Soil³ Story: Creating a Beer Garden at Slow Pour Brewing

What started as a dream between brothers-in-law became a reality when Slow Pour Brewing Company opened its doors in an old garment factory near the square in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

The founders assembled a team of partners, brewers, and industry experts to launch a brewery that offers much more than just great beer. Their mission extends beyond brewing—they aim to foster meaningful conversations and strengthen the local community through their inviting venue.

Then came Gwinnett Master Gardener, Tim Mullen.

As Tim approached retirement from his teaching career, friends and colleagues often asked about his plans. He would reply that he had always wanted to be "the guy who pulls the tap" in a brewery.

One day, he visited Slow Pour Brewing and asked if he could volunteer. While they didn’t have official volunteer roles, they invited him to help label cans. As he worked, conversations flowed, and they soon discovered his expertise as a gardener. It wasn’t long before they asked him a pivotal question: Can you build us a beer garden?

Overcoming Coal, Clay, and Compaction

Tim embraced the idea and began assessing the property. He quickly realized the challenges ahead—beneath the surface, embedded in compacted clay, lay remnants of coal dumped from the factory’s old boilers over many years.

To cultivate a thriving garden, the soil needed restoration, and Tim knew he couldn’t do it alone. He reached out to the Gwinnett County Cooperative Extension office, and they agreed to establish a Master Gardener Demonstration Garden outside the Slow Pour Brewery.

With the help of his fellow Master Gardener Volunteers, Tim began the arduous process of clearing out coal and preparing the soil for planting. Recognizing the need to amend the compacted red clay, they sought an organic solution. That’s when they ordered Soil³ humus compost.

Hospitality in the Beer Garden

Master Gardeners are passionate about sharing their knowledge, inspiring others, and encouraging a love for gardening. Thanks to their efforts, the Slow Pour Brewing beer garden has flourished into a vibrant space that transforms as the seasons change.

Bursting with flowers, berries, vegetables, and even hops, the beer garden naturally draws in members of the Lawrenceville community. Many stop to admire the lush landscape, ask questions, and—more often than not—grab a beer before settling in among the picnic tables to enjoy the view.

Tim shares his vision: “We want people to visit the garden, to linger and learn while they’re here, and of course, we want them to come back again.”

The Master Gardeners also host a variety of educational events, including gardening classes, “Ask a Master Gardener” days, Arbor Day celebrations, pollinator workshops, and plant sales. These events take place both inside the brewery and out in the beer garden, further strengthening community engagement.

A Beer Garden Rooted in Community

Slow Pour Brewing remains committed to crafting quality beer while fostering meaningful connections and a sense of community. The beer garden is a testament to this vision, benefiting not just the brewery but also the Master Gardeners and the community at large.

The initial application of Soil³ compost transformed the soil, enabling the garden to thrive. Tim and a team of Master Gardeners volunteer regularly to maintain the garden, consistently top-dressing the plants each spring and fall to promote lasting growth and vitality. As Tim puts it, “The results speak for themselves.”

Through collaboration, passion, and the power of healthy soil, Slow Pour Brewing’s beer garden has become a space where great beer, great conversations, and a love for gardening come together.