Arlington Garden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Arlington Garden |
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Arlington Garden Labyrinth
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| Type | Botanical garden |
| Location | Pasadena, California |
| Nearest city | Pasadena, California |
| Area | 3 acres (1.2 ha) |
| Created | 2005 |
| Operated by | Charles “Kicker” and Betty McKenney |
| Open | 24hrs |
| Status | Open year round |
| Website | Official website: http://www.arlingtongardenpasadena.org/ |
The Arlington Garden is a beautiful 3-acre (about 1.2 hectares) garden in Pasadena, California. It is a special place because it's Pasadena's only free public garden. The garden was designed by Mayita Dinos and work on it began in 2005. It's a great spot to relax and learn about plants.
Contents
History of Arlington Garden
From Mansion to Garden
For many years, from 1902 to 1964, a famous building called the Durand Mansion stood on this land. In 1964, the California Department of Transportation, known as Caltrans, bought the mansion and tore it down. Caltrans then used the empty lot to store big machines. This was during the time they were building the Long Beach Freeway (I-710).
The land stayed empty for a long time, from 1967 onwards. Then, in 2003, Caltrans allowed the City of Pasadena to use the land. This opened the door for the garden to be created.
Who Helps the Garden Grow?
Today, a special group called Arlington Garden, which is a nonprofit organization, takes care of the garden. They get a lot of help from local people and volunteers. Other groups like the Pasadena Beautiful Foundation, the Pasadena Public Works Department, and Pasadena Water and Power also help keep the garden looking great.
What You Can See at Arlington Garden
Plants and Trees
The garden is home to thousands of plants that naturally grow in California. You can see bright poppies, tall sunflowers, and many types of cactus and succulents. There are also orchards filled with orange and olive trees. It's like a living classroom where you can discover many different plant species.
Relaxing Spots and Art
As you walk around, you'll find lots of benches and tables where you can sit and enjoy the peace. There are also birdbaths for birds and interesting statues.
On November 15, 2008, a special art piece by the famous artist Yoko Ono was added to the garden. It's called Wish Tree for Pasadena. Visitors can write wishes on small papers and tie them to the tree's branches.
The Labyrinth
On October 8, 2010, a beautiful seven-circuit Labyrinth was built in the garden. Students from Mayfield Senior School helped create it. Walking through the labyrinth slowly takes about five minutes. It's a calming and thoughtful activity.
Awards and Recognition
Honoring the Founders
The people who started Arlington Garden, Betty and Charles McKenney, were honored in 2008. The Pasadena Museum of History called them "Contemporary History Makers" for their amazing work.
Best Public Garden
In 2015, Arlington Garden received a special award. It was named the "Best Public Garden" by LA Weekly, a popular newspaper. This shows how much people appreciate this wonderful garden.
