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In the mountains above Maricao lies a 90 acre botanical garden, tropical flower and fruit farm, and nursery with over 600 species of exotic tropical flowers, fruits, nuts, spices, and palms. While my son and his family were here visiting, we paid a visit and met the owner, horticulturist, Bryan Brunner. My wife, Irene, is in love with heliconia (Langosta) and ginger plants so this was also an opportunity to pick up some rhizomes for the garden.

The trip up to Montoso is a beautiful drive up through the mountains east of Mayaguez. We were there during the height of the dry season, which isn't really the best time to visit. At the time of our visit, we had been without rain for two months and we could hear the helicopters dropping water on the fires in Maricao State Forest, which adjoins the montoso property.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by a gang of barking dogs and Bryan Brunner, the owner. Bryan came to Puerto Rico for graduate studies in tropical horticulture and loved it so much that he stayed. He now teaches at the university in Mayaguez. The botanical garden is a former coffee plantation. Bryan purchased the plantation and began operation as a botanical garden in 1987. Limited commercial operation started in 1999. In 2001, Bryan's brother, David, joined the operation to help in the improvement of the gardens and the expansion of commercial operations. They have plans to restore the original coffee hacienda and build cottages for ecotourism.

Our tour began by climbing into the back of Bryan's pickup seated on plastic milk crates. We started down a steep, winding road into the gardens followed by the Bryan's pack of yapping dogs. Bryan stopped at several spots along the way, pointing out interesting plants, flowers and exotic fruits or to dig some rhizomes. We continued downhill until we reached the origination point of the Prieto River. The river starts its existence at the foot of Pico Montoso, from the numerous springs of crystalline water which flow out of the rock year round. There was a small, crystal clear pool of water at the base of a small waterfall and stands of giant bamboo.

We made the trip back up to the top of the mountain and browsed the commercial nursery for a few more plants to bring home. If you like tropical plants, and are looking for a side trip, you can do worse than a visit to Montoso Gardens. It's a very unique place and Bryan is a very friendly, informative guide. You can start with a visit to the Montoso Gardens website.

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