City’s Best Front Yards Compete for Pasadena Beautiful Foundation’s Coveted “Golden Arrow” Award

Every spring, the Pasadena Beautiful Foundation launches a citywide contest to honor homeowners who have transformed their front yards into stunning landscapes. The Golden Arrow Awards, as they are called, are coveted prizes that showcase the creativity, diversity, and pride of Pasadena’s neighborhoods. 

From March 15 to April 19, a team of volunteers will scour the streets of Pasadena, looking for the most eye-catching and inspiring gardens. 

The winners will be announced in May and will receive a plaque, a certificate, and a golden arrow to display on their property.

On behalf of the Foundation, Brad Hanson, Golden Arrow Award Chairman said the Foundation welcomes nominations either of one’s own home and garden or those of one’s neighbors. 

The Golden Arrow Awards season offers Pasadena residents a chance to showcase their creativity and commitment to beautifying their community.

The organization has divided the city map into nine areas and will select six outstanding gardens from each of the nine areas for the initial phase. For the final phase, only three will be selected, for a total of 27 winners.

The emphasis is on the front yard, but the overall appearance of the residence is also being considered in choosing the winners. The organization is looking for curb appeal, harmony between the house and garden, and clear evidence of pride of ownership and investment in the front yard.

PBF President Greg King noted that the organization also needs to be able to see the front yard. Houses that are covered up by a hedge or are not visible from the street will not be considered. Leaving Christmas lights and trash cans visible from the street will also disqualify a residence from consideration. King also noted that previous winners of the Golden Arrow within the last five years are not eligible to win the award again.

Pasadena residents can nominate their garden or other gardens in their neighborhood by sending an email to PBF. For nominations or questions, residents can email contact@pasadenabeautiful.org or call (626) 795-9704. 

Winners will be selected at the end of April, and a ceremony for the recipients will be held on May 15, at 5 p.m. at The Maxwell House located along South Grand Avenue. At the ceremony, winners will be invited to discuss their garden and house and the story of what they did to create a house and garden worthy of winning the Golden Arrow.

For more information on the Golden Arrow Awards, visit PBF’s website: https://www.pasadenabeautiful.org.