Arlington Garden in Pasadena

Early in the morning of May 21st around 1:30am, a fire destroyed Arlington Garden’s storage shed and volunteer hub. The cause of the blaze has not been determined. The shed contained all of our tools, equipment, supplies, physical records, a rain cistern, and even our irrigation control system – everything that we use to care for the garden and offer programs. It was essential to the work of our volunteers and small staff, and over the years it has made this urban refuge possible. We remain closed until we can assess any potential risks from the debris.

We are asking for donations for costs exceeding our insurance coverage to clear and possibly remediate the site of the burn, build a new more fire-resistant shed and volunteer hub, and replace our filtered water dispenser, destroyed equipment, tools, and other supplies. Along with the shed itself, we lost wheelbarrows, pruners, pole saws, hori horis, a broad fork, gloves, many types of shovels and rakes, pitchforks, and everything else that we use with volunteer groups of up to 40 people.

Apart from the material losses, the fire is also a psychological loss to our community. This humble maintenance hut with green paint, plywood walls and two little birdhouses was the heart of Arlington Garden. Garden visitors stopped by to purchase marmalade or refill water bottles. Our volunteers and small staff gathered there over the last 18 or so years. And it held many happy memories.

We are looking at all options for rebuilding, including the use of sustainable materials such as earthen building and/or adding badly-needed amenities such as a work sink, depending on cost and funds raised.

It is vitally important to know what a major challenge this is for the garden’s wellbeing– we already have struggled in the last two days with the loss of irrigation and missing equipment, have postponed upcoming programs and volunteer days, and lost revenue from cancelled use permits. Without a shed, our staff and volunteers cannot fully care for the garden. Without burn site assessment and possible clearance, we cannot reopen.

We depend heavily on community support. If you have ever enjoyed Arlington. or included it in your special life milestones, we would truly appreciate your help at this time.

- The Volunteers and Staff at Arlington Garden (some of whom are pictured above)