Saturday, April 30, 2022

May Gatherings: Décor & Gifting


May always arrives with its fair share of RSVPs. From showers to graduations, Mother’s Day to Memorial Day gatherings, it seems every weekend calls for a celebration, and… of course, there are the gifts and decor. What to get? Well, if you love king proteas, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a few of our top picks… our favorite designs, to create and gift!

Not only are kings totally striking on their own, but they look particularly intriguing when mixed in bouquets.





The large central dome that’s surrounded by spiky bracts with a smooth, velvety texture certainly begs a second look. The extraordinary shape of the bracts or petals gives the bloom a regal, crown-like appearance… it’s an oversized statement flower that looks absolutely fabulous in arrangements.




Captivated by the king? Well, when an occasion calls for a little extra ‘king-power’, there is always the Wreath!


Friday, April 29, 2022

Growing Leucospermum – Pincushions


The fanciful Leucospermum plant brings so much pleasure to our hearts during this time of the year. The vibrant red, orange, peach, yellow and bi-colored flowers in bloom (generally mid-winter through spring) are formed mainly with long, sprout-like structures that end in a round knob called a pollen presenter. Together, the mass of styles looks a lot like pins bristling from a “pincushion”, a similarity that has given rise to the popular name for this genus.



Leucospermum include some forty-eight species, of which all but three are endemic to South Africa’s Cape Province. Unlike flowers of the genus Protea, which rely on their showy bracts for visual appeal, Leucospermum put all their art into the colors of the flowers themselves as well as the flowing shape of each curving component.


Leucospermum are considered Mediterranean plants, which is good news for anyone living in central and southern California. These stunning plants provide drama and stature in the fields and in gardens as well.


Leucospermum flowers are gorgeous in a vase on their own, but when accompanied with other proteas or other more traditional flowers like roses, anemones, dahlias or snapdragons they can make spectacular arrangements.





Growing Leucospermum:
  • Leucospermum flourish in full-sun exposure with good air movement around the plants. 
  • When transplanting Leucospermum, set plants into the soil at the same level that they were in the container. 
  • Plant on a mound or slope to promote excellent drainage in soil that is slightly acidic. 
  • Mulch to conserve water but keep mulch free of the crown of the plant. 
  • Water regularly until plants are established. 
  • Protect from frost.



Saturday, April 16, 2022

Springtime Pick-n-Mix: Flowers and Vegetables


It's time to celebrate warm weather, flowers in bloom and veggies in season… all wrapped up into festive décor for friends & family to enjoy. Adding seasonal vegetables into a flower arrangement, to bring in a fresh element of color, texture and shape, is often the recipe needed to transform a design from beautiful to eye-catching and unique. Today, we’re celebrating the season with heirloom carrots and fresh asparagus.


A gathering without flowers is just a meeting, so don’t be without the seasons cream of the crop. This design is packed with gorgeous leucospermum Brandi dela Cruz and Erubscense, colorful heirloom carrots and lush foliage.



This stunning arrangement could not be easier to make! Place the asparagus stems around the outside of the vase and secure them in place with a piece of twine! When you add an array of colorful protea, pincushions, leucadendron and some fabulous ranunculus to the mix... you have the perfect spring ensemble!