Flower News: August’s Stories of Interest from Around the World

Why Florists Are Loving Dried Flowers Right Now

The antique-inspired variety is having a moment
and it isn't just because of Instagram.

If there's anyone who knows a thing or two about flower trends, it's Chris DeMeo, wholesale florist at N.Y.C.'s Dutch Flower Line. He's privy to what all of the city's top florists, stylist, and event designers are buying and has been in the business for more than 20 years. In other words, he's seen it all (or, quite a lot). Right now, he says, dried flowers are having a moment. "It all started because people are going for colors that feel a bit antiqued with a patina to them, and there are only so many [fresh] flowers in that palette. So, people became more and more creative and started using dried elements—to give their arrangements that vintage vibe," says DeMeo.

Read more here.
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The power of flowers — how they accompany us,
heal us and ‘make us gasp with pleasure’

‘Just living is not enough... one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower,’ wrote Hans Christian Andersen. Jay Griffiths explores their emotional pull.

‘Archangel,’ said a friend, picking one of the plentiful wildflowers in my garden and introducing me to it as to another friend.

Flowers are companions for us. They can be company in a lonely present, witness to memory and a promise for the future. They are characters: the chalk-pale, but still courageous snowdrop, the irrepressible daffodil, the flamenco-dancing fuchsia or the loyal nasturtium.

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Heat-Resistant Wedding Bouquets Perfect for Summer

Finding the perfect can be a challenge, whatever the season. But what about sourcing buds for a celebration that takes place, when the weather adds an extra variable to your decisions? That makes things even more difficult. If you're planning a celebration in a location known for its summer heat waves, it may be in your best interest to pick an arrangement that'll stand up to the sky-high temps.

Read more here.
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Flower power: how they improve emotional well-being, and which ones to pick for happiness at work and home

• Science shows that having bright and fragrant blooms around your home can reduce your anxiety, make you more compassionate and boost your energy at work

• One study even suggests flowers help in the healing process after hospital surgery. So which kinds should you pick for a happiness-inducing arrangement?

Ellna Yu Chun-ha loves flowers. They bring her joy and enhance the look of her home.

“Just looking at a pretty arrangement relaxes me instantly, which is just what I need after a long and stressful day,” says the safety instructor, who lives in Hong Kong. “And no matter where I place the arrangement, it has the effect of brightening up the space and making the area look more inviting.”

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Creating a Fall Protea Wreath

We’re starting to see early signs of fall here on the farm! We've dusted off all the wreath making equipment and ordered plenty of extra supplies! Designing and creating a gorgeous Protea wreath is one of our favorite crafts, it's like painting but with a palette of flowers, and it definitely puts you in an autumn mode! With a dozen beautiful Protea, Grevillea Ivanhoe, Honey Myrtle, Banksia Occidentalis and Leucadendron Safari Sunset as well as Galpinii with fabulous cones, we anxiously observe as another unique masterpiece is created.

The wreath... a symbol of welcome, eternity and a joyful spirit! When protea find their way into a wreath they no doubt fulfill the promise of eternity, as they don't die they dry beautifully and become timeless!

Protea Designs We Love

From alluring bouquets and wreaths to artistic works of art, protea are stand outs in seasonal designs from late summer through autumn.

Protea stems thoughtfully displayed in a large galvanized basket evokes feelings of abundance and gratitude for another bountiful harvest season. This all-eximea arrangement features Susannae, one of the newer cultivars, in pink, burgundy and cream hues.

Seasonal Simplicity - Bouquets

Festive Wreaths

Creative Centerpieces

“In brilliant jewel tone shades, protea are an excellent summer and autumn flower. The blooms are vibrant and plentiful throughout the warmest part of the year.”—Mel

Gum Trees - Corymbia Ficifolia

What’s trending this season? Eucalyptus… from leafy garlands, to lush wreaths and verdant displays this fabulous foliage is showing up everywhere! However, did you know that some varieties of eucalyptus produce a profusion of bright flower clusters during the summer? These flowers are not typical flowers though, as these showy blooms are made up mostly of anthers and styles, rather than petals. And in species like, Corymbia ficifolia, the buds appear in masses on a single stem that develops on the axil of the leaves. These nectar-rich flowers can be found in hues of white, yellow, cream, red, pink, salmon, orange or even bi-colors and the stamens are held in small cup-like bases.

The best part? While they look amazing outside high up in the trees, once harvested, these bright, colorful branches look beautiful mixed with other flowers or simply displayed on their own.

Corymbia ficifolia Baby Orange

Baby Orange is loved for its bright orange flowers and compact form. The new leaves appear bronze-red then turn green providing a lovely contrast of color when flowers appear in July and August.

Corymbia ficifolia Wild Sunset

Wild Sunset has beautiful dense foliage with a wealth of bright red flowers delivering an amazing display.

Corymbia ficifolia Fairy Floss

Prefer a softer color palette? Fairy Floss is for you. Stunning, pink flowers decorate the branches.

Corymbia ficifolia Snowflake

If dark green foliage and stunning, white blooms are your thing, then Snowflake is ideal.

The Mighty Banksia

We absolutely adore the mighty Banksia! Strong, resilient and bold, this bristly protea is far from a delicate flower, yet when it blooms, its vibrancy and textures are unrivaled. From long, distinctive cylinder-like flowers to petite round blooms, there’s over 175 species (including Dryandra) to choose from. And unlike many of the Australian Proteaceae, the main flush of Banksia come not in spring but in summer and autumn. Here are a few of our favorites:

Victoriae or also called Woolly Orange. A lovely acorn shaped bloom when it's fully developed, this Banksia starts as an intriguing woolly, greyish-white bud and becomes a brilliant orange as the styles open out. These styles form an inflorescence that’s made up of hundreds of tiny flowers that open from the base, giving them a fluffy appearance. Victoriae blooms range in size from 6 to 10" in length and 5" in diameter and have fabulous serrated foliage on long rigid stems.

Baxteri is also referred to as Bird’s-Nest Banksia, Baxter’s Banksia or in Hawaii, where it is fittingly known as ‘Summer Lime’. This Banksia’s squat, lime-green buds fully open to form globe-shaped flowers on long stems surrounded by unique, deeply serrated foliage.

Sceptrum, commonly known as the sceptre banksia or ‘Popcorn Banksia’ because of its freshly popped popcorn with rich creamy butter aroma. This is one of the most striking yellow-flowered banksias of all, especially when its tall bright yellow spikes are beautifully displayed.

Burdettii is also called Golden Acorn or Golden Banksia. This Banksia develops from a silvery-grey bud into a beautiful orange acorn shaped flower. Blooms typically range in size from 4 to 6" in length and 4" in diameter and it makes a wonderful cut flower, both fresh and dried.