It’s easy to drive past Arlington Drive in Pasadena and miss the unassuming entrance to one of the city’s most quietly spectacular treasures. But if you’re like me, once you discover McKenney Family Arlington Garden you’ll find yourself returning again and again, season after season, to admire its vibrant plant life, artistic touches and, above all, its deeply rooted sense of community.
This three-acre garden haven has a rich history and an even richer purpose. The story begins in 2003, when Charles “Kicker” and Betty McKenney moved into a home next to an empty lot—previously the site of the grand Durand mansion, a 50-room estate that replicated a French Chateau, surrounded by opulent gardens. By the mid-1960s, the mansion had fallen into disrepair and was demolished. Caltrans acquired the land and used it as a storage and dumping ground for construction equipment tied to the never-completed 710 Freeway extension.
Where others saw an eyesore, the McKenneys saw potential.
VISION FOR COMMUNITY
They were inspired by Jan Smithen’s book Sun-Drenched Gardens: The Mediterranean Style. With a vision for restoration and community enrichment, they rallied support and enlisted the help of landscape designer Mayita Dinos, who was recommended by Smithen and whom they had serendipitously met at the local bookstore Vroman’s. Slowly but surely, the barren lot was transformed into the lush sanctuary now known as Arlington Garden.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Arlington Garden is thriving, thanks to a remarkable confluence of vision, determination and community support. Local volunteers helped build its infrastructure—hauling rocks, crafting benches and donating plants. Over the years, hundreds of volunteers have contributed their time, resources and commitment to this evolving landscape.
AJ Jewell, Arlington Garden’s executive director, began his journey as a volunteer in late 2019 pulling weeds. “Arlington is a very direct expression of the people who visit and support it,” Jewell says. “Many of the furnishings and plants came to us through goodwill, luck and community connection. It’s beautifully idiosyncratic—just like a living garden should be.”
“Arlington is an improvisation, a melody built from people responding to one another. Some have marked their most personal milestones here— pregnancies, weddings, farewells. We at the garden are very honored that this place is woven into people’s lives.” —AJ Jewell
GARDEN EDUCATION
Open 365 days a year and free to all, Arlington Garden is more than a peaceful retreat; it’s a vibrant hub for education and environmental stewardship. Its programming includes environmental science lessons for Pasadena Unified School District fifth graders, and a new nature journaling curriculum in consultation with PUSD is set to launch for sixth graders next school year. Many local private schools also use the space as a living classroom, focusing on climate literacy, composting, native plants and local ecology.
Adults can take part in year-round workshops on regenerative gardening, soil health and fungi ecology. “Exploring the Mycoverse,” a bimonthly discussion series led by mycology enthusiast Aaron Tupac, has become a community favorite. In the wake of the recent wildfires (fortunately, the garden was not directly affected by the Eaton Fire), soil scientist Lynn Fang led a soil testing workshop and has led a broader series of workshops responding to the fire, aimed at increasing community awareness and resilience. The garden also regularly hosts wellness events, including yoga and meditation/mindfulness.
PEACEFUL SUMMER SUSTAINABILITY
Arlington Garden is committed to sustainability. The garden is free of herbicides, pesticides and chemical fertilizers. As of the last tree survey, the garden had over 250 trees; many are native or Mediterranean species adapted to Pasadena’s warm winters and dry summers. Water is retained by a system of swales, berms, rain gardens, diversion ditches, terraced landscaping, leaf litter, brush piles for animals and bioretention ponds. These make the garden relatively lush while using significantly less water than surrounding properties.
“The subtlety of dormancy makes summer at the garden unique,” Jewell says. “It is when the garden rests, and there is a soft, dreamy palette of orange, rust and yellow. It is incredibly peaceful.”
Wildlife is abundant year-round. Expect sightings of hummingbirds, bees, salamanders, lizards and even the occasional skunk. The garden is home to sculptures, fountains and unique installations, including a labyrinth and a wishing well cradled by crape myrtle trees.
“Arlington is an improvisation, a melody built from people responding to one another,” says Jewell. “Some have marked their most personal milestones here—pregnancies, weddings, farewells. We at the garden are very honored that this place is woven into people’s lives.”
Next time you’re in Pasadena, slow down on Arlington Drive. You just might find yourself walking into one of the city’s most unexpected beautiful gifts: a garden grown not just from soil, but from the shared spirit of a caring community.
Arlington Garden will mark its milestone anniversary with a community celebration in September and will have a full lineup of public events throughout summer and fall.
McKenney Family Arlington Garden in Pasadena
275 Arlington Dr., Pasadena
ArlingtonGardenPasadena.org
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
Cyndi Bemel possesses a diverse repertoire of storytelling abilities that encompass various mediums, including photography, written and audio content. Her work has been published and exhibited on a national and international scale. As a Master Gardener and Master Food Preserver, Bemel exhibits a penchant for gastronomy, outdoor exploration and adventure-seeking.
