On this site, once stood one of the most elegant homes on South Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena’s “Millionaires’ Row.” In April of 1902, John Durand purchased 10 acres of property known as “Arlington Heights.” After the existing Victorian home was removed, a team of skilled workmen spent more than three years building the reconstruction of a chateau in France admired by Mr. Durand. Almost every piece of wood in the home was hand carved and with 17,000 square feet of floor space equating to fifty rooms in three stories, the home was said to be the largest in Southern California, if not the entire southwest. A setback of more than 600 feet from South Orange Grove allowed landscape architects to create a tropical paradise in front of the mansion as well as an orange grove at the rear of the property. The property remained with the family until John M. Durand III died in 1960. The furnishings and art objects were then sold at public auction in 1961 and the home was razed.
Close-up of the creative succulent fountain.
This succulent is enjoying the warmth of the afternoon sun.
What a spectacular entry into this section of the park!
Love the play of light and shadow on this large plant.
Dining alfresco in the garden.
Orange marmalade is made by a local purveyor and the proceeds go the maintenance of the garden.
If you are ever in the area, I hope you will stop by and visit this lovely garden. Amazing things happen when we all work together for the common good and this garden is the perfect example.
I sit in my garden, gazing upon a beauty that cannot gaze upon itself. And I find sufficient purpose for my day. ~Robert Brault
*Tina