The Fresh Flower Crown

One of my favorite summer floral accessories is definitely the flower crown or halo. There’s something very sensual and romantic about wearing flowers in your hair. And, it’s not something that should be exclusive to weddings, they’re perfect for most any occasion - birthdays, summer gatherings, baby showers, garden parties - the possibilities are endless.

The flower crown, a symbol of love, fertility and celebration, has been a popular accessory all over the world for centuries. It’s origin dates back to ancient Greece and it's immersed in tradition and meaning. Flowers represent celebration, while crowns often stand for honor, so combining flowers and crowns couldn't be more natural. In addition, they’re so easy to create and personalize. You can be as extravagant or be as simple as you want to – from large, vibrant flowers like pincushions and protea to a few simple stems of serruria or sprigs of waxflower. 

Photo by Laurie Garza

 

Photo by Rose Red & Lavender

Photo by Sweet Little Photographs

Photo by Jessica Sim

Mixed Bouquets Make a Return

What’s Hot and Happening this season? Mixed Bouquets reports Fusion Flowers magazine in the June/July issue. “Strong colors, strong forms and a mix-and match approach is the Trend for bouquets this summer. It’s almost as if there is a return to the garden bouquet style. The resulting designs can be sumptuous or simple – it’s a case of ‘go for it’ and try working with different forms combining them in simple ways but so that they still stand out from the crowd! In fact – it’s a celebration of summer and summer flowers in particular. We love it.” 

With this exciting news in mind I couldn’t help but feel inspired to share a few of my favorite summertime bouquets that fit the Trend perfectly! 
 

 

 I'm definitely ready to celebrate the flowers of summer - how about you?

Christmas Bush

Christmas Bush or also called Festival Bush is a spectacular Australian shrub or small tree which can easily grow up to 12 feet in height. During the spring its 'true' flowers appear, they're small and a creamy white color. As the flowers are pollinated pinky red bracts emerge holding  seeds creating beautiful star-shaped sepals. The combination of the pinky red bracts and creamy flowers clustered together with green leaves on long stems is a breathtaking sight.
 

Here in California these fabulous flowers are harvested and enjoyed during the months of June and July. However, in Australia Festival Bush is harvested November through December hence the name Christmas Bush. Completion of the Australian harvest seasons coincides with Christmas and the start of the summer holidays. Families celebrate on the nearby beaches with traditional food and Christmas Bush. These flowers are wonderful mixed in holiday wreaths or used to decorate tables and walls.

Photo by Flower Association of Queensland

What to look for:

• Buy when the blooms are fully open and flexed back.
• The flowers should have strong red or cream coloring.
• Avoid bunches with dark, purple-colored flowers.

 
Flower Care:

1. Keep cool.
2. Strip leaves from the bottom half of each stem.
3. Re-cut at least 1/4" off each stem and place in cold water.
4. Do not crush or split ends.
5. Use flower food as this will help keep the blooms looking fresh.
6. Replace vase water every day.
7. Misting is a great idea as branches can take up water through the leaves.

With proper care Christmas Bush can be enjoyed in bouquets and arrangements for at least 21 days.

Sunroad International floraltradecenter Grand Opening

The San Diego International Floral Trade Center closed its doors on April 25th after 24 years on Avenida Encinas in Carlsbad. Earlier this month the new Sunroad Floral Trade Center, also located in Carlsbad, celebrated its Grand Opening with over 500 guests in attendance. The event was sponsored by the center’s vendors, floral suppliers and several California Flower Farms. There was lots of food, giveaways, raffles and to top off the evening - a Wonderful presentation by our friend Rene’ van Rems, AIFD.

 

San Diego county is home to many Protea Farms so setting up a colorful display was an absolute must!
 

Lots of gorgeous Protea, Leucadendron, Kangaroo Paw, Grevillea, Leucospermum and more decorated the table.
 

 It's always fun to visit with Rene' and talk 'Protea'!

As usual, Rene's pesentation was fun, colorful, creative and informative. There were plenty of fabulous designs on display and many that featured Proteaceae. Many thanks to Rene' for always sharing his enthusiasm and love for the flowers we grow!