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The fountain near the entry to the Arlington Garden used to be solar powered, but because of increasing water restrictions, water no longer flows from it--but flowers do! Behind it in the Mediterranean garden section of the Arlington Garden are two rows of olive trees and a swath of lavender shrubs.

Arlington Garden in Pasadena is a collaborative effort, primarily using private resources to transform a vacant lot into an inspiring public garden.  The idea for this water-wise garden initially came from two nearby residents who grew tired of looking at a weed-filled 3 acre lot at the corner of Pasadena Ave. and Arlington St.  So they took their idea to the City of Pasadena which leased the land from CalTrans, the property owner.  

 A few old palms, an oak and a jacaranda tree were already on the site, remnants of the garden for the Durand estate, which was located on this land.  The Durand home was demolish decades ago.

Among the surprises in Arlington Garden are the artichokes which not only make a bold statement in a flower garden border, but produce an appetizing vegetable, too.

Adirondack chairs are scattered around the terrace which overlooks the California Orange Grove and Meadowlands areas of  Arlington Garden.  There are other seating areas in shady nooks around the garden.

Red poppies as well as brilliant orange California poppies and other native plants bloom in the Meadowlands Garden section of Arlington Garden.

Paths wind through Arlington Garden taking visitors from one section to another.

Even young visitors enjoy the flowers!

You can see the official website here.  To go to the garden go south on Orange Grove from Colorado, turn left on Arlington and go about one long block.

To see Arlington Garden in the Spring of 2010, go here.

Take these Hot Gardens online botanical garden preview tours, too: