Phipps Conservatory

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a 100-year-old Lord and Burnham conservatory that displays seasonal and permanent plant collections. Pashek + MTR Principal Missy Marshall was a lead designer for the Children’s Discovery Garden and the site work for the Welcome Center addition and greenhouse expansion.

One of the first children’s gardens in the country, the Discovery Garden was designed to encourage children to explore the wonders of the plant world. Proper staffing and programming have proven key to turning entertainment into learning. A central Discovery Pavilion houses outdoor classroom activities. The Discovery Garden is a magical place, with ample opportunities for youngsters to explore on their own. Butterfly, Bird, and Bee Gardens attract fascinating creatures to observe. Children can crawl into the bean teepee, find their way through the maze, and climb up the tree stump perch. They can see, touch, smell, taste, and listen to the plants in the Sensory Garden. They love to play in a bubbling fountain jet and a winding stream and pond.

We designed all site elements including layout, grading and finishes to roads, sidewalks, parking, garden terraces, planting design, and service access for the Welcome Center addition and production greenhouse expansion.