not worry—there is always something new to discover at The Commons in Lincoln. We warmly invite you to visit for a tour, meet our welcoming residents and explore our stunning apartment homes, exceptional amenities and the vibrant culture that makes life here so special. With our expansion underway, there are even more opportunities to become part of this exceptional community.