An early exploration of plant-driven design, the Walnut Street garden reinterpreted the traditional cottage garden for an urban setting. Designed in 2008, the garden responded to the challenges of a heavily trafficked street and public walk, using layered perennials, ornamental grasses, and shrubs to create a dynamic yet structured planting. A mid-height L-shaped border provided definition, improving curb appeal while subtly managing foot traffic.

This project was also an experiment in blending tropicals with long-lived perennials, introducing bold foliage and seasonal exuberance to extend the garden’s presence well beyond the typical growing season. The interplay of texture, form, and seasonal change hinted at a design approach that would later evolve into more ambitious landscapes. Though modest in scale, Walnut Street reinforced the idea that even small urban gardens could be immersive, ever-changing spaces—where planting was not just ornamental, but integral to shaping how the space was experienced.