In an idyllic southwest Portland neighborhood sits a row of midcentury homes, unofficially known as the “Wall Houses.” Each residence is a shared display of a unique style, consisting of a gated courtyard that creates a tranquil barrier between the street and the veiled bungalow inside. Nestled on this street is the home of renowned local foodie Jami Curl. We were able to get an inside look at Curl’s playful, midcentury modern style and see just how much she loves life in her little oasis.

The way she tells it, Tara Verotsky was almost destined for a career in landscaping. She grew up in rural Pennsylvania with surrounding creeks and forest as her playground. “I was outside as much as possible and ‘played nursery’ by tagging plants in the yard,” she recalls.