Introducing Our New Bouquet Wrap

It’s a wrap! We’re delighted to roll out our new bouquet wrap just in time for the holidays. Inspired by all the amazing proteas we grow here on the farm… Banksia, Leucadendron, Leucospermum and Protea. Each bloom is nicely displayed on the water-resistant wrap, and it is printed in earthy tones of beige and brown to ensure it will blend with any seasonal bouquet. It not only features beautiful blooms it also names them, making it easy for your customer or the recipient to identify each protea species.

There is no doubt this wrap will be lovely for a number of things (as you won’t want to throw it away) including a gift box liner or even gift wrap paper. Stay tuned, as we will be sure to share more creative things you can do with it as the season of GIVING commences.

Falling for Pink Ice

Fields bursting with these vibrant, pink blooms is one of the best things about fall. Pink Ice is autumn to a 'T' and simply stunning! The goblet shaped flower is surrounded by fuzzy silvery-pink bracts that overlap and a beautiful rose-colored central dome with a splash of wine at the tip.

Pink Ice (a mix of P. Neriifolia x Susannae) is one of the hardiest and most abundant plants here on the farm! And… the bloom? It’s fabulous no matter how you arrange it. You'll love combining Pink Ice with an array of other seasonal flowers like amaranths, dahlias, zinnias plus, foliage like leucadendron, grevillea and eucalyptus. So, to celebrate the arrival of these beauties, I’m sharing a few of my pairings that will hopefully stir your creativity and get you 'falling' for Pink Ice too.

A shift in season = your reason to indulge in Pink Ice and set the TONE for Autumn!

Current Obsession: Banksia

Banksia-obsessed? Maybe a little... 😊 (Hard not to be with so many wonderful species to choose from right now!)

When it comes to true icons of the amazing Land Down Under, Banksia is one of them. They’ve earned a place on this list as they can be found all over the country. Awe-inspiring blooms that illustrate the signature qualities of this protea genus, bold, unique forms (bottlebrush or spike-like inflorescence) in rich, earthy colors that allow their natural beauty to shine through.

Their effervescence and textures are unrivaled and… they make wonderful cut flowers, both fresh and dried.

Unlike many other Australian wildflowers, the main flush of Banksia come not in spring but in summer and fall. To help you distinguish between the species we’re harvesting now, I’m highlighting a few of our favorites.

Burdettii or also called Burdett’s Banksia and Golden Banksia. This bloom has long serrated leaves and large, bright flower spikes that initially start out white before opening to a brilliant orange.

Victoriae or also called Woolly Orange. This lovely bloom starts out as an intriguing greyish-white bud and becomes a brilliant orange as the styles open out from the base, giving it a fluffy or woolly (hence the name) appearance.

Prionotes or also called Acorn Banksia, Orange Banksia or Orange Frost. It’s hard not to see how this banksia earned its name… the sight of an open flower-spike is enough to make any squirrel go nuts. The acorn-shaped bloom in cream and orange hues, evolves from a small silvery-white bud. The long stem and long, slender foliage contribute to its stunning texture.

Banksia baxteri or also called Bird’s-Nest Banksia, Baxter’s Banksia and in Hawaii, fittingly known as ‘Summer Lime’. This awesome bloom that starts out as a squat, lime-green bud opens to form a stunning globe-shaped flower surrounded by unique, deeply serrated foliage.

Speciosa or showy banksia. And… as the name “Showy” suggests, this species puts on quite a display with its long, green cylindrical spike and leathery, saw-tooth leaves that fan out in a circular pattern from the flower’s base. Also referred to as Green Banksia and Mint Julep due to its refreshing and revitalizing hue and Ricrac Banksia for its ridged foliage.

Want to grow your own banksia? It’s easy if you provide well-drained soil, full sunlight, and good air circulation. Plant on a low mound of soil to promote drainage, then surround the plant with mulch. Perfect drainage is critical, as banksia flowers are susceptible to root rot. Water banksia twice a week for the first year or two, then cut back to a weekly deep watering during hot, dry weather. Pruning isn’t necessary, but you can shape the plant or trim it to maintain the desired size.