It is always a struggle to write beyond a cliche. Case in point, I want to express that the Arlington Garden in Pasadena is a green oasis amidst urban noise and pace but that would say little since people consider their backyard and their local parks to be a green space of peace. And they would be right- who am I to judge the green that someone holds precious whether it be jade from feudal China or a patch of blades that are bed for the soul to rest. So I am left with one task: to express the serene beauty of this place that is also engaging in a quiet way, with almost ethereal words to truly defend and display that this, in all its glory, is a green oasis that wins by a short shot. The grounds are not huge, it is small but comes close to being medium. But what I loved is that its green branches and brown barks and twigs were immersive. I had entered a green swirl that moved all around me in stillness of movement but blurs of garden spirits. The place was like an outside museum that honors mother earth and her mantra of tender care that explains how flowers grow best. One of the most engaging experiences was their wishing tree. It was about two to four big trees with hanging wishes written by everyday folk. As I walked the steps to the trees, as I passed between them my skin could feel the words of hope hanging from branches. It was like the cards spoke in lovely whispers that reminded me that days of beauty are created when people do not forget to see that joyous petals that are in the wind and all around in the everyday. And as one note reminded us, joy is not ready made, to find it takes action. Reading the notes was a way in which I elected joy, as an act of resistance toward anger and disapointment. There was also this gazebo with a statue of a greek goddess. These are guesses of mine, I did not find some type of placards to confirm my notions. She was framed in the gazebo by a quasi-window. I entered the small gazebo and sat in the only green bench maybe big enough for two.I did not understand why she was giving me her back, I wanted to face her. But then I realized that Demeter or Gaia (maybe?) was not facing me because she was looking at her creation, like any person would when they have a garden to admire. From that seat I saw a man doing Tai-Chi and being filmed by his partner in all red. I sat and viewed him quietly and ask that whatever he was calling forth with his movements also entered my own person. From this seat, I also saw a pregnant woman taking pictures. She was wearing a white dress with a tasteful floral pops around. At times, she laughed with a wide smile, at times she held the bundle with her hands. It was seeing a place of growth, welcome a being with life about to begin. Her partner joined and they were directed into stances that made sense--- like the one where they look longingly at each other while he held her, and she held the coming boy. I could see their happiness, I could see their true connection, and I knew that the baby was being born into comfort and love. It was great reminder that sometimes life blooms with ease into joy. I also saw a lizard run and move its neck, both in a funny way. I saw a sole butterfly flutter. I saw folks sitting, relaxing, eating, all in with a calm demeanor. So I would like to think that this place is a green oasis or at least a place where rest is each to come by. read more

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Nobody told us they could rent out a entire section of a public botanical garden 1 star. read more

This is actually one of my favorite free little outdoor city gardens. It has a simple landscape with small trails, benches and a little rock meditation maze. Throughout the year but especially during spring there are lots of blooming flowers and plants and plenty of bugs, bees and butterflies. This is easily my favorite stop when I need a little peaceful moment, a breath of relaxation, to photograph bugs and plants or even for a little Pokémon playing. Street parking available. read more

Really love this beautiful garden! The history behind it is cool. I'm so glad it was saved and is preserved for generations. So many beautiful flowers, plants and trees. Lots of spots to sit and enjoy. Multiple mini paths to walk around, a wishing tree, a small fountain and a lot of shade. It's peaceful and animal friendly! My only recommendation: it would be nice if they could make it more accessible and/or have an extra path for those in wheelchairs. read more

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Arlington Garden is a free community park in Pasadena. It is situated in a quiet residential area. It has no parking area but you can park for free in residential areas. There's lots of trees that offer shades. Lots of seating areas which is perfect for reading a book. Speaking of books, you can grab one in the little library situated by the arched entrance. I'd like to see more flowering plants here. I love flowers and I was kind of disappointed that I didn't see any of them. Some areas also need upkeep and some trees need trimming. read more

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A hidden gem for sure! It's a climate-friendly and rejuvenating space. There's so many plants to look at and benches throughout for you to sit and read or just admire the garden! If you haven't, definitely give them a visit! read more

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Arlington Garden (in Pasadena) is tucked away in a neighborhood off a small residential street. It feels very secluded and peaceful. This free, public garden is the perfect mix of native plants and whimsical -- winding paths, benches, and even a little wishing tree. It's not overly manicured, which is part of its charm. You can wander, sit, read, reflect, or just soak in the sunshine and birds and butterflies. The wishing well tree is my favorite part and is a creative idea from Yoko Ono. The staff also pollen bees for munuka hone (for sale). . It's a peaceful gem in the heart of Pasadena, and I always leave feeling grounded and refreshed. The only thing that I don't like is parking can be tricky, and there's no restroom on site -- something to plan around. But even with those minor drawbacks, I would totally make an effort to comeback to this it's a serene spot!!! read more

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Across the street is another Garden for Japanese type esthetics. This garden is more of a southern California garden, with nice local plants, but also a lot of weeds, like many of the neighboring homes. There a also areas just for lounging or reading, and seems like a nice place on a warm summer evening, which officially ends tonight, as we transition to Autumn. It seems fairly dog friendly, although I did not see any signs prohibiting dogs outright. Children will love the dirt trails or having their lunch under some trees and on a bench for spreading their delicious lunch. When it gets cooler, I'll be back for an evening walk! read more

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Finally had a chance to visit! Was a 50 room mansion turned into a serene place for all to enjoy. Really is a beautiful place to relax, explore, and gather with some friends or enjoy the tranquil nature alone. If you are inclined you can also write a wish and hang it on a tree. Free, open daily, looks like street parking is available but if you can walk there why not to enjoy the surrounding neighborhood. Highly recommend visiting! read more

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Arlington Garden is a 3-acre community-built "climate-appropriate" mediterranean garden. Lots of cactus, succulents, crape myrtles, olive trees, pomegranate, rosemary, sage... smells awesome when it rains! I've read that the hardscaping, walls and paths are all made from over 20 tons of reclaimed concrete. The annual wildflower display is grown from seeds of their previous year's flowers! My favorite is the Labyrinth, which was designed by students of Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena The garden is free to the public and no ticket are required. It's open daily from 8a-6p. Pets are welcome and be leashed at all times. read more

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This could be considered a small pocket park that is an absolute hidden gem. There are many relaxing resting areas with plenty of chairs, tables, benches, and low walls to sit on. They've also added a little library in the main courtyard. If you want to write down a wish and add it to the wishing tree please feel free to do so. read more

Arlington Garden in Pasadena - Hot Saturday MAY2025 - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Pasadena, California

If you feel like being in a quiet, green and personal place, try heading to the Arlington Gardens in Pasadena, California. While Pasadena is one of our older cities in the Los Angeles area, visit their town hall and Hall of Justice center. Here, you can experience a Spanish built edifice which features an architectural masterpiece of the past and a reconstructed building that features the old and the new. Walk the area and allow yourself to be swept to the past when Spanish conquistadors ruled the land and much of the surrounding buildings provide a rich historical view of what this town has been in the past. Oh yes, head south to the beautiful greenery and park on the streets and enter the Arlington Gardens. Here, you'll experience the succulent and perennial varieties of trees and plants that comes from the California niche and the American frontier, in general. Cactus are on the northern sides while many herbaceous plants are in the western side. If you feel like sitting u see the shade, they have many seats and chairs which you can choose to sit, read or just check your phone messages. Arlington Garden is just one place to visit, a paradise in the middle of a busy city... See you all here! read more

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Beautiful and peaceful. Definitely recommend to anyone. Tons of families and flowers and greenery. I don't know why I haven't been here before. read more

Quaint little garden in Pasadena. Excellent place to go and relax by reading a book, doing Tai-Chi or simply just talking with a friend (I saw all three scenarios being performed by different people when I went to visit, haha). There is also a place that makes organic, and natural marmalade. The variety of plants and all of the trails and fountains/ornaments makes it a place good to be with family and to reconnect with nature. read more

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Have you ever been there? If you haven't been yet, please, take a nice sunny day to make a picnic and relax there. The garden is in a nice neighborhood, the community takes care of it. It be is free, and you can help buy for $10!a jar of marmelade. Make a wish on the tee. This garden is so peaceful, you will love it! read more

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This garden is BEAUTIFUL! So peaceful and all the flowers are blooming now (early April). Dog friendly! read more

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Peaceful garden surrounded by some of the most beautiful houses built in the late 1800s. If you're looking for a respite from the hustle and bustle, stop in and relax while you enjoy the greenery. read more

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I'm almost hesitant to write this review because it might blow up a nice gem of a spot. Arlington Garden is a beautiful garden located in the city of Pasadena. I stumbled across this lovely place years ago when searching for gardens on Yelp. This was the most pleasant surprise. It's a garden in the middle of a community, so there is no parking lot. You can park on the street. I don't know it's exact measurements, but it's situated on a corner. The garden is well maintained and full of diverse plants, trees, flowers, and more. There are well marked paths and at times you feel as if you're in The Secret Garden. There are lots and lots of chairs and benches. The times I've been here the garden is always clean. There are some signs here and there that indicate the areas you're in, the history of the garden, etc. There's a small stone labyrinth as well. If you're local or in this area, it's a must visit. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're actually in Pasadena as it's very small in comparison to other botanical gardens. Some of the best things in life are free and this is definitely one of them. There is a sign at the entrance with a QR code as well as their venmo for any donations. read more

Arlington Garden in Pasadena - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Pasadena, California

I liked this place a lot due to the nature and consistent care they've put into maintaining the garden. I really appreciated the ambiance as it was incredibly relaxing and comforting as a safe space. I would definitely recommend Pasadena neighbours to come and visit this location. read more

Arlington Garden is an enchanting hidden gem nestled away in the heart of Pasadena. This privately operated garden is a true oasis that transports me to a serene and peaceful haven. Every corner is meticulously designed by most passionate group of garden and nature enthusiasts that I have ever met. Unlike larger public gardens, this intimate space allows for a true nature experience. The dedication and care put into maintaining Arlington Garden is evident in every detail. The staff and volunteers are passionate and knowledgeable, and their history is fascinating to hear too. Had I known this beautiful garden nearby, I would take a bunch of eventful pictures here! read more

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I was at Arlington Garden via a Yelp event a few weeks back. It was an interesting and enlightened visit. Thought I return and support the garden. It is only 3+ acres so not too big. It's free to the public (I think this is the only garden that is free in So Cal or maybe just LA County... don't quote me on it). Street parking is available, but still read the signs just in case. This garden has a fascinating history in how it came to be. It turns out that it almost became part of Fwy 710. Go read all about it if you're curious. Thank you volunteers for your service and keeping this garden going! It is not gated so anyone can enter it from the Arlington side and its cross street. Please keep in mind that this garden is very native. Not alot of colors whatsoever. They have a nice courtyard with tables and chairs for relaxing and chatting. Some areas have good shade. They have a book exchange stand so bring a book to get a book in return. Happy Exchanging! They also make their own Sweet Orange Marmalade... it's $10 per jar. I bought 2 jars for gifts to friends. Just my way to support the garden. I believe they accept donations as well. If you're in the Pasadena area or nearby and want to take a quiet and short stroll, then Arlington Garden is for you! Happy Strolling! read more

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Looking for someplace beautiful and quiet to enjoy a chat with my bestie. Hannah S. has inspired me to get out and visit more nature spots, so going to lunch presented an opportunity for a little garden respite before our meal. We noticed some professional photographers here and read that permits are available via the website. Don't know any prices, but I'm sure the info is provided. www.arlingtongardenpasadena.org Park hours are listed as 8am - 6pm. Parking is along the curbs on S. Pasdena Ave to the east and Arlington Drive to the south. The gate is along Arlington. Free, lovely garden displaying different varieties of plants and organized into climate zones. Something for everyone and maintained by a fantastic team of volunteers! Lots of garden seating, and even a couple of umbrellaed tables if picnicking is on your agenda. Walk the labyrinth for a little self reflection, wander and read about the various plants, bring a small piece of paper and some string to write your wish and hang it on a Yoko Ono inspired "Wishing Tree", or simply sit and revel in the simplicity and calm a well managed garden can bring you. Cheers! read more

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One of my favorite places in Pasadena to unwind and take a break from life. Love packing a picnic and coming here to enjoy some outdoor time. There are a few table and seating areas around the garden for you to enjoy. It's a small free community garden open to the public. There are so many beautiful trees, plants and flowers, like walking around the park to enjoy the scenery. It's calming and peaceful. Next time you are in the area check it out. You won't be disappointed. read more

Arlington Garden in Pasadena - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Pasadena, California

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This spot is super cute and great to walk through. I've drove past it plenty of times and didn't realize all that was inside. It really is a hidden gem. There's places to sit and relax or even enjoy some lunch. I even saw some people with laptops getting some work done! We brought our daughter here when she was about 8 months old. We held her as we walked through it seemed easier than wheeling a stroller through. I would definitely come back here when it's a nice sunny day. read more

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Got married (eloped with 5 people) here in 2019 (with a photo permit!) so beautiful and peaceful and I'd holy recommend to come here anytime you want to be in a nice space read more

Such a nice place to walk around with your little one. Lots to see and a lot of cute things to take photos of. So many chairs and benches to sit at or take photos in front of. My almost two year old enjoyed walking around and looking at the flowers. read more

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Really beautiful garden! Kinda off the beaten path in terms of Los Angeles area attractions, but that's great news for those who want to stay away from crowds! The garden is well planned out. Love the different paths and the splitting up of the garden into different zones representing different plant life and climate zones. Definitely worth visiting during different seasons to see different plants in bloom. Make sure you put this on the list of places to visit! :) read more

Arlington Garden in Pasadena - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Really beautiful place, and best of all, it's free and dog friendly! Makes for a perfect place for a casual stroll with your SO and dog. Lots of people have mentioned the big set pieces like the wishing tree, but I also liked the little decorations here and there--felt like there was a lot to discover if you paid attention and searched around. read more

Arlington Garden in Pasadena - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Pasadena, California

Beautiful garden, next time we will have a picnic. Parking is on the street. Our fur baby loved exploring the garden and making new friends. We are definitely returning to this peaceful garden to connect with nature. read more

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First time visit Beautiful Peaceful Pet Friendly Open every day Street parking Lot of places to sit read more

Arlington Garden in Pasadena - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Pasadena, California

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We shot our engagement pictures here in April 2020 with professional photographers, then returned a few weeks ago and took our maternity pictures here with my sister and 6 year old niece acting as the photographers lol. Both sets of pics turned out beautifully! You wouldn't know this place existed just by driving by it. It just looks like an overgrown vacant plot of land in the middle of a nice neighborhood in Pasadena. We had no problem with street parking nearby during both visits. You enter right off the street, technically through a little archway marked with the name, but you can step into this oasis from multiple spots off the street. The key to good pictures at this spot is all about the time of day and the lighting! We did our engagement shoot around 3pm and our maternity shoot around 5pm. Even at both of those times, some areas didn't look great while others had the perfect lighting. Know this place isn't nearly as developed as say Huntington Library or Arcadia Arboretum. There are walking paths-ish, but there are a lot of overgrown areas that are hard to get to and/or walk around in, especially if you're trying to carry around a large gown that you don't want to get dirty! read more

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Such a gorgeous neighborhood garden, it is small, but peaceful and intimate. It's conveniently located across from the Storrier Stearns Japanese garden. There are lots of benches, chairs, and picnic tables inside the garden, it's easy to find a corner to enjoy some quiet moments by yourself. It's also good for family and dogs (Yea, it's doggie friendly! Dogs must be leashed and kept out of plantings) It's perfect to come in the late afternoon in the Springtime, you get to see some beautiful flowers and plants, and the weather is not too hot out. Nevertheless, I noticed that there are quite a lot of bees and insects in the garden, it's not a bad thing but would recommend to wear long sleeves and pants if possible. Overall, it's a lovely place! Note: -Free -Easy street parking read more

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The Arlington Garden in Pasadena is a free outdoors experience with plenty of street parking around the perimeter. There are rules and etiquettes at the entrance to remind visitors to be on their best behavior to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable experience for everyone. This small garden reflects multiple plant communities in a quick walk: oak grove, Mediterranean, desert, seasonal wash, meadow, coastal sage scrub and citrus grove. I came during the early winter so most of the plants were not at their full blooms, so I would definitely want to come back during the spring and winter time. However the one really nice thing about coming during the fall or early winter was seeing the wishing tree at a nice transitional red and orange color. The wish tree garden was so whimsical with hundreds to thousand of wishes hanging from the trees with some simple and some more innovative techniques to attach the wish. A lot of the wishes were open faced, but I am definitely more private with my wish. I folded up my note and attached it to the tree. What a pleasant feeling. The wish tree garden was my favorite, but they also had other attractions to come visit: circular fountain, olive allee, pine forest, formal terrace, water drop pot, pomegranate amphitheater, meadow, wildflowering LA and demonstration garden, vernal pool, citrus grove, labyrinth, compost and toolshed. A nice free experience that I would recommend if you already happen to be in the area. However it is too small to go out of your way if you don't already have other plans in Pasadena. read more

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It's a Mecca here and so beautiful with all in bloom; Come and relax and enjoy it he Most wonderful smells and sights and stay for the peace & tranquility you'll have by arriving today! read more

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Came here last weekend and it was a great park to visit. We brought the dog and although it is small, there are lots of little nooks and crannies to visit. Lots of native plants, a mediterranean garden, etc. There are way more benches and chairs and tables that you usually find in a public garden, so it felt very cozy. There is also a stone labyrinth that you'll see in my photo. Plenty of street parking, it is a quiet neighborhood. read more

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It is so pretty. I enjoyed the gardens with my family. It is well maintained and very peaceful. The trees offer lots of shade. There are flowers everywhere and lots of volunteer gardeners. There's also a pretty wishing tree here that people put their notes on. Some ask to heal, others confessed their love, and many just ask for their dreams to come true. I would highly recommend to come here to enjoy the nature and to get away from the busy city every once in awhile. read more

Arlington Garden in Pasadena - So peaceful - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Pasadena, California

I read somewhere that being out in nature at least 10 minutes a day has a profound impact on one's mental health. It works. It really does. This is a cute little garden alongside Pasadena Avenue. If you're heading north to make your way to the 210 or 134, stop here for a moment of zen. It's free. It's tranquil. It's small so there's no big commitment. And as an added incentive? The organization that takes care of the garden sells marmalade made from the oranges that grow here. They sell the marmalade on Tuesdays from 9 AM to 12 pm. Just wander around, find one of the volunteers working about, and let them know you wanna purchase some marmalade. You will be lead to a back shed where you can purchase a jar or more for 10 dollars each. Cash only I believe. Paired with a crusty slice of good sourdough bread, the jam is yummy! I love finding hidden local treasures like this. The Arlington Garden also boasts a labyrinth, wishing trees, and plenty of benches scattered about where you can take a seat and contemplate the meaning of life. There's a nice variety of cacti, flowers, shrubs, and plants. You can meander along the many pathways and continue to contemplate the meaning of life along with the mysteries of the universe. Or you can just stop and giggle at the squirrels chasing each other or at the butterflies doing their thing. It's a little oasis in an unlikely location with a unique offering. Orange marmalade...yeah!!! Tip: if you wish to hang your wish on the wishing tree, bring your own paper, pen, and string/thread to hang. I wish I had remembered to do this before I arrived. read more

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This outdoor botanical garden set in a residential neighborhood is a very nice respice to get away from it all if just for a little bit to contemplate and rejuvenate. The free public garden located at Pasadena Avenue and Arlington Drive is only about 3 acres with trails that you can follow through many native Californian and Mediterranean plants and citrus trees. On the paths, you will also find picnic benches, chairs and tables to relax and simply kick back, read a book, meditate, and/or enjoy the garden landscape. They also have a wishing tree inspired by Yoko Ono that you can write down your wishes and hang it on an open branch. You can even traverse a small rock labyrinth to see if indeed whatever path you take, you can always get to the center. The Arlington Garden is a beautiful garden that would take about 20 minutes to simply see everything. However, it is the extra spiritual time that you spend in the garden that will have you coming out with a more refreshing and renewed perspective. read more

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This is a cute little garden located in a city. There was tables, chairs, and benches. I often bring my lunch over and enjoy my lunch time here. There is a section of trees that allows people making wishes: you can write down your wishes on a piece of paper, and hang it on the branches. This garden is well maintained. I will come back again. read more

Arlington Garden in Pasadena - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Pasadena, California

Such a gorgeous place to do a maternity or family session! Just make sure you pay the permit fee and support this community gem!! Photos: Diana Henderson Photography read more

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