At ‘Mid-way’ Point, Arlington Garden Fundraiser Has Reached Just 10% of Goal

Arlington Garden’s summer crowdfunding campaign called “I CARE FOR ARLINGTON” launched with the goal of raising money for the garden’s essential care has so far taken in just 10% of its target, according to the nonprofit’s website.

The campaign was launched on Aug. 8 and is now at its mid-way point. 

Arlington Garden is Pasadena’s only dedicated public garden.  The garden is free to the public.

“I am reaching out to remind you that the campaign is in full swing, and we need your support to reach our $25,000 goal,” Michelle Matthews, Executive Director of the McKenney Family Arlington Garden in Pasadena, said in an email to Friends of Arlington Garden. “Thank you to our generous supporters who have given so far! Unfortunately, it is the dog days of summer, and our fundraising has slowed. We are currently behind where we need to be to hit our fundraising target.” 

The update also said the Garden’s Capital Improvements fund has been depleted due to this past year’s ‘vital work.’

Proceeds from the campaign will go to continuing essential projects and garden care in the year ahead. 

“So many things are required to care for a garden like Arlington,” Matthews said in the letter. “For example, the upkeep of our tree canopy requires regular intervention by licensed arborists and staff, our orange grove needs constant attention in the form of feeding or pruning, and the irrigation system needs annual repair. Every new botanical project, and we’re always improving our plantings, requires additional care.” 

Arlington Garden is maintained by a non-profit organization which the City of Pasadena entrusted with caring for a piece of Caltrans-owned land that was the staging ground for the 710 freeway. The freeway was halted due to community opposition, but the denuded, compacted lot remained empty until the birth of the garden in 2005. 

Pasadena City Councilmember Steve Madison wanted to see what could be done about the empty lot and worked with local community members, including the garden’s founders Betty and Charles “Kicker” McKenney, starting in 2002. With the help of former City Manager Cynthia Kurtz, the McKenneys, inspired by Jan Smithen’s book “Sun-Drenched Gardens: The Mediterranean Style,” worked with designer Mayita Dinos to break ground on the garden in 2005. Their goal was to create a public, water-wise garden that celebrates Southern California’s mediterranean climate.

At present, Arlington Garden is “more than just a beautiful place to rest and recharge,” says the Garden’s website. It is a model for a better future in which gardens replace freeways, protect cities from climate change, and rebuild native habitats.

During the last year, financial support from generous donors helped the Garden complete some urgent high-priority maintenance work: certified arborists were hired to prune and perform essential maintenance on the olive trees in the large formal gathering area, remove numerous diseased trees or trees at risk of toppling in a storm, and plant hundreds of new native plants. 

The front entrance was also repaired to make it more accessible, the garden shed was expanded, a new staging area for volunteer gardeners was built, and damaged garden architecture was either repaired or removed. 

“We are not a municipal park,” Matthews explained. “The majority of our revenue is donations from individuals like you who give during our summer and end-of-year campaigns. Your help is absolutely vital to the continued health and success of the garden. Please give to our Campaign.” 

To donate to the I CARE FOR ARLINGTON fundraising campaign, visit www.arlingtongardenpasadena.org/campaign.