Plant of the Month (May) : Golden Currant - Ribes aureum

Golden Currant (Ribes aureum):

Every garden needs a bit color in spring.  The locally native currant and gooseberry bushes (genus Ribes) are among the most reliable early bloomers in local gardens.   Our Golden Currant has bloomed now for several weeks and should provide a welcome spot of ‘gold’ for a few more weeks (see above). It’s scientific name, Ribes aureum, is pronounced

ri-BEEZ  OW-ree-um.

The genus Ribes is a member of the Currant family, the Grossulariaceae.  Some taxonomists have placed Ribes in the Saxifrage family, although its members differ significantly from Saxifragaceae.  Grossulariaceae is notable for woody deciduous shrubs that produce edible berries; the Saxifrages are herbaceous with dry fruits. The current consensus is that Currants and Saxifrages are sister species; and that the Currant family contains a single genus (Ribes), although some taxonomists place the gooseberries into a separate genus: Grossularia. We’ll have to see how that debate plays out.

The majority of Ribes species are native to the Northern Hemisphere (primarily North America and Asia, but also Europe); species from the Southern Hemisphere are limited to mountainous regions.  Gooseberry species have prickles (thorns) on their stems, while currants do not.  Currants and gooseberries are grown commercially for fruit and also used as ornamental shrubs.

Golden Currant (Ribes aureum): spring buds

There are 10 (possibly 11) different Ribes species native to Colorado.  The western Slope is blessed with several natives, including Ribes aureum var. aureum (Golden Currant), Ribes cereum var. cereum (Wax Currant); Ribes coloradensis [aka Ribes laxiflorum] (Colorado Currant); Ribes interme var interme (Whitestem currant), Ribes lacustre (Prickly Currant), Ribes leptanthum (Trumpet Gooseberry), Ribes montigenum (Alpine Prickly Currant), and Ribes wolfii (Wolf’s Currant).  The Clove/Buffalo Currant (Ribes odoratum; sometimes also known as Ribes aureum var. villosum), native to the U.S. Midwest, is also grown in local gardens, often as the ‘Crandall’ cultivar.

Golden Currant (Ribes aureum): in the wilds, Western Colorado.

Most Western Slope Ribes grow at elevations greater than 4000 ft. (sometimes much higher), usually along stream banks and on mountain slopes.   Our local Golden Currant, Ribes aureum var. aureum, grows from the west coast to the Rockies/Four Corners states, TX and ND, as well as Southern Canada (British Columbia to Quebec). It commonly grows along stream banks and other moist/seasonally moist places in shrubland, woodland and forest communities below 3000 ft (900 meters) elevation.   In Western Colorado, Ribes aureum var. aureum commonly grows from about 4000-8500 ft. elevation.

Golden Currant (Ribes aureum): plant growth and development

Cultivated since the early 1800s , Golden currant is a woody shrub 6-8 ft (~2-2.5 m) tall with a spread of about the same.  Like all currants, its stems are ‘unarmed’.   Unlike some local species, Golden currant grows by adding new stems at the base and sprouting from rhizomes (underground stems).  A young plant will have only a few stems – mature plants will have many more (see above).  The actual stem characteristics depend greatly on the amount of light the plant receives (see below).  The stems are shorter, stockier and more erect in sunnier locations and more wand-like in shade.  

Golden Currant (Ribes aureum): development in sun and shade

Golden currant is stress-deciduous, losing its leaves either during the hot, dry fall  or with the first cold snap.  The leaves are medium green with the three lobes typical of the genus (see photo above).   The leaves become red- or purple tinged – and may become entirely red – in fall.   In fact, they are a good source of fall color in local gardens. 

Golden Currant (Ribes aureum): Fall color

The flowers of Golden currant are a bright, golden yellow – in fact the name ‘aureum’ refers to their golden color.  Plants flower early in the year – as early as  April in USDA Zone 6 and as early as January or february in warmer climates. The bloom season is about a month.  The flowers of Ribes aureum var. gracillimum often become more red as they age, an added benefit this time of year. 

Golden Currant (Ribes aureum): Flowering plant

The flowers have five petals and are ‘perfect’ (have both male and female parts).  While individual flowers are small, the drooping floral clusters are quite showy (see above).   The flowers of var. gracillimum have either no/little scent or a mild sweet fragrance, and many early pollinators that visit them.  We’ve seen native bees (including Bumblebees), European honeybees and pollinator flies visiting our plants in Mother Nature’s Montrose Garden.

 

Golden Currant (Ribes aureum): flowers, close-up

In warmer climates, rhe most showy visitors (above) are Monarch butterflies and hummingbirds.   Plant any of our native Ribes if you want to attract hummingbirds.  They will fiercely protect their currants and gooseberries from other hummingbirds/insects – and even scold you if they think you’re getting too close!

The fruits of Golden currant are edible – in fact they are among the tastiest of the native currants.   Ripe berries are a translucent orange to red or even dark purple.  You’ll know fruits are ripe when the birds start gobbling them up.  Mockingbirds, Grossbeaks, Robins, Jays, Towhees and others love the fruits.  If you want some for your family’s use you’ll need to be vigilant.   We’ll feature some interesting currant recipes later in the year.

Golden Currant (Ribes aureum): fruiting plant

Golden Currant (Ribes aureum):fruits

Golden currant is tolerant of a range of environmental conditions, making it a good candidate for gardens. It is hardy to USDA Zone 3 and tolerates even the warmth of Southern California. Plants tolerate full sun only in cooler climates.  In most gardens, morning or dappled sun is ideal, although this plant will thrive even in bright shade on the north side of walls or buildings. 

In general, native currants and gooseberries like well-drained soils.  That being said, many of us successfully grow Golden currant in quite heavy clay soils.   The trick is in the watering, and Ribes aureum var. gracillimum is among the most  tolerant of the native Ribes.    It also tolerates a wide range of soil pH, from slightly acid to alkali.

In a dry winter/spring you’ll be wise to water your Ribes deeply, as currants need their winter moisture.  Golden currant even tolerates winter flooding.  Choose a cool, overcast day and water early or late.  In late spring and summer, mature Ribes aureum var. gracillimum can survive on very little water.  We find they look best if given an occasional soaking – perhaps once a month or several times during the summer.  If the leaves are becoming red-tinged or drooping, it’s probably time to water.    Be sure to let the soil dry out between waterings; and overhead watering should be avoided.

  

Golden Currant (Ribes aureum): water-wise once established

Like most Ribes, native or not, Golden currant is susceptible to fungal infections, particularly under warm, moist conditions.  Plants are an alternate host for white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola) which infects white pines (those with needles in bundles of five). You can do several things to prevent fungal infections: 1) locate plants in areas with good air circulation; 2) don’t over-water, particularly during warm weather; 3) don’t plant near white pines.

Golden Currant (Ribes aureum):well-shaped plant

Golden currant is most productive – and looks its best – when pruned as the Native peoples learned to prune it.  Native Americans value native currants as a tasty treat; so in the past, clumps of Ribes aureum were actively managed.   Three-year-old branches are usually past their productive life - pruning out the oldest stems each year will keep your plants neat, healthy and productive.   Start pruning after the second year of growth.  Prune out the oldest 1/3 of the branches (down almost to the ground); then prune out the oldest 1/3 of branches when plants are dormant each fall thereafter.  It is usually easy to tell the oldest stems, even when they are dormant.

Golden current is often used as a shrub in local gardens.  It can be informally espaliered along a wall or fence.  It can even be used for an informal hedge or hedgerow (perhaps with suitable evergreen species).  It doesn’t need much care, so it’s a good choice for hard-to-reach slopes (roots hold the soil) and other ‘challenging’ areas. 

Golden Currant (Ribes aureum): does well along walls and fences

As mentioned above, Golden currant berries are edible, raw or cooked.  They can be used to make pies, tarts, jams, jellies, syrups and cordials.  The flavor is very good.  If planting a native currant for fruit, this is the species to choose.  Native Californians used the inner bark, dried and pulverized or soaked in water, to treat skin infections and sores.

Golden Currant (Ribes aureum): fruits make good eating!

In summary, Golden currant is a great native shrub that provides bright color early in the year, attracts hummingbirds, native pollinators and fruit-eating birds – and provides edible berries.  We hope you’ll consider planting it in your own backyard.

 

 

For a gardening information sheet see:http://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/gardening-sheet-ribes-aureum

For more pictures of this plant see: 

For plant information sheets on other native plants see: http://nativeplantscsudh.blogspot.com/p/gallery-of-native-plants_17.html

 

 

 

We welcome your comments (below).  You can also send your questions to: monaturesmontrosegarden@gmail.com 

Plant of the Month (August) : Fourwing Saltbush – Atriplex canescens

 

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): Mother Nature's Montrose Garden

As the climate becomes more variable, Western gardeners are switching to plants known for their flexibility and resilience.  One such shrub – which also serves as a nice background to flowering plants – is the native Fourwing saltbush, Atriplex canescens.  The scientific name is pronounced: AT-try-plex  kan-ESS-sens.

The genus Atriplex, the Saltbushes or Oraches, contains over 200 species worldwide and is currently assigned to the subfamily Chenopodioideae of the family Amaranthaceae (note: formerly known as the family Chenopodiaceae). [1]  Saltbushes grow in a wide range of habitats, from dry deserts to sea coasts and other moist places. They are known as saltbushes because they can grow in salty soils, often ‘harvesting’ and sequestering salt from the environment.  They have also developed several adaptations to dry conditions (more on this below).

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): San Miguel Co, CO.

Fourwing saltbush is a common shrub or sub-shrub (part-woody plant) of western North America. Its range stretches from Western Canada east to North Dakota and south to northern Mexico and Baja California.  It is a common sight in many Colorado counties, usually growing on ‘dry slopes and plains, 3800-8800 ft’. [2]   It typically – but not always - grows in dry, alkali and often salty soils. In Western Colorado, such soils are often associated with ancient shallow seas.

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): growth habit

Atriplex canescens is a mounded medium to large shrub, typically 3-4 ft tall in sites with little rainfall, but reaching heights of 6-8 ft or more in very favorable sites. The width ranges from two to eight ft. The form is variable across the species’ range; in some places almost tree-like, while in other sites low and compact.   Common garden studies (species from different sites raised in the same ‘garden’) suggest that the differences are likely genetic in origin. [3]

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): foliage

Fourwing shrubs are many-branched and evergreen to semi-evergreen, losing at least some leaves to winter cold and/or drought.  There is considerable variability in foliage characteristics. But in all sites, plants appear silvery green in contrast to other shrubs.  This is due to several factors including: 1) scales that cover young leaves; 2) trichomes (plant hairs) that cover older leaves and small branches; 3) on salty sites, a crust of salt crystals exuded by the trichomes.

 

The growth rate of Atriplex canescens is at least partly dependent on soil moisture. This plant is an opportunist, growing quickly when resources are abundant and more slowly in times of drought.  Its root system makes the most of any soil moisture it receives.  Like many of our most drought-tolerant Western shrubs, Fourwing saltbush has both a network of shallow roots and a deep taproot (20 ft. to as much as 40 ft. deep).  The roots can utilize both monsoonal moisture and deeper soil water reserves.   Not surprisingly, plants in the wild are long-lived, even in harsh climates.

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): in wild

Fourwing saltbush is dioecious; male and female flowers occur on separate plants. But that’s just part of the story. Plants can change sex, usually from female to male, in times of stress (like drought). [4]  This is yet another adaptation to harsh and variable conditions.

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): male flowers

Fourwing saltbush isn’t a species to plant for flowers. Both male and female flowers are small and yellow-brown. But the seeds (female plants only) are housed in an interesting dry fruit with four ‘wings’ (bracts) which is unique to the species and attractive in fall and winter (below). 

 

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): green fruits

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): ripe fruits

Atriplex canescens is an important habitat plant in the wild.  The fruits and seeds are consumed by birds (including quail, grouse and other birds), rabbits and other small mammals.  The fruits and foliage are browsed by Jack rabbits, bighorn sheep, antelope, deer and elk in fall and winter. This browse is high in protein and considered a nutritious food source. Shrubs are often browsed severely by spring (see photo, below).  Shrubs also provide cover for small and medium-sized animals and birds. And insects, including lacewings, ladybugs, hoverflies and the larvae of Mojave & Saltbush Sootywing Skippers, eat either the foliage or insects on it. [4,5]

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): browsing elk

Fourwind saltbush is easy to grow in USDA Zones 6-10. It tolerates a wide range of soil textures, from sandy or gravelly to loams, with pH from 6.5 to 9.0 (alkali). It can be grown in full sun, even in hot gardens, but also tolerates some shade. It does need good soil drainage, particularly in areas with abundant rain, and is very drought tolerant once established. 

Give it weekly water for the first summer or two, then once a month or less thereafter. In fact, there’s a greater danger over over- than under-watering established plants. Plants may be susceptible to root fungi, so plant them in a drier part of the garden, if necessary.

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): tolerates
 drought and salty soils

As mentioned above, wild Fourwing shrubs are often well-browsed during fall and winter. They are designed to take a yearly shearing, so don’t hesitate to cut branches back by 1/3 in late winter or early spring. Pruned plants will be heathier, bushier and better looking than those left unpruned.  And that’s about it for this hardy, disease-free shrub.

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): fruits are showy

So how can Atriplex canescens be used in the garden? If you have a hot, dry area where little else grows, you might want to consider it. It’s a good alternative to the cacti (or non-living ground covers) often used in such situations.   If given a yearly pruning it’s tidy enough for the front yard; no one will even suspect it’s a native!  It is also a good choice for a sheared hedge, due to its dense foliage; or can be included in a mixed hedgerow.

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): good choice
 for dry conditions

In areas where Fourwing saltbush is native, it can provide an effective transition to wildland areas or a backbone shrub for local native plantings. We like it mixed with other native shrubs and flowering perennials (below). The silvery-green color of Atriplex canescens contrasts beautifully with the silvers and deep greens of other plants.  It is relatively fire-resistant compared to other Western native shrubs, which is another plus.  And, of course, its habitat value makes it a good choice for attracting wildlife.

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): foliage provides
 nice contrast year-round

Atriplex canescens has been put to good use by humans as well.  The leaves can be harvested and eaten, raw or cooked, most times of the year. The one exception is if your soil is high in selenium; this plant is a selenium-accumulator, so leaves should not be eaten from selenium-rich soils. The seeds are tiny, but can be ground for flour or pinole. [4]

The leaves produce a soapy lather for hair washing or to relieve itchy skin, rashes and insect bites.  Leaves and roots can be used to make a soothing poultice for insect bites and stings. [6]  The Hopi burn green foliage for an ash that enhances the color of blue corn products. This ash can also be used as a baking powder substitute. [3]  And the foliage yields a yellow dye.

We are big fans of Fourwing saltbush. It’s a tough-as-nails, drought tolerant shrub that adds beauty and usefulness to the garden. It isn’t showy, but it fills a niche that few other native shrubs do so well.  It is most often available from local native plant nurseries, though we suspect it may become more common in the future.  We suggest you seriously consider it for your future-resilient garden!

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): Montrose, Colorado garden

 

For a gardening information sheet see: Gardening sheet atriplex canescens (slideshare.net)

For more pictures of this plant see:

For plant information sheets on other native plants see: http://nativeplantscsudh.blogspot.com/p/gallery-of-native-plants_17.html

 

____________

1.       https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atriplex

2.       Ackerfield, J. Flora of Colorado. Brit Press, 2015

3.       http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/atrcan/all.html

4. Plants for a Future Database – http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Atriplex+canescens
5. http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ATCA2
6. http://herb.umd.umich.edu/herb/search.pl?searchstring=Atriplex+canescens

 

 

 

 

We welcome your comments (below).  You can also send your questions to: monaturesmontrosegarden@gmail.com

Plant of the Month (June) : Mock Orange – Philadelphus lewisii

 

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii):

Long-blooming flowering shrubs are justifiably popular.  They add beauty to the landscape, while also providing nectar and pollen for the many pollinators visiting a summer garden.  One of our western favorites is the Mock Orange, Philadelphus lewisii (pronounced  fil-uh-DEL-fus  loo-ISS-ee-eye). Our Philadelphus shrubs often bloom through most of June and into July.

Philadelphus lewisii is known simply as Mock Orange or as Lewis', Gordon’s, Wild, Western, Pacific, Idaho or California Mock Orange; in some places, it’s also called  Indian arrowwood (it’s woody stems have been put to many uses, including as arrow shafts).   The genus Philadelphus was named by Linnaeus after Pharoah Ptolemy II Philadelphus. The species name honors Meriwether Lewis, Western U.S. explorer who collected the plant.

The genus Philadelphus contains approximately 60 species native to North and Central America, Asia, and southeastern Europe; about 27 Philadelphus species are native to North America. [1]    Only one species, Philadelphus microphyllus (Littleleaf Mock Orange), is native to Colorado.  Other Western Colorado genera in Hydrangeaceae (the Hydrangea Family, to which Philadelphus belongs) are Fendlera, Fendlerella and Jamesia. [2]  

 

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): in nature

Philadelphus lewisii is native to northwestern United States and southern Canada.  It occurs from extreme southern British Columbia south to California, and east to north and central Idaho, western Montana, and southwestern Alberta. [3]  In its native range it commonly occurs in open coniferous forests and forest edges, usually associated with other shrubs.  It is found in a range of plant communities, often along stream sides and moist open woodlands; it can also grow on dry, rocky hillsides, in pine forests and in sagebrush deserts.   Fortunately for gardeners, it also does well in gardens across the west and beyond.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): growth habit

Mock Orange is a multi-stemmed, winter-deciduous shrub. It commonly grows 4-6 ft [ m] tall and wide, although some plants grow to 10 or more ft. tall.  The growth habit is usually mounding to vase-shaped, though plants may be loosely sprawling or arching.  The growth pattern and flowering characteristics are quite variable between plants and locations. Growth rate ranges from moderate to fast.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): foliage

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): fall color

The leaves of Mock Orange are oval, opposite and may have serrated edges. Leaves start out light green in spring, becoming medium green in summer. Leaves usually turn yellow in fall. The bark of twigs and young branches is reddish-brown, becoming gray and flaking with age.  When not in bloom, the plant is a pleasant green shrub that makes a good backdrop for showier species.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): flowering plant

But when Philadelphus lewisii blooms, the shrub becomes spectacular!   A mature plant can be covered with hundreds – even thousands – of blooms.  The flowers grow in clusters along a flowering stem. Individual flowers are up to 1 ½ inches across and pure white. The flowers are heavily scented with an aroma similar to that of orange blossoms (hence the common name of Mock Orange). Flowers are pollinated primarily be bees, though butterflies also visit the flowers.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): close-up of flower

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): green sepals

Plants bloom from late spring into early summer – as long as a month or more in our part of Western Colorado. Flowers have four (sometime five) petals and numerous yellow stamens.  The green sepals remain after the petals fall – an interesting look in its own right (above). The fruit is a small hard capsule (a centimeter long) with woody wings, containing many brown seeds.  New plants can be started from seeds scattered in fall, or pre-treated (cold-moist treatment for 2-3 months) and planted in spring.

[capsule and seeds – coming soon]

Mock Orange is an adaptable plant in the garden. It can thrive in a wide range of soil textures, with pH from 5.0-8.0. It is quite hardy and can be planted from USDA Zone 3 to 9 (most Sunset Zones).  It is fine in full sun to part-shade (morning sun) and fairly drought tolerant once established.  In hot, dry gardens of Western Colorado it does best with a weekly deep irrigation during the summer months.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): does well in part-shade, particularly
 in hot gardens

Mock Oranges benefit from some yearly pruning. Like Lilacs, yearly removal of the oldest ¼ to 1/3 of branches helps renew the plant and promote abundant blooms. Old, neglected plants can be coppiced (cut back almost to the ground) to renew them.  Just be careful using herbicidal sprays around Mock Oranges; they are very sensitive to such chemicals. 

 

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): in hedgerow with mint groundcover.
 Mother Nature's Montrose Garden. 

Philadelphus lewisii is an excellent choice for a medium to large shrub.  It is attractive from the time of bud-break until it loses its last leaves in fall.  It makes a nice screen plant and an attractive addition to a mixed hedgerow.  It can be successfully used for erosion control, including along streams and slopes.   It is equally at home in a natural or woodland garden as it is in a more formally manicured design.  Shrubs are effective both as specimen plants or to provide a background for other shrubs or flowering plants.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): in garden.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden.
Claremont, California

Of course, the flowers - with their fragrance and long season - have made Mock Orange a popular garden shrub since first introduced into English gardens in 1825. In fact, this shrub has an old-fashioned appearance; it would look right at home in a Victorian or Edwardian-themed garden.  And one can’t ignore the habitat value of Mock Orange. It supports pollinators from native bees to butterflies. The seeds are eaten by many birds including grosbeaks, juncos, thrushes, bluebirds, flickers, quail, chickadees and finches. [4]

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): nectaring Lady Butterfly

Mock Orange also has several traditional human uses.  The flowers can be used to prepare perfumes and teas.  Dried, powdered leaves were traditionally mixed with oils and applied to sores and swollen joints.  Leaves and flowers contain a high concentration of saponins. They can be used as a gentle soap or shampoo. Just whisk bruised plant materials in water; or wet your hands and rub the plant materials between your hands to create a lather.

The hard wood has traditionally been used to make bows, arrows, combs, tobacco pipes, cradles, netting shuttles – even knitting needles!   Stems were also used in coiled basketry.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): four year old 'Blizzard'

A number of cultivars of Mock Orange are available from nurseries. In fact, the cultivars are likely more readily available than the straight species.  In Mother Nature’s Montrose Garden we grow both ‘Blizzard’ and ‘Cheyenne’.  ‘Blizzard’, which comes from Canada, is very hardy and more compact (5-6 ft. tall and wide) than some cultivars. ‘Cheyenne’, from Wyoming, grows to 6-9 ft. tall and is known for its sweetly scented flowers.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): three year old 'Cheyenne'

The cultivar ‘Covelo’ has very dense foliage (good for hedge or screen) while ‘Goose Creek’ and ‘Marjorie Schmidt’ (both from N. California) have double flowers.  ‘Mount Tahoma’ has variegated leaves and ‘Snow Velvet’ has large,  2 inch flowers on an 8-9 ft. plant.  ‘Waterton’ is known for its drought tolerance.

In summary, Mock Orange is a favorite shrub for many reasons. While not native to Colorado, it grows in neighboring states and does very well in gardens of the Four Corners states.  It’s a nice-looking shrub most of the year. And when in bloom it is a show-stopper.  This is one of those old-time favorites that looks good in most types of gardens, from formal to very informal.  It has a wonderful scent and provides good habitat value for its size. If you’re looking for a medium to large shrub, take a closer look at Philadelphus lewisii and its cultivars.  You may decide that Mock Orange is just what your garden needs.

 

For a gardening information sheet see: 

For more pictures of this plant see: 

For plant information sheets on other native plants see: http://nativeplantscsudh.blogspot.com/p/gallery-of-native-plants_17.html

 

___________

1.        http://nativeplantspnw.com/lewis-mock-orange-philadelphus-lewisii/

2.       Weber, WA and Wittmann, RC. Colorado Flora, Western Slope (4^th ed). 2012, University Press of Colorado, Boulder, CO.

3.        https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/philew/all.html

4.        https://www.plantoregon.com/product.asp?specific=2264

 

 

 

 

We welcome your comments (below).  You can also send your questions to: monaturesmontrosegarden@gmail.com