The Virginia Garden Walk, a green corridor midway up to the Cortland Village, extends the first official “Hello, you are welcome” greeting to residents and passersby. Nestled into this small urban woodland, a bench offers pedestrians respite after the long climb up from Mission. 

Mixed among the mature existing plants, new signature trees and shrubs provide focal points that unify the variety of landscapes that have been established for many decades. With carefully selected additions to the garden, the community will be able to observe over time how a small ecosystem provides sustenance for people as well as wildlife of all sorts, including birds, pollinators, and invertebrates.

The mural along this somewhat secret walkway quietly situated above street level tells a story of the past on one side of the footpath while the garden itself provides an ever-changing story on the other.

Seasonal changes amid artistic settings of plants, stone, habitat structures, and other natural wonders in this historical pocket park garden encourage weekly, if not daily, outings. Year after year, as the garden thrives, walkers will find themselves eager to return, curious to see what is new and what has flourished since their last visit.