Pittsburgh Botanic Garden

The Pittsburgh Botanic Garden sets an example of stewardship, renewal, and land restoration, opening to the public with 60 acres of gardens and trails on 432 acres of former coal mine in Settler’s Cabin County Park. Pashek+MTR designers have been a part of shaping the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden since its inception, and have continued to help guide its development as the Garden has become a beloved destination in our region.

Pashek + MTR prepared the site design for the Garden’s first building project, which converted an1870s barn into a visitor center and event space. We designed the adjacent Celebration Garden, which has become a popular wedding venue with its tented indoor/outdoor reception space and lawn, framed by rustic stone walls and perennial beds, and featuring an outdoor fireplace.

Soon, a new visitor center was needed to accommodate the crowds and provide more space for exhibits, dining, and programs, as well as improving the arrival experience and providing more parking. Pashek+MTR was the landscape architect for the new Welcome Center, which is nestled into the hillside overlooking a wooded stream valley. Our design guides visitors to the Welcome Center entrance through a garden featuring a grove of native hornbeam trees. A sliding wood screen connects the entry garden and the education courtyard, allowing flexible configurations for events. The courtyard garden terrace is connected to the indoor classrooms and features a planted water wall and seating. The Welcome Center is connected to the Garden trail network with new accessible pathways.