Hidden in the heart of Pasadena, away from the noise of the main streets, lies a true oasis of calm—Arlington Garden. It is the only dedicated free public garden in Pasadena. Built by the community, for the community, it serves as a refuge for anyone seeking silence, inspiration, or a connection with nature. It is a place where you can escape the city rush, walking among olive trees and blooming cactus gardens.

History of Arlington Garden

Origins of the Garden

The history of this land is fascinating. Originally, a grand home known as the Durand Mansion stood here. In the 1960s, the land was purchased by the government to build a freeway extension. The mansion was demolished, but the freeway was never built. For many years, the lot remained an empty, weed-filled field.

Transformation of the Land

In 2005, local residents Charles and Betty McKenney decided to change this. Together with landscape designer Mayita Dinos and city officials, they transformed the abandoned lot into a thriving garden. Their goal was to create a beautiful space that also respects California’s natural climate.

A view from a residential street of a charming Craftsman-style home made of stone and wood. The house is fronted by a low stone wall and a thriving garden featuring drought-tolerant plants and large bushes of purple flowering sage in the foreground. Mature trees frame the house under a clear, sunny sky.
AI-generated image for illustrative purposes only.

Where Arlington Garden Is Located

Address & Directions

The garden is located in the western part of Pasadena.

  • Address: 275 Arlington Dr, Pasadena, CA 91105.

  • Location: It is easily found near the intersection of Pasadena Avenue and Arlington Drive.

Neighborhood Highlights

The surrounding area (zip code 91105) is a historic part of Pasadena with beautiful architecture. The garden borders residential homes, giving it a cozy, neighborhood feel that is very different from large tourist parks.

Health & Community Wellness Resources in the Area

The neighborhood around Arlington Garden is not just about beautiful nature; it is also about caring for people. For residents and visitors in this part of Pasadena, high-quality care services are available to make life safer and more comfortable.

Doctor to You

If you feel unwell, you do not need to drive to a clinic or wait in long lines. Doctor2me brings medical care directly to you—whether you are at home, in an office, or at a hotel near the garden.

  • Stress-Free: You are examined in the comfort and privacy of your own space.

  • Save Time: The doctor comes to your location, saving you the travel time.

  • For Everyone: This service is convenient for both local residents and tourists visiting Pasadena.

An older woman with white hair and a younger female caregiver in a beige scrub top smile warmly as they walk arm-in-arm down a gravel path. They are strolling through a lush, sunlit garden filled with blooming purple sage and laden orange trees during the golden hour.
AI-generated image for illustrative purposes only.

Care for Seniors

For the older generation, Senior Helpers offers essential support in the area.

  • Companionship: Caregivers can accompany seniors on walks to Arlington Garden, ensuring they stay safe while enjoying fresh air and nature.

  • Home Support: They provide professional care for Alzheimer’s, dementia, and daily living, helping seniors maintain their quality of life at home.

Compassionate Support: Liem Hospice

When a family needs specialized support during difficult times, Liem Hospice provides dedicated care nearby.

  • Palliative Care: Medical care focused on relieving pain and providing comfort.

  • Emotional Support: Their team focuses on the quality of life, offering emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families, mirroring the peaceful atmosphere of the garden itself.

Why Arlington Garden Stands Out

Mediterranean-Style Landscape

Unlike traditional parks with green lawns that require a lot of water, Arlington Garden is a climate-adaptive garden. It demonstrates that a landscape can be lush and green even in Southern California’s dry climate by using Mediterranean and native plants.

Community-Focused Environment

The garden is not funded by tax dollars. It is a project born from volunteers and donations. Every tree and bush here was planted with love, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Key Features of Arlington Garden

Walking Paths & Seating

Winding gravel paths lead you through different “rooms” of the garden. Furniture is placed throughout the area, including stone benches and the famous moveable red chairs. It is the perfect spot to read a book, have a quiet picnic, or just sit and think.

The Famous Orange Grove

A tribute to Pasadena’s agricultural past is the grove of citrus trees (Washington Navel Oranges). Every year, volunteers harvest the fruit to make Arlington Garden Marmalade. Sales from this marmalade help fund the garden’s maintenance.

The Labyrinth

You will find a classical stone labyrinth laid out on the ground. This is not a puzzle to solve, but a path for meditative walking, designed to help calm the mind and reduce stress.

Nature & Wildlife

Native Plant Collections

The garden features California poppies, sages, oaks, and succulents. These plants are perfectly adapted to the local soil and weather, so they look healthy and beautiful year-round without wasting water.

Wildlife You Can Spot

The garden is a certified wildlife habitat. Because no chemical pesticides are used, it is full of life:

  • Birds: Look for mockingbirds, hummingbirds, and hawks.

  • Butterflies & Bees: The garden is planted with flowers specifically to attract Monarch butterflies and beneficial bees.

Photography & Community

A Favorite Spot for Photographers

With natural light filtering through the trees and a variety of textures (stone, wood, cactus), the garden is ideal for photos.

  • Best Spots: The Olive Allee (which looks like Tuscany), the Wishing Tree, and the Orange Grove.

Volunteer Opportunities

“Volunteer Tuesdays” are a garden tradition. Anyone can come and help care for the plants while learning from professional gardeners. It is a great way to meet neighbors and give back to the community.

Planning Your Visit

Hours of Operation

The garden is open 365 days a year, from 8:00 AM to sunset. Admission is free.

Parking & Accessibility

  • Parking: Free street parking is available on Arlington Drive. Please be respectful of the neighbors and do not block driveways.

  • Accessibility: Most paths are wide and flat, but the gravel surface (decomposed granite) can be difficult for some wheelchairs with thin tires.

Tips for a Great Experience

  • Bring Water: There are no drinking fountains inside the garden.

  • Best Time to Visit: The “Golden Hour” just before sunset is magical. Spring is best for seeing the poppies in bloom.

  • Relax: This is a place for quiet reflection, so take your time.

Conclusion

Arlington Garden is more than just a park. It is proof that a forgotten piece of land can become the heart of a community. It teaches us to value nature and find peace in the city. With the support of local services like Doctor2me and dedicated care providers, the neighborhood surrounding the garden ensures that health, comfort, and beauty go hand in hand.