California Bountiful

A wet winter here in California can only mean one thing. Well, scratch that. Not just one thing, it means a bounty of wonderful things for nature. For years, this state has endured such severe dry spells that crops wither, flowers bloom erratically, fruit trees sit barren, streams dry up, and neighbors traded in their lawns for cactus, rocks and cement. But this year, California is receiving more precipitation than normal, and the results are simply glorious. Not only are some drought effects reversing, but wildflowers are starting to bloom on hillsides creating a carpet of color… truly a beautiful sight!

That being said… we’re also seeing some fabulous floral sights here in the hills of Rainbow. The season's colorful leucadendron along with bright leucospermum, gorgeous protea, textural banksia and frilly Australian wildflowers provide a feast for the eyes.

Guichenotia macrantha or Yanchep Bells

Leucadendron Maui Sunset

Waxflower Purple Gem and Jenny

Leucospermum Phil Parvin

Banksia Menziesii

Leucadendron Gold Strike

Protea Grandicolor

Best of all, when these gorgeous flowers are mixed into a bouquet or tucked into an arrangement, they are simply ‘Breathtaking’!

Protea: Fall’s Final Flush

It takes just a peek out in the fields to remind us that fall has, indeed, made its way to this side of the equator. I always find that the sky is prettiest in the autumn, it seems to take on a warm golden glow that reminds me of the word ‘harvest’. That awareness as nature yields its final flush and soon the fields will begin anew - is the mood of our latest field trip. There’s something so calming about a pickup full of protea standing tall, blooms to the sky. I thought it would be the perfect way to share the feeling of the season. Each gorgeous protea transforms everyday life here on the farm — such harvesting, hydrating and even transporting—into works of art.

Home for the Holidays

To me, a room is never finished without fresh flowers and greens.  When getting the house ready for holidays, there's nothing better than bringing the freshness of the outdoors in.   Whether it's a festive handmade wreath to decorate the door or a beautiful garland to garnish the table or mantle, flowers add life to a home and make it welcoming!

Debra Prinzing, outdoor living expert, author and lecturer specializing in interiors, architecture and landscapes recently shared with readers how to stay local and sustainable when creating holiday wreaths and garlands.

From harvest to holiday

It’s easy to stay local when you make a wreath from homegrown San Diego greenery and blooms. 

Subtropical plants are enjoying a huge surge in popularity in the global cut flower market, which is why it’s so satisfying to know that San Diego County has many family farms, large and small, that are producing Protea, Leucadendron, Leucospermum, Banksia, Leptospermum, Chamelaucium (Wax flowers), Anigozanthos (Kangaroo Paws) and other Mediterranean specimens.

DIY holiday garland made with foliage, flowers from California's backyard

For millennia, garlands created from intertwined foliage, flowers and fruit stems have symbolized home, hearth - and hospitality.

During the holidays, we expect to see evergreen garlands, often made with cedar boughs.  But according to floral designers who want to "go local", you don't have to rely on the Pacific Northwest's forests to decorate doorways, mantels or tabletops.

May your holidays be filled with fresh flowers and greens that bring you a bounty of joy and happiness!

Sustainable Style

There's no doubt that we have 'embraced' the eco-friendly lifestyle, linking ourselves with the earth and its bounty, and this connection to nature is as well-established as it's ever been.  This earthy connection has become quite evident by the way we're seeing colors and materials being used daily.  For example, the use of fresh, colorful produce, especially pomegranate, persimmon and fig as well as materials like burlap, linen and well-worn containers.

Designs for this sustainable theme have a rustic, organic and wholesome feel mixed with a touch of “retro-industrial” vibe.  Obviously, exotic flowers and foliage like Protea, Grevillea and Leucadendron compliment this style perfectly.

When fabulous flowers, fruit, fabric and containers are combined we can't help but feel humbled and ground by nature's bounty.