July Joys: Banksia and Bush Lollies

In the world of floral design, sometimes the most unexpected flowers make the biggest impact. This month we're embracing the bold beauty of both Banksia and Grevillea flowers (affectionately called Bush Lollies) that add so much texture, color, and unique flair to summer arrangements.

While these Australian natives have long captured the hearts of gardeners, they’re also making waves in the world of floral design.

Both Banksia and Grevillea are known for their unusual, sculptural shapes and vivid colors. Their distinctive textures… Banksia’s spiky cones and Grevillea’s soft, curving twists, serve as design elements, helping to create depth and interest in any arrangement. 

•  Banksia brings drama with its large, bold blooms, which range from oranges to soft yellows and greens. The shape of the flower itself creates stunning focal points in arrangements, making it perfect for when you want a showstopper in your design.

• Grevillea, with its elegant, lacy appearance and vibrant hues, is equally captivating. The delicate, curled flowers, ranging from light pink to fuchsia to yellow or cream, add a softer, more whimsical texture that contrasts beautifully with the bolder Banksia blooms.

Whether you're designing for a wedding, a special event, summer gathering, or simply crafting a something for your home, these proteas infuse any centerpiece with a sense of adventure and vibrant natural beauty. They work especially well in designs, where loose, organic arrangements are the goal.

Pair them with other favorites like Eucalyptus, Leucospermum ‘pincushions’, and Leucadendron, and you’ve got an arrangement that captures the warmth, energy, and beauty of summer.

July is the ideal month to add some Australian Native flair to floral designs... Banksia and Grevillea flowers are the perfect way to celebrate the magic of the season, one bloom at a time.

Aristata: Christmas Sugarbush

With large, crimson blooms and fine, needle-like foliage, it’s no secret why aristata is affectionately known as the Christmas Sugarbush. Whether you enjoy the vibrancy of a deep-red flower or the festive charm of a pine tree, this protea delivers holiday vibes in the summer.

Aristata is endemic to a small section of the southern Cape Province, near the town of Ladismith. It’s part of the fynbos biome, a rich and diverse ecosystem that is one of the most biologically unique floral kingdoms in the world.

The name aristata comes from the Latin arista, meaning “bristle,” referring to the plant's fine, sharp-tipped leaves. Its common name, Christmas Sugarbush, reflects its habit of blooming in November through January, right around the holiday season in the Southern Hemisphere. Yes, aristata may sound like it should be wrapped in lights, but here in California, it blooms in June and July… bringing a merry-and-bright “Christmas in July” energy our to fields.

Aristata delivers a bold statement of nature's unmatched creativity, bursting with texture and perfect for designing. From stunning bouquets to elaborate centerpieces and displays, these amazing blooms add a festive twist to designs. Their ability to adapt to various themes and arrangements, paired with its long-lasting nature, offers a versatile tool for creating striking, meaningful displays. Whether it’s a Christmas or Independence Day theme… aristata is sure to bring a touch of exotic elegance to any summer decor.

Proteas: The Colors of the Seasons

As one season slowly slips into the next… nature paints the transition with a shift in colors. While many plants retreat into dormancy through winter and early spring, Leucospermum… affectionately known as "pincushions", burst forth in a blaze of color, lighting up the fields with their unmistakable vibrance. Their fiery reds, bold oranges, and glowing yellows cut through the cool season gloom like living embers, offering a show that’s both dramatic and uplifting. Each flower head, with its unique pin-like projections, resembles a brilliant sunburst… a perfect fusion of geometry and wild beauty.

Now, as summer and fall approach, a new palette begins to emerge. The Protea bloom in soft pinks, creamy whites, and deep burgundies, each wrapped in velvety bracts that feel as luxurious as they look. Their blooms feel richer, echoing the slower rhythm of the warmer months and the shifting tones of the fields. These flowers don’t shout; they resonate… rich, textural, and timeless. Where pincushions danced with spring’s energy, protea settle into the season’s grounded warmth, echoing the golden light of late afternoon.

A beautiful reminder: our harvest is always moving, always changing. And with each bloom, the colors we gather tell the story of where we are in the year. 🍃💥🌷🍂