Dryandra

Dryandras are closely related to the Banksias, Grevilleas and Hakea, and like many proteas they have lots of individual flowers clustered into a globe-shaped inflorescences. Some blooms open up like a shaving brush, while others appear to be closed with individual outer bracts. Their colors are usually limited to bronze, yellow and maroon. The foliage can be very erratic, some have very narrow leaves with small jagged edges, others a coarse, fishbone look, or even large leaves like banksias. There are over 90 known varieties of Dryanda all of which are native to Southwestern Australia.

Dryandra Formosa

Dryandra Polycephala

Dryandra Quercifolia

Dryandra Borealis

Dryandra Praemorsa

Dryandra Nivea

An interesting fact: Dryandra seeds are only released during a bushfire or when the plant dies.

Instagram: Photos We Dig

7 trendy photos featuring images by Pasadena’s Muir Ranch Director, Mud Baron, whose fun and unusual floral crowns were all the rage at the 26th Annual National Bioneers Conference in San Rafael, CA. For 25 years, this forum has connected thousands of people with practical, visionary solutions for humanity's most pressing environmental and social challenges. These social and scientific innovators focus on breakthrough solutions inspired by nature and human ingenuity.

See more of Mud’s chic and stylish #flowersonyourhead images on Instragram @cocoxochitl.

Floral News: Inspirational Stories of the Week

Three-Dozen Floral Designers Transform a Condemned Detroit Duplex with 36,000 Flowers.

Last November, florist Lisa Waud went to a public auction and purchased an abandoned house in Detroit, Michigan—sight unseen. Crumbling and condemned, the aging duplex was filled knee-high with trash, broken bottles, and even a dead dog. Her winning bid: $250. But Waud had a vision. She planned to invite florists from Michigan, Ohio, New York and Canada to fill the house with a temporary art installation of 36,000 flowers. This morning, Flower House opens to the public. After a year of planning and three days of solid labor from dozens of volunteers, Flower House now contains room after room of independent flower designs and installations that flow together to create an immersive blooming environment. The piece is part art installation, part memorial to Detroit’s history, and an effort in sustainability and responsibility to American-grown flower farms. Read more>

Flower House grows from art installation inspiration.

Beyond the crumbling plaster, busted pipes, and peeling paint, a small ceramic plate remains fastened to the wall of an abandoned duplex in Hamtramck.“This is my house,” the plate reads, “and I’ll do as I darn please.” It’s a mantra Hamtramck floral designer Lisa Waud has taken to heart. With the help of more than three dozen floral designers from Michigan, Ohio, New York and Canada, Waud and her friends have taken an unlikely canvas, an abandoned house on the I-75 service drive, and transformed it with flowers, plants and foliage. Read more>

A Detroit Florist’s Vision Turns an Abandoned House Into Art.

Eleven months ago, a derelict house here that is now filled with 36,000 flowers contained far grimmer things. A dead dog. Jammed toilets - untouched for years. Broken glass from beer bottles and shattered windows. Twelve thousand pounds of trash had to be hauled out before Lisa Waud, a florist who bought the duplex at auction for $250, could see what kind of canvas she had purchased. Read more>

Fall Trend Colors: Pantone’s Top 10 Wedding Colors

Autumn may bring a chill to the air, but this season’s color trends are all about warmth: displaying a palette that weaves earthy neutrals with a range of bold colors that reflect a landscape of hope, fun, fantasy and all things natural for the big day.

It’s FUN to review each season's top Pantone color trends and see what Proteas blend with the palettes. Our favorites this fall are Cashmere Rose and Marsala.

PANTONE 16-2215 Cashmere Rose

A play on the '60s with a twist of today, PANTONE 16-2215 Cashmere Rose is a tactile and soft pink hue that renders exactly what it promises. Cultivated in its richness, Cashmere Rose is a gentle and composed pink that is more upscale than downtown. - Pantone

PANTONE 18-1438 Marsala

Interesting on its own and a wonderful contrast for other hues, PANTONE 18-1438 Marsala is a winey red-brown that adds finesse and savoir faire. Rich and robust, Marsala incorporates the warmth and richness of a tastefully fulfilling meal, while its grounding red-brown roots point to a sophisticated, natural earthiness. – Pantone

And, to go along with this dynamic duel here are two lovely wedding blogs featuring these warm and earthy hues:

DIY Maui Wedding at Olowalu Plantation House

A Stunning Styled Bridal Session in Marsala
{Pantone Color of the Year}

What are your favorite fall colors?

UCRBG Friends Fall Dinner

From Home/Garden Shows to Botanical Gardens, teaching plant enthusiasts, gardeners and farmers about growing Proteaceae is one of our ‘favorite things’. Pardon our boldness, but we simply believe that sharing our passion for farming brings a whole lot of happiness to those around us. That’s why we’re always thrilled when we are asked to spread a dose of ‘Protea inspiration’ to associations, clubs and organizations. This month’s endeavor? The Friends of the University of California Riverside Botanic Garden (UCRBG) Fall Dinner.

The UCR Botanic Gardens nestled in the foothills of the Box Springs Mountains covers over 40 hilly acres. It is a living plant museum with more than 3,500 plant species from around the world for visitors and researchers to see and study. In a beautiful setting, the Gardens provide a wide assortment of plant materials for courses at UCR and other local schools. The Friends of the Botanic Gardens contribute to the mission of the UCR Botanic Gardens. The Friends provide support for the development and maintenance of the Gardens. Through funds accrued from annual membership fees, contributions and public events, and through volunteer member participation in various activities and projects, public areas are enhanced and the unique plant collections are continually expanded. And, it’s our hope Proteaceae will soon become a ‘welcome’ addition to the Gardens!

The Friends help create an environment that truly serves the needs and desires of the community as well as those of the University. The Botanic Gardens would not have been possible without the input, generous support and enthusiasm of the Friends.

San Diego Grown Dinner 365

There’s really no way better to celebrate summer’s last harvest than enjoying a exquisite farm-to-table dinner straight from the source: The San Diego Grown Dinner – Hosted by the Farmers and Ranchers of San Diego County. And, that is just what we did!

On Sunday, September 20th, Chef Jeff Rossman, owner of Terra American Bistro, and a talented team of culinary arts students from Grossmont College served over 175 guests a specatular farm-to-table dinner at Stehly Farms Organics in Valley Center. Upon arrival, guests were greeted by Chef Jeff as they sampled savory appetizers from the Slider, Crostini and Soup Bars.

Our Flower Farmer Florist Mel Resendiz added some festive flare to the dinner by designing a gorgeous arrangement and wreath for display. And together we created 26 arrangements that garnished the tables and hors d’ oeuvre stations. Kudos to Mellano & Co. and Weidners Gardens for donating some of the floral gems that were added to the seasonal recipe.

Everyone mingled throughout the dinner, enjoying the delicious locally grown food and wine. There’s definitely something special about eating a scrumptious meal in a stunning outdoor setting.

The Farmers and Ranchers of San Diego County along with Chef Jeff and his team created an amazing menu that left all the guests feeling like they had just eaten at a Five Star restaurant.

Here’s a peek at the menu:

This celebration of locally grown didn’t end with dessert. A unique box of San Diego Grown goodies was presented to the guests to take home and enjoy with their families.

Cheers to a bountiful harvest!