Arlington Garden, Pasadena’s only public, community-supported, water-thrifty garden that is seen as a model for habitat gardening in Southern California, has launched a 60-day campaign challenge in the hopes of raising up to $50,000, which would then be matched by an anonymous donor once that amount was reached.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the garden, created on land that once housed storage crates for highway construction equipment. The space is teeming with plant life and, thanks to support from Betty and Kicker McKenney and the community, the garden thrives, executives said.
Despite CCVID-19, Arlington Garden has remained open and has continued to serve as a sanctuary for visitors. Larger-scale celebrations to celebrate the garden’s 15th anniversary have been postponed because of the pandemic and, as a result, fundraising and public events have been affected.
Nevertheless, garden executives hope that this can still be a year of growth and celebration, despite the fact that the garden has experienced a 100 percent reduction in its usual earned income from photo permits, weddings, field trips and workshops, as well as a 100 percent loss of volunteer hours.
Seeking alternative revenue streams to pay for the garden’s everyday maintenance costs such as expert care, security, irrigation, plants and materials, the garden hopes to raise $50,000 in 60 days. That fund-raising started Wednesday, July 14.
In addition to keeping the garden free and open to the public, funds raised will enable the garden to further broaden its programming and engagement with the community through innovative platforms, including new online activities for visiting families, virtual guided tours for those unable to drop by in person, and a new monthly EARTH SHARE program on IGTV, showcasing its horticultural experts’ personal journeys and gardening tips.
Arlington Garden’s mission is to be a climate-appropriate habitat garden offering learning, inspiration and enjoyment.
It is a community-supported, water-wise garden that celebrates Southern California’s Mediterranean climate. The garden’s aim is to engage, educate and demonstrate how a climate-appropriate garden can be both beautiful and practical to maintain while incorporating the goals of water conservation and environmental sustainability.
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