Arlington Garden – Pasadena, CA

Tucked away on a tiny Pasadena street is a marvelous garden which I knew about but had forgotten.  Recently I rediscovered Arlington Garden as my dog and I enjoyed a peaceful sunrise visit.

I had left my house early, in order to avoid the commuter traffic.  As a result, it was still a bit dark when we arrived.

That didn’t stop us.  The garden opens at dawn, and the sun was just starting to peek over the horizon in the east.  It would soon be brighter.  We followed the various paths as they meandered through the garden.

A morning shared with friends

What a quiet retreat this garden is.  It’s nestled between Orange Grove Boulevard and Pasadena Avenue.  You may know Orange Grove because the Tournament of Roses has its headquarters on that street.  In keeping with the neighborhood, there are lovely homes surrounding Arlington, but once inside all that drifts away.  It’s a great place for a picnic or for sipping a morning coffee with a friend.  There are tables and chairs scattered about in little corners and crannies.

I suspect this is a haunt for locals who while away their mornings here.  It’s secluded and peaceful.  Did I mention that already?  It seemed like my dog and I continually stumbled upon little tables and umbrellas dotted about and around many corners.

Silent, watchful eyes

Statues are also scattered everywhere.  There is a garden dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi.  Of course, he was represented as well.  The elements haven’t been kind to him but I like him just the same.

I also liked this girl whom I found in a flower garden.  I have no idea who contributes these statues.  How recently have they been added?

The sun was definitely up by this time but of all days, it also was accompanied by patchy clouds.  I imagine this garden is lovely in the golden light of dawn.

Perhaps you’re not the type to sit around.  Should you require more exercise than the various paths afford, you can always pit yourself against the maze.

Floral delights!

Oh, and one last thing.  The flowers are pretty!

There were bushes filled with these yellow flowers.

The garden is a 3-acre lot that once was the location of the Durand Home.  This was a massive chateau that was torn down when the last of the Durand family died, around 1960.  I like the place as a garden.  It’s pet-friendly and my dog enjoyed the walk.  I believe this is classified as a Mediterranean garden.  It fits our Southern California weather.

To see more images of the garden, just click this link.