arlington Garden Pasadena

A secret garden tucked away in Pasadena is filled with quiet places

Seating Arlington Gardens
Seating areas are scattered all over the 3 acre garden with shrubs and trees offering privacy.

Pasadena’s Arlington Garden came into being thanks to the efforts of two neighbors, Betty and Charles McKenney, who disliked looking out at an empty 3 acre lot owned by Caltrans. The McKenneys along with Caltrans, the City of Pasadena and hundreds of volunteers have turned the lot into an enticing garden space.

In the eleven years since the garden was launched, over 400 trees and shrubs have been planted on the site creating many shady nooks perfect for visitors to stop and chat or wile away a few hours reading or simply looking at nature thriving.

formal Mediterranean garden
The upper garden is a formal Mediterranean style garden with rows of cypress and olive trees.

This garden at the corner of Arlington Drive and Pasadena Avenue is open to the public every day of the year.  There are no fences except decorative ones and no ticket-takers. It is simply a beautiful escape in the city.

Wish or love and money.
A wishing tree (which I think of as an old Italian tradition) stands beside the steps leading from the upper garden down to a wide terrace. This wish was for love and money.
Chairs Arlington Garden Pasadena
Paths wind through the garden from the Mediterranean area to the California orange grove in the lower garden.
Grove of orange trees Arlington Garden
The oranges from this grove in the lower garden are used to make orange marmalade which is available for sale on their website. Super delicious and for a good cause, too. The marmalade is also available at Jones Coffee Roasters and Happy Trails Catering/Cafe.
agave plants Arlington Gardens
The lower garden also includes native plants as well as the orange grove. Here a row of drought-tolerant Agaves stand at attention. Also in the far western edge beyond the Mediterranean section is another stand of cactus and succulents.
Protea blooming Arlington Garden Pasadena
Near the rustic wooden fence an orange colored Protea plant blooms. This sturdy South African native is more popular than ever because of the California drought.
Sabra Clark Amphitheater Arlington Garden
A tiny amphitheater is named in honor or Sabra Clark. Anyone who wants to bring a group of people to the garden is welcome.  The garden is also a lovely place to have lunch.