Fashioning Protea Angels

Why not skip this year’s after Christmas clearance sales and make hand-crafted decorations for the next holiday season?

Dried flowers have made a big comeback over the last two years. Trendy dried blooms and pods are in high demand and many stores can't keep them in stock. So, while you might not be able to purchase them from your favorite store, you can dry your own flowers (protea preferred) at home and use them in all kinds of fun crafts.

Can you say angels? We’re turning the protea from our Christmas centerpieces into ornaments for the next holiday season. Did you know proteas are ever-flowers? Designing and fashioning your own ornaments can be a great way to utilize dried protea.

With proper post-harvest care, blooms can last weeks in a vase. Then, they don’t die… they dry beautifully! Many Proteas retain their structural design and to some extent their color. When used in crafts, like ornaments, they are as permanent as almost anything the botanical world provides.

So, if you're tired of the typical store-bought decorations, we suggest you take a look at these holiday angels.

Here’s what you’ll needed to make your own angels:

• Dried proteas
• Dried pods for hats 
• Dried leaves (for wings) 
• Dried wildflowers for accessories
• Round wooden doll heads 
• Ribbon, twine, and floral wire 
• Embellishments 
• Sharpe markers 
• Paint 
• Hot glue

When protea blooms find their ultimate place in a dried decor, they finish a story that began in Gondwanaland and triumphed over a thousand adversities. They represent a special kind of bond, a link to the past and a reminder of the present and how new life springs eternal.

Fabulous Foliage: Leucadendron Inca Gold

We cheerfully braved the ‘chilly’ start to winter knowing the promise of colorful Leucadendron was on the way… and we’re delighted to say the Inca Gold’s bright yellow bracts have emerged right on time. Fields bursting with this vibrant flowering foliage is the best part about the dawn of winter.

Inca Gold's rich yellow tulip shaped bracts can liven up any space instantly. With just a handful of stems, you can easily bring a burst of sunshine indoors and enjoy the soothing energy of nature. Yellow advances from surrounding colors and enlarges any space. It mimics a sun-filled space, creating feelings of liveliness and optimism. In the natural world, yellow is the color of sunflowers and daffodils, bananas and lemons, bees, numerous birds as well as several of our favorite Leucadendron The many facets of this vivid yellow hue reveal its extremely impactful spirit.

To celebrate the advent of Inca Gold, we’re sharing some of our favorite designs using this fabulous foliage.

Look Out – California Grown Waxflower is Back

‘Tis the season for waxflower and with it comes an abundance of those beloved fragrant flowers. Belonging to the Chamelaucium genus of shrubs and stemming from the myrtle family, they are related to Leptospermum and Thryptomene. Waxflower includes over a 100 varieties of Geraldton wax + lots of other Chamelaucium species and hybrids. Some of the more common hybrids are classified as Pearlflowers, Gemflowers or Starflowers. These amazing plants typically bloom early winter through spring, and they are widely grown for their frilly eye-catching blooms.

The name waxflower is due to the slight waxy feel of the petals. The leaves, which contain oil glands, are small to medium in size and boast a beautiful lemony fresh scent when crushed. The blooms are delicate in style, flaunting five petals, ten stamens and a small, hardened fruit.

Also known as the flower of romance, waxflower is symbolic of patience and lasting love, which makes them a popular option for Valentine’s Day and weddings. These fabulous blooms have an abundance of uses in bouquets and arrangements, as well as in flower crowns and corsages, as cake embellishments, and simply, left all alone on a desk or table to be enjoyed for weeks.

Holiday Fave: Protea Ceres

Protea Ceres. A QUEEN SIZE bloom or what we call a ‘Hybrid Queen’→ this breathtaking protea is a splendid blend of magnifica and obtusifolia. When fully open, this flower is often 5 to 6 inches in diameter… making those crimson-red bracts with white feathery tips hard to miss in the field and definitely in a bouquet or arrangement!

Ceres has divine deep green leaves and sturdy long stems. And since this stunning protea is in blooms winter through early spring, there’s a bounty of beauty, love and joy to spread through the holiday season and right into Valentine’s Day.

Serruria

This delightful genus of forty-four species from South Africa's Cape is a popular member of the Protea family. Serruria has received its connoisseur status among florists, designers and gardeners due to its rarity in nature and cultivation, as well as its exquisite blooms. Papery white and pink bracts surrounding feathery tufts of white to pinkish flowers are produced over winter and spring. Blushing Bride and 'Pretty ‘n’ Pink' are some of the most sought after and well-know varieties currently being grown.

Serruria 'Pretty ‘n’ Pink'

Serruria Blushing Bride

It is thought Serruria Blushing Bride received its name in South Africa because of its traditional use in bridal bouquets and through the custom of young men in the Cape Region wearing the flowers in a buttonhole of their jacket when courting. Unfortunately, Blushing Bride seems to have been over-exploited as the species was near extinction or even believed to be "lost" for 90 years in the wild until conservation measures in the 1960’s and 70's saved it.

When buying Serruria look for:

1.  Bunches with 1/2 of the flowers open. 
2. Avoid bunches with drooping blooms.

Flower Care:

1. Keep cool when possible. 
2. Split bunches and strip leaves from the bottom half of each stem. 
3. Re-cut at least ¼” off the stems and place in cool water immediately. 
4. Always use a preservative as it will help the buds to open. 
5. Replace water frequently.

How to Care for Your Protea Wreath

It feels only right that we look for fresh, exciting ways to celebrate the season after another year that has been anything but ordinary. As holiday wreaths go up, we love the idea of replacing the faux with fresh protea and greens. A bountiful protea wreath enhances festive décor and adds a sense of luxury and organic authenticity to a home. Our wreaths are crafted using fresh-cut proteas and seasonal foliage to ensure longevity. But what can you do to help ensure the longevity of your wreath once you’ve placed it in that special place? Follow these simple steps:

Soak to Hydrate

Whether you decide to hang the wreath in the heat of your house or the chilly air outside, these winter environments are dry, and the flowers have no source of moisture. If you have a large enough container or tub place the wreath in a couple inches of water to allow it to 'drink' from the back where the stems are. Let it soak for a few of hours, or if you want optimal results, your wreath should stay in the water for a full day.

Moisturized Often

You will need to adjust the amount of water your wreath requires based on where you put it. A wreath displayed outside in a cool climate will require misting once a day. A wreath kept outside in a warm climate or displayed indoors will need frequent watering or misting. This helps the wreath retain moisture by sealing the pores on the proteas and foliage.

Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat

It can be tempting to place the wreath in a spot where it gets direct sunlight. But direct light can dry out the flowers and foliage, whether you place them indoors or outdoors! If you decide to hang your wreath indoors in a heated room, keep in mind that it probably won’t last as long because they favor a colder climate to thrive.

Dry and Enjoy

After the flowers begin to fade, cease spraying and let the wreath dry naturally. Protea don’t die, they dry Beautifully and will continue to spruce up your home for months.

OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC 2022

It’s that time of the year again! Come autumn we eagerly wait for the release of the Old Farmer’s Almanac to see what the up-coming year’s weather forecast might look like. The Almanac’s weather predictions are made up to 18 months in advance, but are traditionally 80 percent accurate nevertheless.

This year, Old Farmer’s Almanac comes with a winter warning: Brrr! “Prepare for a Season of Shivers. This winter will be inundated by positively bone-chilling, below-average temperatures across most of the United States.” says Janice Stillman, the editor.

For 230 years, the Almanac has apparently been helping readers get ready for winter’s worst. However, in addition to its weather forecasts, the Almanac is also known for being informative, with a delightful degree of humor. Features include recipes that make the most of the season, along with award-winning dishes and desserts that use five or fewer ingredients. The art and science of animal tracking, plus how to read Mother Nature’s signs to choose a fishing spot. As well as, reports from small farmers (like ours – Resendiz Brothers Protea Growers), including how they fared during 2020 and continue to diversify for the future.

[View story here]

There are also monthly calendars strewed with humor and wisdom, astronomical timetables, planting guides, and tads of valuable advice that continue The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s long-standing traditions.

The Nature of Giving

The holiday season is in full swing and when it comes to gift giving, flowers are always a perfect choice. Flowers perfectly convey our emotions. It is not surprising that flowers are always present in the most important milestones of our lives. Sharing and giving flowers as a gift is a powerful act of communication with those we love, and with everyone around us.

Flowers allow you to express your unique style while delivering the freshness and beauty of nature at the same time. Your family and friends may love traditional holiday decor, but nothing quite compares to a gorgeous bouquet or arrangement. When you give fresh flowers and foliage that reflect your personal taste, it makes for an unforgettable holiday gift your friends and family will cherish.

Nature is truly the best source of joy and wonder over the holidays. Here are a few floral gift ideas that will surely bring cheer and joy to anyone!

Lovers of nature (specially proteas), it's your time to glow!

Horn of Plenty

It's time for another glimpse at our favorite symbol of abundance and nourishment… the Cornucopia or also called horn of plenty. It was traditionally made of a goat's horn overflowing with fruits and grains of the harvest.

At what time the cornucopia made its way into our country's consciousness as a Thanksgiving holiday icon is difficult to say. But with its meaning of abundance, prosperity and good fortune, the horn of plenty embodies all those things and is a symbol of Americans’ thoughts of thankfulness.

Cornucopias have become customary fall centerpieces and usually feature a horn-like basket or container. There are no rules when it comes to designing cornucopias. But we're partial to organic, fall-vibes and a horn of plenty that's brimming with fresh flowers (protea preferred), fabulous foliage and fruit. Plus, arranging them to flow out of the horn and onto your table, delivers a look that's as graceful and natural as it is beautiful.

Fall Vibes: Protea Repens – Sugarbush

Protea repens, Sugarbush or Suikerbossie. It’s October and these beautiful blooms are starting to make their debut. The word Repens means "creeping" but there is nothing creeping about this protea, the majority of flowers have long stems and some even display multiple blooms. The open, funnel-shaped flowers range in colors from red to white + even two-tones with some that flare open in a very spectacular fashion. Amazingly, the process from a tight bud to an open flower takes six to eight weeks and the seed develops over the next seven months.

Repens could be considered the first protea. In 1774, it was cultivated under glass in the Royal Collection at Kew Gardens where, in 1780, it became the first protea ever to bloom in cultivation away from the Cape. Sugarbush was also considered South Africa's National Flower until 1976 when it was replaced by the Protea King.

The name Sugarbush comes from the abundance of nectar that these alluring flowers produce. In fact, in the 19th century, settlers in South Africa’s Cape Province collected the nectar to use medicinally (called bossiestroop) to cure coughs and chest complaints.

No need for a medicinal remedy? How about a mood booster? Sugarbush provides the perfect pick-me-up and will set the scene for special fall gatherings.

Simply Gourd-geous Designs

There’s a bounty of pumpkins being harvested this time of year, so why not use them as inspiration for your autumn designs? Plus, there are so many types of pumpkins—why stick to the basic orange pumpkin associated with Halloween? White ones, green ones, speckled ones, tall ones and squat ones... hundreds of pumpkin varieties exist making them ideal containers.

Pair them with an array of gorgeous blooms (like proteas), fruited branches and other interesting foliage + botanicals to make a festive arrangement. A beautifully fashioned pumpkin creates a charming way to greet visitors and delivers a festive yet elegant take on fall decorating. They’re simply gourd-geous!

Here is what you need to make your own:

• Fresh pumpkin 
• Knife 
• Clear plastic sheet or container 
• Chicken wire or Floral foam (optional) 
• Flowers, foliage, berries, cones, fruit 
• Clippers 
• Spray paint (optional)

Make it!

Carve your pumpkin so that you have a wide opening near the center of the pumpkin. Scoop out the seeds and pulp. Line the inside of the pumpkin with a sheet of plastic or container. If desired, cut a piece of floral foam with the knife to fit inside the pumpkin. Choose flowers and foliage with strong straight stems (proteas are perfect)! Insert the chicken wire or pre-soaked floral foam into the pumpkin and create your arrangement. Start with foliage, then add flowers, fruit, and other embellishments to create a full and interesting centerpiece.

Autumn Bliss

When it comes to the changing of the seasons, there's nothing more stirring than when summer dwindles into fall. We transition into the cooler autumn weather with soothing colors and riveting textures. These warmer hues often play up the excitement of the season; plus, falling temps means we all have an excuse to bring ‘more’ of nature indoors. Fall is a time for all of these things, and for harvesting protea (especially Pink Ice), making it the ideal time to let the autumn vibes begin with festive floral designs.

Turning an ordinary arrangement into a ‘seasonal gathering’ is as easy as focusing on the accents you're bringing into it. Are you adding colors into your design that creates a warm and inviting aura? Concentrate, on the elements needed to achieve the look from protea, banksia and grevillea, to Leucadendron and other fabulous fall foliage. How can you add an extra texture to the centerpiece?

In this season of abundance, there’s so many wonderful options. You’ll also want to be sure to make full use of those richly colored fruit that flourish during this transition from autumn into winter. Persimmons, pomegranates, apples or any other produce can be added to the arrangement or simply displayed off to the side to deliver more of an autumnal ambiance + while bringing even more nature inside to enjoy.