Artwork We Love: Flowers & Inspiring Words

Inspiration – to breathe life into.

Flowers and inspiring words can breathe life into anything and everything you do. Why are inspirational quotes so powerful? For one thing, they can express in words, what you feel in your heart. For another, sometimes it helps to know that you’re not alone, and others have been in the same boots. And, it seems that the 1960s activists who chanted “flower power” were onto something important, in more ways than they probably knew. Flowers, just like inspiring words, are good for our mental health.

So, when you combine beautiful floral imagery with motivational words and phrases that speak to you, it doubles your pleasure, making you stop and acknowledge them. Please enjoy these inspirational quotes and may they help you flourish in ways you never dreamed possible. I find them especially appealing this time of year as words of encouragement as we transition into the harvest season ahead. Which one is your favorite?

Instagram: Photos We Dig

10 fabulous photos featuring Oak & Holly, a small boutique flower shop, sourcing seasonal flowers grown locally in Victoria and other parts of Australia. Inspired by the beauty of Australian landscape, this florist focuses on designs using an array of Australian native flowers and foliage as well as Proteaceae.

The California Farm and Flower Guide

This year, I had the pleasure to introduce the 2016 California Farm and Flower Guide, a spectacular publication that celebrates the various flower and foliage varieties grown in our state and the flower farmers who grow them.

Welcoming readers to this annual guide is one of the perks of being chair of the California Cut Flower Commission (CCFC). I list it as a perk because I can't imagine a more wonderful honor than getting to show and tell about the amazing bounty that comes from California's flower farms.

In this guide, you meet the farmers who are working hard to bring these gorgeous varieties to market!

Enjoy a peak at several beautiful designs!

And, you'll find this guide to be a handy resource for information on the state's flower farms, and for details and images of a wide range of flowers and foliage from which to select.

Right this way to see the complete Guide. Enjoy!

Video Shoot: Behind the Scenes with California State Floral Association

While I’m usually content wandering the fields with my camera photographing flowers, this week a video crew came out to the farm and made my field trip extra special! If you’re big on cameras, drones, flowers and farmers, follow me into the fields, where the ‘action’ took place. With a recipe from the California State Floral Association (CSFA) calling for California flower farmers and protea (plus a couple of colorful flowerbeds), the Windsong Production crew captured our story and photographed the flowers we are so passionate about growing. I invite you to take a glimpse behind the scenes as the cameras rolled.

Harvesting protea – Great shot of a ‘field bouquet’.

Temperatures are rising – Keeping the protea hydrated!

A bird’s eye view from the drone.

Can’t resist this ‘flowerbed’!

A quick photo of Nick Matteis (CAGROWN), Mel and his brother Ramon.

Filming amidst the Pink Ice.

Mel, sharing his story, his passion.

Chatting about the many hats I wear on the farm.

Another awesome ‘flowerbed’!

A few final field shots.

Making time for Mel’s favorite ‘pastime’ – Bouquet making!

Thanks to Sara and the entire Windsong crew for making this field trip a fun adventure! And, kudos to our friends at Rainbow Protea for sharing some of their beautiful flowers with us. Can’t wait to see the video!

Introducing Our Proteaceae Family Poster

As summer heats up, we are keeping things cool with an array of creative and informative protea projects, each individually crafted here on the farm. “This poster is an organized, yet fun way to represent the many different Protea grown here in Rainbow,” says Paulette, our talented design artist. “I started working at Resendiz Brothers a few months ago having never seen a protea. After designing this poster I can say I am well-versed in the Proteaceae Family. I think our customers will have the same experience.”

Click here to download a printable version of the poster - Enjoy!

Pink Ice: A Summer Essential

Get your hands on this summer essential! It's that time of year, okay maybe a bit earlier than usual, but the fields will soon be covered in gorgeous Pink Ice Protea!

And, there’s no doubt, we love Pink Ice. Well, “love” is an understatement — We positively adore them! Here’s why…

Pink Ice is one of the hardiest and most prolific plants on the farm! This gorgeous protea has a large goblet shaped bloom surrounded by fuzzy silvery-pink bracts that overlap and a beautiful rose colored central dome with a splash of wine at the tip.

Need a little assistance with your summer ‘mood’ and looking to reduce stress? Pink Ice may be just the flower to meet your needs. They’re not only incredibly beautiful – they are good for you. You’ve heard how the presence of flowers trigger positive emotional feeling and improve life satisfaction, right? Well, Pink Ice might be the perfect flower to help you ‘chill-out’!

Stunning no matter how you arrange them, Pink Ice look great when blended with roses, alstroemerias, tulips, peonies, lilies, etc. or simply bunched on their own. Here are some wonderful ways you can enjoy these awesome blossoms during this HOT summer season.

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