What it Means to Me…Pasadena

I used to wonder why I liked ‘old’ things so much; old houses, old books and maps, old stories and especially – old people. It crossed my mind from time to time, but never really came home too roost until I started to get…well, older! That confused me since I grew up with absolutely everything – new. In fact, I could even put the idea out there, that my parents had some sort of disdain for anything old. How could we be so opposite?

I was the first person of our family (who survived Stalin’s atrocities and genocide against humanity) to be born in America. Everyone related to me was murdered by starvation, torture, imprisonment and the ‘complications of war.’ My father and grandfather were the only two who had survived. My birth was a celebration not only for my family – but for my community. I was a sign that life would continue for them all and that there really was goodness to be had by everyone who managed to live through the war. To top it off, I was born on Easter Sunday morning and somehow, it too meant something special.

As I walked through my life, I never saw a single person who resembled me – not even in my own family. I was a ‘floater.’ My grandfather seemed to sense this and when I was about 12 he took me aside and said, “you know, you look just like the women on my side of the family.’ It did bring me comfort, and it was also the first realization for me that I did not have any roots. Mine were like those of a rose bush, planted on a mound – (we lived on top of a hill in Silverlake and owned another hill in Las Posas) strong enough to survive tough conditions, and like a rose - my family, was putting beauty into the world.

My pilgrims - my grandparents, wore (what American’s call babushka’s but are really called…) kasinka’s and homemade clothing, lived in a huge old house and drove older cars. Their house was filled with old things that I could not even identify unless I saw them in use. Their plates were old and their silverware matched in age, and I loved it…and I was comforted by it.

My parents drove beautiful cars and my mother always had new clothing and shoes and bags to match. Our house was new. Our house was new even after we lived in it for a dozen years…it looked like nobody had ever cooked there, or walked on the carpets, or sat on the furniture. New was an obsession, an understandable and necessary reminder that you lived…you breathed anew and you have sunshine on this day that is new. You have a chance at a new life. So it goes…

I like old houses that are flanked by old trees that make up long established neighborhoods maintained to near perfection. And while I love a new luxury car – there is nothing like a vintage car or wooden boat – maintained as if it were new! There isn’t a place in America that is what Pasadena is to me. It is my home and the place of my history - and my family’s future. It is where I integrate the old with the new and feel a part of being the American that I am.

The Altadena Community Garden

Sharing Through Altadena Community Garden

Who hasn’t heard the expression, “April showers bring May flowers”? I had the privilege and pleasure of being guided through the gardens last Sunday morning. The mountains I love so dearly - served as a backdrop to each garden plot and one after another – a dimensional canvas of each gardener’s vision unfolded before me.

The morning air disbursed a sweet fragrance, a mixture of sweet floral scents incorporating the freshness of soil. There is nothing quite as wonderful as fragrant, sweet and fresh soil! My grandfather taught me that. For those who love to garden, this is a place not to be missed! I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have driven past the corner of Lincoln and Palm in Altadena, only to utter to myself that I would come back again and explore this wonderful looking place.

The garden is operated by L.A. County Parks and Recreation Department, and is a part of Loma Alta Park. Today it is a place to learn about plant life, soil, watering, composting, recycling, cooking, and food preservation – among other things. It is a place to grow friendships and not just flowers, trees, vegetables and cacti. Sixty square feet are a typical plot size and it is interesting to see what each gardener will create and successfully produce. Individual personalities and sense of humor become evident as one meanders around. There are public areas that are maintained by hired and helper hands as well. The roses are making a spectacular showing this season together with abundant artichoke plants. It is a place to experiment with what will grow and produce the greatest yield or crop. It is a place where families can come and share – one generation to the next.

The grounds offer an elevated deck with abundant built in perimeter seating under a semi- shade providing avocado tree on one side – flanked by a grapefruit tree on the other. There are Bar-B-Que’s for the members use. All gardening tools are provided and maintained by the members, so newcomers do not have to purchase anything or lug from home!

The county charges a small annual fee of $75.00 for this experience – per plot, and only $30.00 per year if you would prefer to come and assist someone already gardening. As you can imagine, there is a waiting list for avid gardeners to get in. I understand that it is about a two year wait! Lasting friendships are cultivated here! Gardening brings out the best in people of all ages and all cultures. It ‘grafts’ people together and wonderful things result!

The generous nature of gardener’s was further shown to me when I was preparing to depart from my ‘fact finding mission.’ I was gifted freshly picked artichokes (that I prepared with hollandaise sauce), a lovely bouquet of sweet-peas that scented my car for two days, and from the president of the garden, a gorgeous bouquet of the most beautiful rose varieties in the garden and an invitation to ‘please come back again!’ I have been smiling ever since… and have posted photographs of my bouquets on Facebook to share with the rest of you! I am also posting an album of photos I created from my wonderful Sunday morning at the Altadena Community Garden.

My name is Natalia Budilo and I am a gardener, a Realtor and your neighbor! You can find me on Facebook, on Twitter and email at NVB.Homes@gmail.com for any questions. Feel free to download my photos for your own enjoyment they can be found on Facebook under my name.