MELLON PARK WALLED GARDEN

LOCATION Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

PROJECT TYPE Garden Restoration/Memorial

CLIENT City of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, and The Seamans Family

TOTAL AREA 1/2 acre

PROJECT BUDGET $525,000

AWARDS PA/DE ASLA Special Recognition Award for Use of Technology and Collaboration with an Artist

The restoration of the historic walled garden in Mellon Park honors the life of Ann Katharine Seamans, who loved the garden all of her life and provided a beautiful, intimate space for visitors. Historically, the garden was a private spring bulb garden for the Mellon residents. Today, it has been transitioned to a public garden with four-season interest and both day and nighttime intrigue.

LBA worked with artist Janet Zweig, to find a unique way to memorialize a person while leaving the garden open and inviting to the public. After learning that Annie loved lying in the grass in this park and gazing at the nighttime stars, Ms. Zweig found her inspiration. Using fiber optics, 150 “stars” were pulled directly from the sky above the garden at the moment of Annie’s birth. At night, the stars twinkle in the grass, bringing life and beauty to the walled garden. During the day, the art piece fades away and is only noticeable with some investigation into the grassy lawn. The subtlety of the memorial does not force itself on anyone. For the Seamans’ family, the space enlivens the spirit of Annie. For the public, it provides respite on a wooden bench, a sampling of spring flowers, a twinkling glimpse of stars at night – and perhaps an idea of this beloved person.

LBA provided services for the design and oversight of the installation of the garden. In addition to the artwork, site improvements to the 200-foot by 120-foot space included planting, lighting, and seating. The project called to restore an original observation knoll, which offers a great view of the space. An event-style lawn was installed around the intricately detailed stars to allow for proper drainage and to support the crowds of people that gather for this park’s many yearly festivals.