Fabuous Foliage

Leaves can be show-offs in their own right, especially during autumn months. Variegated Leucadendron Jester does that every time. When we place stems at the base of an arrangement, they become the attraction, stealing glances from the protea. You can see why it is so named as it definitely sports colors of scarlet, green and cream. Its other names, Safari Sunshine and Katie’s Blush make a delightful reference to all its colors and is a gesture to it being kin to Safari Sunset.

Ivanhoe boasts foliage that is so long lasting, usually out living every fresh flower in a centerpiece. Bursting with color, texture and volume, this extremely popular species of the Australian genus of Grevillea is a hybrid cultivar. It has beautiful serrated and deeply cut foliage with deep green leaves and silver undersides, while new growth is a bronze color.

Varying colors of eucalyptus leaves when neatly displayed on a tabletop can serve as a textured table runner or garland. In wreaths, eucalyptus emits its own kind of botanical magic as it adds a light lacy touch. Eucalyptus foliage is available in lots of wonderful shapes and sizes – long and thin, oval and round, feathery, with cones, pods and seeds– the varieties are endless!

These gifts of nature truly stir our imagination and keep us connected to the earth.

August Articles of Interest

Gardening | For healthy proteas,
forget using artificial fertilisers

Proteas are often admired in floral arrangements and are purchased for their ability to last several weeks in a vase.

Because they are related horticulturally to a large group of Australian native plants, including banksias, grevilleas and waratahs, they require similar growing conditions.

Proteas originate from South Africa. They have a low tolerance for artificial fertilizers. Applications of superphosphate will kill proteas. However, they require magnesium, and this can be applied as Epsom salts, scattered over the root areas and then watered in well during spring.

Read more here.
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The Prettiest Pink Wedding Bouquets

As you're planning your wedding, it's hard not to gravitate towards pink. From "blushing brides" to the colors of love, its many shades make their presence known in a number of marriage-themed motifs. That's why it should come as no surprise that pink wedding bouquets are so popular. If you're thinking of carrying one down the aisle, you're in luck. We've rounded up some beautiful ideas to inspire you.

Read more here.
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Create a Happy Summertime Basket Flower Arrangement
(It’s Foam Free!)

With July being officially named American Grown Flowers month by the U.S. Senate (woohoo!), we at Team Flower wanted to celebrate! Check out the official press release here. And what better way to celebrate than with a bright and happy floral arrangement! This particular design is foam free and in a structured woven straw basket.

Read more here.

A Perfect Match: Protea and Peonies

Pink protea are definitely a personal passion. The velvety, bell-shaped blooms contrast beautifully with the soft petals of most flowers. They are standouts. A full-grown protea plant can produce 65 or more stems. There will be plenty of blooms to cut and enjoy indoors, and still some left in the garden for added pleasure. When left to dry in your home, protea deliver pleasure long after the plant’s season ends.

Another pink standout is the peony or also known as “Polish Poses”. They’re outrageously beautiful in bloom with lush foliage all summer long. Peonies are perennials that come back every year to take your breath away. In fact, some plants have been known to thrive for at least 100 years. For best results, the stems should be cut in the morning when the buds are still fairly tight. Peonies make wonderful cut flowers, lasting more than a week in a vase and they dry beautifully as well.

On days that call for a little extra bliss or magic, candy hues, mixed textures, and varied shapes emit homey spontaneity. A rustic French floral container, with ample room for plenty of blooms, becomes the perfect vessel for embracing an array of protea, peonies, grevillea flowers and, of course, fabulous foliage.

Bringing flowers into your home breaks the barrier between inside and out. It opens a window on nature’s astonishing world and conveys a special wisdom that increases the more you do it.

Design Goals: From Bouquet to Centerpiece

You may have noticed already but flowers are certainly having a moment during this era of Covid. Nothing says ‘HAPPY’ quite like a beautiful arrangement of fresh flowers. They’re bright, colorful, and downright cheery!

However, ordering weekly arrangements might not be in your budget right now… which is why we decided to share a few tips on how to turn an simple bouquet into a stunning centerpiece.

First, you need to choose your flowers or bouquet. Selecting a mix of fresh seasonal protea coupled with colorful Leucadendron and lush greens is always a great start. Since protea have cup-shaped or bell-shaped blooms, you might want to try adding something that has a spiky look… like Grevillea flowers and it’s always fun to add a few non-protea blooms as well. So, don’t be afraid to venture into your garden or yard and see what’s in bloom or discover some interesting foliage to add more color and texture. Once you have all your ingredients, you’ll want to select your container and consider the shape and height of your arrangement.

Now… it's time to get creative! Start by preparing your flowers and foliage, strip any leaves off the bottom half of each stem so they don’t fall below the water line in the vase. You'll want to cut the flowers to different heights to create a balanced and flow. Place one stem at a time in the container and turn it as you work to ensure your arrangement looks good from all angles.

Finally, have fun with your flowers and let your creativity flow.