In celebration of spring’s arrival and the city’s natural beauty, South Pasadena Beautiful has announced the winners of the 2025 Golden Arrow Awards.
By Rena Kurlander
This year, five private residences have been honored for their exceptional commitment to sustainable landscaping, creativity, and visual appeal. The annual awards highlight homeowners who enhance the community with eco-conscious and artfully designed front yards, often incorporating native plants and water-wise features.
614 El Centro Street (Photo – South Pasadena Beautiful)
A Whimsical Native Garden on El Centro Street
At 614 El Centro Street, the Felser family partnered with renowned landscape architect Gabriela Yariv to create a colorful, drought-tolerant garden that pairs perfectly with their Craftsman-style home. Landscapers Joe Gagnier and Pat Wheeler of Gagnier Landscape replaced a thirsty lawn with a vibrant array of California natives including Encelia, Euphorbia, and Mayan Queen Mangave. The addition of river rocks, boulders, and dramatic lighting made Halloween both safe and magical—a must in South Pasadena’s trick-or-treat-friendly neighborhoods.
1125 Marengo Avenue (Photo – South Pasadena Beautiful)
Historic Charm Meets Ecological Function on Marengo
A 1930 adobe bungalow at 1125 Marengo Avenue received a full front yard makeover, moving away from water-intensive hand-watering toward a carefully designed, low-maintenance landscape. Key features include drought-resistant plants, strategically placed river rocks to channel rainwater, and aromatic additions like star jasmine, lavender, and sage to attract pollinators. A Western Redbud tree and colorful native blooms create a layered, living tapestry, while the use of river stones and Dymondia provides both beauty and function.
1204 Marengo Ave (Photo – South Pasadena Beautiful)
A Corner Lot Transformation at 1204 Marengo
Walter and Cindy Okitsu’s home on the busy corner of Marengo Avenue and Monterey Road tells a story of gradual transformation. Starting in 2015, the couple began replacing their water-heavy lawn with native and drought-resistant plants. In 2024, they completed the overhaul by installing Kurapia, a turf-like groundcover, along with gravel and flowering plants for durability and visual appeal. Their thoughtful design ensures the space remains resilient and inviting—especially appreciated by the many families and children walking to the nearby elementary school.
1417 Marengo Ave (Photo – South Pasadena Beautiful)
A Living Tribute at 1417 Marengo
At 1417 Marengo Avenue, a family has turned their front yard into a deeply personal sanctuary. Designed with sustainability and family history in mind, the garden features a birdbath reminiscent of the homeowner’s great-grandmother, a manzanita tree planted in memory of a grandfather, and irises honoring a beloved mother-in-law. A fire pit adds warmth and serves as a gathering space, blending ecological sensitivity with heartfelt homage.
1718 Marengo Ave (Photo – South Pasadena Beautiful)
Spanish Elegance and Native Beauty at 1718 Marengo
John and Colleen Donovan’s residence at 1718 Marengo Avenue reflects their long-standing commitment to blending architectural style with environmental stewardship. After restoring Spanish elements in 2008, the couple redesigned their front yard in 2015 with native plants like Manzanitas, Coral Bells, and Hummingbird Sage. The mature garden, now almost a decade in the making, showcases the lasting beauty of sustainable design. It was even featured in the 2016 South Pasadena Beautiful Garden Tour.
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