A horticultural find

While looky-looing condos (a bad habit I admit I am powerless to resist), I stumbled across Pasadena's very well-hidden Arlington Garden.

Arlington Garden, Pasadena.

The property, on northwest corner of Arlington Drive and Pasadena Avenue, is now owned by CalTrans but was the former site of the 1901 Durand mansion, evidently a victim of the quixotic plan to link the 210 Freeway and the Pasadena Freeway (which has now reverted to its original and much more appropriate monker, the Arroyo Seco Parkway).

If anyone has photos of tnhe Durand mansion, please let me know—I can't seem to unearth any.

As deserted as Gethsemane.

There wasn't a single soul in the place on this late Sunday afternoon, but somebody's corn was high.

An informal planting of truck.

Next time, I will bring a book.

Hidden in plain sight.

More history here. The official website.


Very talented landscape designer Mayita Dinos evidently had something to do with the garden's layout and planting. Visit her website for some photos of other stunning gardens she has created.