On a Beautiful Autumn Day, Arlington Garden Celebrated Their Roots at Fundraiser

Arlington Garden, recently recognized by State Senator Anthony Portantino as California Nonprofit of the Year for Senate District 25, held its annual fundraiser, Autumn in the Garden, for the community-built, climate-appropriate garden on Sunday, September 29, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

There was a special VIP reception from 3 to 4pm to celebrate the garden’s designation as California Nonprofit of the Year and to formally dedicate the garden’s newly completed fountain. Designed by local artist Cha-Rie Tang, the custom Batchelder tile fountain was dedicated during the reception in honor of Charles and Betty McKenney, who founded Arlington nearly 15 years ago.

Autumn in the Garden was an immersive, sensory experience with music curated by dublab, a listener supported, non-profit radio station dedicated to the growth of music, arts and culture. Live musical performances were provided by Fabiano do Nascimento, Mia Doi Todd, SK Kakraba, Carlos Niño & Friends and Dexter Story. In addition, dublab DJ’s Gabrielle, Mark Maxwell and Frosty performed throughout the evening.

Arlington Garden is Pasadena’s only dedicated regenerative Mediterranean Chaparral climate garden that is free and open to the public 365 days a year. Founders Betty and Charles McKenney and designer Mayita Dinos were inspired by Jan Smithen’s book Sun-Drenched Gardens: The Mediterranean Style. Their goal was to create a public, water-wise garden that celebrates Southern California’s Mediterranean climate. The Garden demonstrates how beautiful and practical a well-planned, water-conserving and climate-appropriate garden can be and features many of Pasadena’s native fauna. Over the years, the Arlington has become a model of responsible land use, water conservation and environmental sustainability. It has also become well known for its Sweet Orange Marmalade, made from Washington navel oranges grown in the garden, and sold there on Tuesday mornings from 9 am to noon and at area retailers including Armstrong Garden Center, Jones Coffee and Vroman’s. Arlington Garden is located at 275 Arlington Drive, Pasadena.

Arlington Garden is a climate-appropriate, habitat garden offering learning inspiration and enjoyment for all. Dublab is a listener supported, non-profit radio station dedicated to the growth of music, arts and culture.

For more information about Arlington Garden, please visit ArlingtonGardenPasadena.org.