Designing with SucculentsHow to incorporate succulents and cacti into your garden design
This 3 - acre property in Pasadena , California , was transformed from a tidy sum into a beautiful garden by Betty and Charles “ Kicker ” McKenny who inhabit in a townhouse adjacent to it .
Once a smoke - cover portion in Southern California , own by Caltrans , this holding was completely redo by a couple who survive adjacent to the garden , complete with aboriginal varieties , a citrus tree grove , and hundreds of new plant , creating a Mediterranean idyll . picture by : Betty McKenney .
Originally buy by Caltrans for building a freeway , the property had become a weed - covered desolate lot . In 2003 , the City of Pasadena and Caltrans began to think about a new way rise the lot . Betty McKenney suggested a garden and finally , the city and Caltrans agreed . ( McKenney adds that it probably helps that her husband , Kicker McKenney , was a former councilman for the district in the 1970s . ) Together , Betty and Charles McKenney , the City of Pasadena , and Pasadena Water & Power , combined to create Pasadena ’s only dedicated public garden on property rent by the City from Caltrans .
Betty and Charles McKenney spearhead the creation of the garden , which was plant during the summertime of 2005 . Photo by : Betty McKenney .
Through substantial fundraising movement — with about $ 15,000 call down each year from donations and result — and grants from the urban center and Caltrans , the McKenneys have a budget of about $ 45,000 to $ 50,000 per year , for the garden . And the McKenneys , who are retired , now spend about two to three hours in the garden each day during the summer and five to six hours each day during the fall through the spring .
They have a squad of approximately six to seven volunteers who help in the garden , as well some college students who are pay to help hold the garden . Betty calls the garden her " full - time sideline " and the couple ’s site , Arlington Garden , is a comprehensive showcase for their garden , including an iPhone app developed by their son .
A fountain supply to the tranquilty of the garden , creating a unruffled spot within an urban setting . Photo by : Betty McKenney .
How long have you had this garden ? How long did it take to get it to its current state?We started with a 5 class lease in December of 2003 and did formulation and planning until we start imbed in July 2005 .
The retaining wall shown in the foreground were make by Marco Barrantes of La Loma Development using reprocess concrete " urbanite . " Photo by : Betty McKenney .
How would you describe the style of your garden?It is a Mediterranean climate garden appropriate for our area . It consists of 25 to 30 " rooms " where citizenry can come and enjoy nature , learn from our thought , picnic and enjoy the tranquility of nature in our urban stage setting .
The garden ’s military mission is to instance the beaut and efficiency of a water - wise garden living in harmoniousness with our Mediterranean clime . Photo by : Betty McKenney .
Did you mould with a landscape architect or designer?We worked withMayita Dinos , a landscape designer . She was referred to us by Jan Smithen , the author ofSun Drenched Gardens : The Mediterranean Style . We have also partnered withMarco Barrantes of La Loma Development Company , Inc. , who produced all of the hardscape in the garden with recycled concrete " urbanite . " Barrantes has a Masters in Landscape Architecture and Masters in Environmental Planning .
Wildflowers bloom in the garden provide lots of colouring material and seasonal interest . Photo by : Betty McKenney .
What was most important to you when you started planning your garden ? Did you have a philosophy or missionary station statement in judgement when plan it?The stress was on drouth - kind plants and trees .
Our mission is to develop , manoeuvre , and wish for Arlington Garden to exemplify the mantrap and efficiency of such a pee - wise to garden living in harmony with our Mediterranean mood ; to demonstrate Arlington Garden as a public botanical garden that kick upstairs the nontextual matter , delectation , and noesis of horticulture ; and to provide a place for serenity and smooth enjoyment in our urban mise en scene .
A vernal puddle , which is wet during the rainy season and dry out most of the summer , bring home the bacon habitat for animals and insects . pic by : Betty McKenney .
Does it have any unusual qualities , such as green gardening techniques , rare plants , or a unique location?Yes , we have by choice planted rare and endangered plants and tree , especially the ones identified as important in Pasadena . We have a young pool ( shown above ) , an orange woodlet , a desert arena , low - piss irrigation , solar powered fountain , and valve accountant .
An orangeness grove give rise citrus tree that is used to make marmalade . Photo by : Betty McKenney .
Do you uprise any veggie or fruits?We have a citrus tree grove ( shown above ) and we deal our sweet orangish marmalade made byE. Waldo Ward & Son , Inc.in Sierra Madre to raise money to defend the garden .
tongue foliage acacia , Peruvian Apple Cactus , and sticks of fire surround a modest statue of St. Francis in the northwestern recession of the garden . exposure by : Betty McKenney .
Any particular challenge with this space ? How did you address them?We had plenty of challenge , including with the runoff of water . We start with 12 Tree and 3 acres of weeds that had been fail for 40 years . We now have close to 350 trees and several hundred Mediterranean climate industrial plant and what rain water we get stays on the site .
A Peruvian Apple Cactus flower is just one of the many of C of new plants in the garden . pic by : Betty McKenney .
Do you have any favorite plant life in the garden?The native plant life were completely new to me and I love how beautiful the native industrial plant are . I particularly like Texas Ranger , Teucriums , andPenstemon spectabilis .
In this garden " room " that is refer to as a South African Fynbos , characteristic plants such asProteas , Gladiolous , andLeucadendronsthrive , since they are not only drought tolerant , but bloom in the winter for much needed color . exposure by : Betty McKenney .
Any lessons from your garden?We believe our garden is so appropriate for these times of expensive , special water and a source for immature idea and using native plants and trees .
Now in retreat , the McKenneys spend much of their time caring for the garden . Photo by : Betty McKenney .
How do you think this garden reflects you and your family?We have volunteer our time for seven age and all of our grownup kid have give their prison term and natural endowment as well .
One son is a world-wide contractile organ and built a wonderful garden shed . The other son is helping with the website and plant database . And our girl design our rattling business batting order , being an expert in letter paper . grandchild have help plant bulbs and succulent .
We all enjoy view people come to visit the garden and leave brush up and surprised by their experience .
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