Picture this a haven of tranquility nestled in the heart of Pasadena. This is Arlington Garden a three-acre oasis dedicated to showcasing the beauty of Southern California’s Mediterranean climate.
Arlington Garden wasn’t always the picturesque public space it is today. Once upon a time this land housed opulent mansions part of the famed Millionaires Row. These grand estates are long gone casualties of time and Caltrans’ heavy equipment storage during freeway construction. But from this unexpected loss a new chapter unfolded.
The story of Arlington Garden’s rebirth begins with Betty and Charles McKenney. Inspired by Jan Smithen’s book Sun-Drenched Gardens they envisioned a public garden. Their dream blossomed with the support of local colleges the Pasadena City Council Caltrans and Pasadena Water and Power. Cal Poly Pomona even created drawings to visualize the garden’s design.
Volunteers poured their hearts and hands into shaping this water-wise haven. The garden demonstrates how beautiful and practical a well-planned water-conserving and climate-appropriate garden can be. It’s a testament to community spirit and dedication.
More than just a pretty face Arlington Garden is a certified wildlife habitat. It provides food cover water and places for creatures to raise their young. Birds bees and butterflies thrive here. The garden even features a vernal pool home to fairy shrimp and diving beetles when it’s filled with water. Note that 99% of such habitats in Los Angeles County have been lost.
The garden’s design is a feast for the senses. Wander along meandering paths surrounded by diverse flowers and trees. Discover hidden rooms perfect for a picnic lunch a quiet moment of reflection or simply enjoying the surroundings.
A unique feature is the labyrinth created by Mayfield Senior School’s 10th-grade class. This classical seven-circuit labyrinth invites introspection a journey to the center of your inner thoughts.
Yoko Ono contributed 21 pink and white crape myrtle trees. These trees serve as a constant reminder of wishes expressed at a previous exhibition.
Arlington Garden is more than just a garden. It’s a living testament to the power of collaboration resilience and the enduring beauty of nature. It’s a community treasure a place of peace a place where the past and the present intertwine to create something truly special. So take your time explore every corner every nook and let the beauty of Arlington Garden enchant you.