PASADENA GARDENS
A Three-part DOCUMENTARY SERIES
About the Series
Pasadena Gardens is a three-part documentary series hosted by Jodhan Fine of the Pasadena Audubon Society that highlights how everyday Pasadena gardens are quietly becoming a critical habitat for native birds. Each episode follows one garden, the birds it attracts, and the people behind the space, blending personal stories with accessible ecological education.
At its heart, Pasadena Gardens is about coexistence. How people and birds learn to share space, and how gardens can become bridges between human communities and the natural world.
In partnership with
Pasadena Audubon Society
Featured gardens
Arlington Garden
Hummingbird Cantina at The Gamble House
The Mills Wildlife Sanctuary
The Mills Wildlife Sanctuary
Behind the scenes
Behind the Scenes at Mills Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo by Michael Walker
Behind the Scenes at Arlington Garden
Photo by Jax Nolan
Behind the Scenes at Arlington Garden
Photo by Jax Nolan
Behind the Scenes at Arlington Garden
Photo by Elisa Sandez
Behind the Scenes at Hummingbird Cantina
Video Still by Michael Stanis
Behind the Scenes at Hummingbird Cantina
Photo by Jax Nolan
Behind the Scenes at Hummingbird Cantina (Gamble House)
Photo by Jax Nolan
Behind the Scenes at Mills Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo by Jax Nolan
Behind the Scenes at Hummingbird Cantina
Photo by Jax Nolan
The Mourning Dove Advisory Board
Rose & Dotty - Founding Members, Coexistence & Inspiration
It began with two Mourning Doves named Rose and Dotty.
In 2023, during a stormy spring day, I put up a basket in my backyard out of intuition.
The very next day, two Mourning Doves appeared, took shelter from the storm, and made it part of their daily lives. Rose and Dotty returned regularly, eventually introducing their babies to the garden. Over time, I watched multiple generations of their family grow, fledge, and return. The backyard became more than a garden - it became habitat.
Observing this family transformed the way I saw urban wildlife.
That experience became the seed for Pasadena Gardens.
Lily & Fern - Associate Producers, Backyard Division
Fern and Lily are the children of Rose and Dotty, the first generation born into a family that helped inspire Pasadena Gardens.
Artemis & Star - Leaders of Exploration
Artemis and Star are the offspring of Fern and his mate, Luna, representing the next generation of a family that has returned to the garden year after year.