The garden occupies the site of the former Governor Henry Markham estate's grounds, which were cleared for a freeway that was never built.
It is the only dedicated public climate-appropriate garden in the city of Pasadena.
The garden features a permanent labyrinth constructed for walking meditation.
The irrigation system relies primarily on natural rainfall and minimal supplemental watering to sustain its Mediterranean plant palette.
It maintains an informal 'library' where visitors are encouraged to leave or take a book from the stone benches.
The garden features a collection of citrus trees that pay homage to Pasadena's historical orange-growing industry.
Arlington Garden is a three-acre, non-profit public Mediterranean-style garden located on the former site of the historic Durand residence. The garden is entirely water-wise, featuring drought-tolerant plants, fruit trees, and native California flora designed to minimize irrigation needs. It functions as a community-managed space rather than a city-operated park, relying on volunteers for its upkeep. The landscape includes a formal 'allée' of olive trees, a labyrinth modeled after the one at Chartres Cathedral, and a citrus grove. It serves as a living habitat for local wildlife, including migratory birds and pollinator species. The grounds incorporate recycled materials, such as salvaged street signs and historical architectural fragments from Pasadena homes.
The central olive allée, which provides a symmetrical perspective framed by trees.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as paths are mostly unpaved woodchips, dirt, or gravel.
Bring a water bottle, as there are limited potable water stations on-site.
Check the garden's online community calendar if you prefer to avoid potential volunteer event days.
Do not attempt to walk in the garden immediately after heavy rain, as paths become muddy and uneven.
Open daily from dawn to dusk; may occasionally close for private community events or specialized maintenance.
Stay on marked paths to protect delicate native plant root systems; keep pets on a leash; pack out all trash.
