Arlington Garden has such a lovely history that I was immediately drawn to it. And despite the lovely walk that Robert and I took in the garden, it wasn't the garden itself that most impressed. Let me explain.
First, Arlington Garden was born out of the generosity of community members, garden clubs, and a collaboration between city government and its citizens. The acreage of Arlington Garden was once the staging ground for the 710 freeway - but when that was halted due to community opposition, the vision for Arlington Garden was generated. City officials, citizens, and two devoted residents Betty and Charles McKenney, gave birth to Arlington Garden. Their collective strength of will and their persistence willed this lovely place into existence.
Isn't that a great story? The combined vision of like minded residents and citizens is a powerful thing. It feels like we just lived through that same exact experience. Our collective voices matter - in the election, in the community, and in the garden!
The second reason I loved Arlington Garden is because it was really alive. By that I mean that people were really using it. It's a passive garden, in the sense that there is no playground equipment, no large green spaces - just paths to wander, plants to enjoy, bees to watch, and places to reflect. But people were really doing all of those things. Couples having lunch, a small gathering under the trees for a co-workers birthday, a young women writing a novel near the fountain. All of them actively appreciating the surrounding nature, and reflecting in their own way. There was also a volunteer working really hard mulching around the pines, and using a huge pitchfork moving leaves, and wood mulch under the trees.
Even though it's Friday the 13th, I'm not going to let that bother me. I'm still enjoying the news of last weekend - and taking a pause in the garden. Arlington Garden was the perfect place to do that.