A Passion for Flowers: Birds

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Bush Lollies

When it comes to holidays, July 20 has a little something for everyone! Not only is it Mel’s Birthday, Ugly Truck Day and National Fortune Cookie Day, it's also National Lollipop Day!

Ah, lollipops… the kid-time favorite is reminiscent of Disneyland where large twister lollipops are a popular treat. What? Not your idea of a ‘healthy’ treat? Swearing off the fake sugars and dyes? Watching calories?

Well then, delight your eyes (eye-candy) and arouse your fingers with these texture-packed pops. A beautiful bunch of Blush Lollies or grevillea flowers as we call them, may be one of the healthiest treats you can get. These gorgeous lollipop-like blooms are perfect if you’re looking for something a little unusual and screaming with color.

Delightful and ever so sweet, these gorgeous flowers have been satisfying the senses for generations, possibly even for centuries. Did you know that Grevillea flowers were a traditional favorite among Aborigines for their sweet nectar? The pollen could be shaken onto the hand to enjoy or mixed with a little water to make a sweet drink. And, these awesome blossoms are also extremely popular among the birds, bees and butterflies.

Happy Lollipop Day and of course, Happy Birthday Mel!

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Protea Attraction

Despite being our favorite flower, proteas have never received the same amount of love and attention as they have in recent years - this 'protea attraction' has become particularly evident when it comes to weddings.

However, they're not only catching the attention of brides, the ability of protea to attract nectar-seeking birds is one of their greatest advantages. In South Africa’s Cape Floral Kingdom protea are primarily bird-pollinated, and it is common to see the beaks and heads of birds covered in pollen that is being efficiently transferred between flowers.

In addition, protea are an excellent food source, especially over the long winter months. In the Cape Floral Region, Cape Sugarbirds are seldom found far from the Proteaceae, especially in the early morning when nectar flows in abundance attracting a multitude of insects which in turn attract the Sugarbirds. Each bird has its own personal bush which it guards jealously from the other Sugarbirds. For the artist or photographer, these birds are a welcome subject since they do not flee at the sight of a human being.

Protea have not only caught the eye of wedding photographers - check out these great nature shots!