Years of Work Celebrated As Pasadena Community Gardens Officially Opens

Four years of hard work by a dedicated community coalition blossomed at athe official bed-breaking of the new Pasadena Community Gardens at a Saturday, Oct. 26 event.

“I’m excited about the establishment of a community garden because it represents a strong commitment to economical and environmentally responsible food production and a continuation of a great tradition of gardens and parks in Pasadena,” Mayor Bogaard said prior to the event.

Cathy Morrison and Jody Hudson, Co-Chairs of Pasadena Community Gardens, were surrounded by representatives from the Los Angeles Community Garden Council, city officials and number of community members who had rolled up their sleeves and – as a popular T-shirt worn that day proclaimed – gotten dirty to build the gardens were in a celebratory mood.

Pasadena Community Gardens was designed to provide an eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable location for Pasadena residents who want to grow and enjoy local fruits, herbs, flowers and vegetables. On-site programs to teach gardening techniques and environmental conservation are also planned as part of the new gardens.

The gardens will employ organic or natural gardening techniques. A master gardener will be consulted to help meet eco-friendly needs. Individual participants can choose from this master list. The gardens will be open during daylight hours for members only to tend to their plots.

The garden will attract beneficial insects, bugs and birds, such as hummingbirds and bees. Fencing and use of mulch and natural plant-partnering techniques will serve as natural deterrents for larger animals. Each member must agree to follow the by-laws, which have been adapted from the by-laws of the very successful Altadena Community Garden, which has served the community for 30 years.

Headquarters and Resource Center for Pasadena Community Gardens is located at 721 South Pasadena Ave., between California Boulevard and Bellefontaine Street.

For more information about the Pasadena Community Gardens, go to www.PasadenaCommunityGardens.org or emailinfo@PasadenaCommunityGardens.org.