SPYDERS IN THE GARDEN
Scenes from the Arboretum

Pictures by Roy Nakano You like classic cars, but your family doesn’t share your passion. On Sunday, October 6th, the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden in Arcadia presented an event to satisfy both you and your family. It was called “Spyders in the Garden”—a collection of classic and replica Spyders featured throughout the garden during the day-long event. The pre-1970s cars included a variety of makes from Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Ferrari, and Porsche. Some Shelby Cobras from last year’s “Serpents in the Garden” were joined in for good measure.

Last year, the Arboretum held “Serpents in the Garden”, which was a collection of Shelby Cobras hidden in various parts of the beautiful grounds of the Arboretum. The event was organized by Dan Ziol, and had been held in La Cañada Flintridge’s Descanso Gardens years before. At “Serpents in the Garden”, each turn of the corner was met with a greeting from another Shelby Cobra. The event was such a hit, that the Arboretum welcomed this year’s follow up event, “Spyders in the Garden”. As exhibitor NiceGuyEddie put it, “this sure beats looking at cars in a parking lot.”

“Kids can also learn about spiders of the eight-legged variety at Andre Campbell's World Famous Spider Show,” said the Arboretum’s Brittany Febeck. “Other children's activities included a car-themed scavenger hunt, a photo opportunity behind the wheel of a miniature car, and of course the opportunity to talk to the owners and drivers of these classic automobiles.” A special evening reception at the Arboretum’s Peacock Cafe cast the classic cars in a different light. “The evening reception gave participants another opportunity to chat with the car owners and learn about Southern California car culture from those who know it best,” said Fabeck.

About the Arboretum Situated in Arcadia, California’s historic Rancho Santa Anita, the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a joint operation of the Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. While peacocks flock the neighborhood, the Arboretum is home to plant collections from all over the world, as well as historical landmarks that include Native American, Rancho Period, and late 19th century treasures. In addition to concerts, tours, and “Spyders in the Garden”, the Arboretum offers activities and events that cater to wide audiences. “Our mission is to cultivate our natural, horticultural and historic resources for learning, enjoyment and inspiration, says Fabeck. “We strive to reflect Southern California's distinct climate, community and openness to new ideas.” For more information about the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, visit arboretum.org. To go to LA Car's Facebook page on Spyders in the Garden, click here. Scenes from “Spyders in the Garden”: