Meet Bob and Diane Ridley of Pasadena Community Garden

Bob and Diane have had a plot at Pasadena since it opened back in 2012. Bob learned how to garden with the help of his wife, Diane, whose father had a gardening business. They both enjoy the fresh air, the friendships they’ve made, eating their produce, and the community garden aspect. Bob is also proud of the composting committee he manages. Bob took classes at the Arboretum and researched several methods before he began his work with compost. With the help of six or seven gardeners, they maintain the composting bins, providing two months worth of compost. This team currently has their “method down to a science,” Bob proudly shared. The community is in full support of this garden project, so much so that a local coffee house donates coffee grounds for their compost and, every Saturday, the team turns and strains the compost, allowing garden members to grow their food in organic and healthy matter. Bob shared that the garden functions so well thanks to the efforts of the people who are dedicated to making it a viable operation. “Working the land makes people feel good,” Diane shared. As for Pasadena Community Garden, their effort is a reflection of interest and this is noticeable in the beauty the garden bestows.

Pasadena Community Garden is located at 721 South Pasadena Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105.

By Diana Campos Jimenez