Exploring the Garden Design of Mellon Park in Pittsburgh

While visiting Pittsburgh for my daughter’s graduation, we took a short walk through a walled garden she recommended named Mellon Park. 

 

One of the entrances to Mellon Park in Pittsburgh, PA

 

As we stepped through one of the entry points into the Walled Garden, the space opened up into a generous green lawn bordered by crisp paths and layered plantings.  

An inner wall delineates the formal garden space

 

Inside the sunken, formal garden area looking back at the entrance

 

The repeating border plants were striking in appearance

The quality of light that afternoon reminded me of the South Island of New Zealand - soft, clear, and unusually flattering to greens. Unlike the harsh glare of California’s midday sun which seems to flatten colors, the sunlight in Pittsburgh seemed to deepen the colors.

 

Layered contrast of texture, form, and foliage along path

A richly textured border at Mellon Park combines Brunnera, Hakonechloa, and forget-me-nots beneath a backdrop of oakleaf hydrangea — a cool, layered composition that highlights contrast in form and foliage.

 

 

The late afternoon sun creating long shadows and dappled light.

From a design perspective, what struck me most was how well the scale of the garden had been handled. The layout is formal, with clearly defined axes and walls, but the space itself never feels institutional. 

 

Instead, it reads more like a large private garden — or a particularly refined neighborhood park. I could cross it in a few minutes, but the layering of spaces and thoughtful changes in planting and hardscape kept me lingering.

 

A variety of Blue Hosta 

This big blue hosta — likely ‘Blue Angel’ or something close — feels right at home here. Its broad, corrugated leaves have a strong presence that works well in a space with this kind of history. Mellon Park was once part of a private estate, and that legacy shows in the scale of the planting. Hostas like this were made for gardens that needed to hold their own against architecture and stone. 

 

Late afternoon light catching the curves of a blue hosta

 

A simple wall finial adds weight and structure

Folding chairs ring the central lawn, inviting casual use

 The central lawn is bordered on all sides by planting and anchored by a few oversized urns in the distance. Scattered folding chairs lined the edges — simple, lightweight, and easy to move. People came and went, pulling them into sun or shade as needed. It was a small detail that made the garden feel open and shared

 

A portion of the perimeter path that runs around the central lawn

 

A short set of steps connects the central lawn to the larger, more open park beyond. Flanked by sculptural urns and edged with clipped hedges and clean paving, this corner acts as a threshold between the garden’s formal heart and the broader landscape. 

Looking back toward the formal garden

 

Wrought iron gates frame the garden as a place apart

 

The brick pillars, ironwork, and framed view into the garden beyond all hinted at the structure and care waiting inside. 

 

Until next time - be sure to get out there and explore some new gardens this Summer.