Photos by Michael Beigay
A layer of pine mulch is applied after weed removal

The parklet at the corner of Buena Vista and Jacksonia Streets in the Mexican War Streets received an upgrade recently.

Putting in over 10 hours of work, Rich Liberto, landscape designer and horticulturist, and three other men weeded, mulched, and divided existing plants that include Irises, Daylilies, Coral Bells, and Hostas.

A variegated shrub dogwood and daylily take center stage with Aegopodium ground cover in the background.

Liberto said these plants are period appropriate for the area, where customers of Commonplace Coffee and people passing through can now admire the garden free of invasive weeds like Knotweed and Thistle. He also said the crew pulled out wild grape vines that were 8 feet tall.

“It went from an urban jungle to a nice, more tame and serene relaxing garden,” Liberto said.

Pete Bechtold, a Mexican War Streets Society green space chair, said in the past when volunteers had come out to tend the space there was never a great turnout and he felt the garden never reached its full potential.

“It hasn’t looked this good as long as I’ve lived in the neighborhood,” Bechtold said.

Last year, the MWSS bought two bistro tables and chairs for the area for people to sit in, including Commonplace Coffee customers. Bechtold said the café have become a great part of the neighborhood and regularly pick up trash in and around the space, which has prompted customers to do it as well.