Many gooseberries and currants, both in the genus Ribes, bloom in February. Gooseberries, such as the fuchsia flowering gooseberry (R. speciousum), have spines. Currants include the golden currant (R. aureum), chaparral currant (R. malvaceum), and the pink flowering currant (R. sanguineum). All have edible berries and grow well in gardens with some shade and year around water. These are deciduous, lossing their leaves in summer. Catalina perfume (R. viburnifolium) is an unusual currant that is evergreen, has a delightful aroma, and does well as a groundcover beneath coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia).

If you visit the Garden, be sure to notice the flowering manzanitas, ceanothus, Fremont's camas, and other lovely shrubs, herbaceous perennials and annuals. The wildflowers are just coming into bloom.