Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/884046
city of angels Photos: Courtesy of Las Pilitas Nursery city of angels garden in spring. Hummingbirds, bees, and butterfl ies are all attracted to the blooms. Even Monarchs love the early spring fl owers. The Golden Currant is a forage source for many butter- fl ies including the Tailed Copper Butterfl y, Cloudy Copper, Zephyr Anglewing, and Oreas Anglewing. CANYON GOOSEBERRY, Ribes menziesii Canyon Gooseberry is a drought-tolerant shrub with maroon- purple and white fl owers. This species has many forms that are na- tive to the coastal ranges of California up to southern Oregon. This species is deciduous in summer; it will lose its leaves under heat or drought stress. If you water it in the summer, it will die of root rot, but you can water indirectly by planting it 10-ft away from a lawn or garden fl ower bed. Ribes menziesii is great for a bird garden. Do not plant near walkways, as it likes to "catch" passersby. WHITE-FLOWERED CURRANT, Ribes indecorum Extremely drought tolerant, this is likely the toughest of the Ribes in California. It grows in Chaparral and Coastal Sage Scrub throughout southern and central California, from Monterey to San Diego County. The White-fl owered Currant can grow to 6-ft tall. It is commonly found growing in the shade of large oaks, along seasonal creeks, and on north or east slopes. It can survive a harsh (hot & dry) summer envi- ronment by going summer deciduous. After the fi rst rain, it comes out of dormancy. In February, the currant will bloom white fragrant fl owers, which are beloved by hummingbirds, bumblebees, moths, and specifi c native bees. It is great in a bird garden, adjusts well to garden environments, and has tasty fruit. The list of Ribes family members goes on and on, each providing edible wild berries for humans and birds alike, and acting as a magnet for bees and butterfl ies in the spring. You may not be used to gardening in late Autumn, but if you are ready to put on your gloves and do some digging in the wild- life garden, you couldn't make a better choice than Ribes. This year, when you stop to be thankful for the harvest laid out upon your table, why not give your California garden a place at the table, too? The birds and the butterfl ies will thank you, over & over again! October/November 2017 9