By Friends of Mulberry Fields.
Big changes are underway at Mulberry Fields Community Garden! Since February 2025, the garden has been undergoing a major transformation to address long-standing issues with erosion, stormwater runoff, and flooding. Now, after months of steady progress, we’re excited to share that the space is nearly ready for community use once again.
This project is part of the Wylde Center’s capital campaign to improve all five of its gardens. Here in Candler Park, the focus has been on building long-term resilience and refreshing the garden infrastructure for the next generation of growers. With generous support from CPNO, our neighbors, and Friends of Mulberry Fields, the space is coming back to life.
Rain Gardens & Drainage
A major component of the work has been the installation of engineered rain gardens to capture and redirect stormwater. These new features are now planted and mulched, and doing their job beautifully. The lower rain garden, located where the basketball court used to be, has been especially soggy after recent rain—but additional plants may be added to help it thrive.
Lawn, Gravel & Paths
The lawn has been seeded and a second round of seeding is planned for the fall to encourage fuller growth. Gravel has been spread in key areas, and grading has helped water flow properly across the site.
Raised Garden Beds Are Ready
The biggest visible change? Brand-new raised garden beds have been constructed and filled! The soil is in place and ready to grow with plot assignments to be finalized in August. We just ask that gardeners wait until receiving their plot number before planting. A note to future gardeners: soil was delivered and spread with equipment, so not every bed has an identical amount. If your bed has a little extra, feel free to share—it’s a community garden, after all!
Chick-a-Billy Zone & Upper Garden Features
The upper garden is open and Fiona the goat and her friends (including some very charming chickens) are always happy to say hello. Fiona is especially happy to welcome anyone with appropriate snacks like kudzu, mulberry leaves, privet, English Ivy, and carrots (lots of carrots). And last, but not least, the hobbit houses are open for play.
Mulberry Fields is truly coming back to life, and we’re so grateful to everyone lending their hands, hearts, and shovels along the way.