In this day and age, especially in Southern California, it is increasingly difficult to find somewhere peaceful. Free from clutter and noise, where you can sit and think, surrounded by beauty at every turn and feel completely alone. There is such a place in Pasadena. Arlington Garden – A slice of Eden within a metropolis.
Our Visit
We rode our bikes along some bustling city streets to get here. Upon arriving, it’s like stepping through a portal, and everything around us was mute, except the morning chatter of birdsongs.
Looking around at how lush and full these gardens are, and the little surprises everywhere make you want to stay. The smell of the flowers wafting in the air, the peacefulness, the perfect seating areas invite you to bring a picnic and a book. Enjoy the peace, the scenery, the smells and the scattered sunbeams through the trees.
The Design Of Arlington Garden
In 2003, the city transformed this vacant lot into gardens for the public. They are designed to have 20 different garden rooms in all, with names like Half Moon Garden, which holds plants reflecting the moon’s lunar cycle.
The Australian, featuring drought-tolerant species. Baja California Scrub with native plants of California, and even a Wish Tree Terrace.
Twentyone crepe myrtles installed in 2008 is part of an art series by Yoko Ono (Lennon) where people write down their wishes and hang them on the trees.
A massive California Pepper Tree casts shadows on the seven circuit Labyrinth made from Arroyo rock on decomposed granite paths.
The students from the 10th grade class of Mayfield Senior School constructed it in 2010.
The sign reads;
“The labyrinth is merely a circuitous route to the centre (which is sometimes seen as the centre of your inner thoughts).”
Secret pathways lure you to hidden areas. Statues nestled amongst the foliage pop into sight, and you can hear water gently flowing in the fountains.
This beautiful, 3-acre garden was designed by Mayita Dinos and founded by Betty and Charles McKenney for everyone to enjoy and is a refuge for birds and insects.
History Of Arlington Garden
1902 John Durand, a millionaire Chicago businessman, purchased 10 acres of land known as Arlington Heights and built his 17,000 sq ft mansion.
The Victorian house which was on the site was removed so skilled artisans could spend the next three years constructing his 50 room three-story Chateau. Every piece of wood was hand-carved and gold used on the doorknobs, drawer handles and hinges.
Thought to be the largest home in California, possibly the entire southwest at that time and known to visitors as the finest in the city. In front of the mansion was 600 feet of tropical paradise with hundreds of plants.
Unfortunately, Durand died in 1907 at nearly 84 years old, having enjoyed his luxury home for only two years. However, the mansion stayed in the family until John M Durand III died in 1960.
The granddaughter of the original owner decided to sell the furnishings and belongings in 1961. As for the magnificent house, it was demolished to make way for a road. What a crime!
Final Thoughts For Arlington Garden
The best thing to do is to plan a visit to Arlington Garden. Take a book, pack a lunch and escape the busy world outside. It’s a refreshing and a free way to keep your sanity by relaxing in Nature.
Arlington Garden really is a slice of Eden.
The Japanese Garden is just across the road – for even more Zen feelings.
ARLINGTON GARDEN – A SLICE OF EDEN – IN A NUTSHELL
- Arlington Garden official website
- Address: 295 Arlington Dr, Pasadena
- Open Dawn to dusk
- Free admission
- Please enjoy this little slice of Eden by respecting the plants and wildlife. Take only pictures.
- No picking of flowers, pods and seeds
- Pack it in, pack it out
- This is a Zen place, so please keep dogs on a leash, and most importantly, clean up after them
- Across the road from Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden
Location Map
- For more gardens, historic houses and inspirational places to visit, click the link below.
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