Women’s Day 2021

Did you know the first Women’s Day was celebrated in 1909 when the Socialist Party of America marched on the streets of New York, to pay tribute to garment workers who had protested against poor working conditions the year before? Every year since then, on the 8th of March the world unites to support, raise, inspire and motivate women. The purpose of this day is to focus on themes such as inspiring change, recognition of women in the arts, or the importance of education and career opportunities. This year’s theme: “Let’s all choose to challenge”… which focuses on the importance of defying biases and misconceptions in the interest of creating a more inclusive and gender-equal world.

The UN also announced a 2021 theme: “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-10 world.” This theme applauds the efforts of women who are striving to create a more equal future and COVID-19 pandemic recovery.

Feeling inspired and wondering how you can celebrate Women's Day? We have a few ideas:

• With Flowers, of course! It doesn't matter if you are a man or a woman to join in on the celebration - it is perfectly acceptable for a man to give flowers to the women in his life, as well as, women to share flowers with their friends, family and co-workers. 
• Learn why the day is important. As women's accomplishments, particularly those that have to do with the home (raising children, educating, cleaning, cooking, etc.) are often ignored and overlooked. This day helps to remind people of the important things that women do every day. 
• Help raise awareness. Mention that it's Women's Day to people you know, your family, your coworkers, your friends. Discuss with them why it's an important day and why it's important to treat women with respect and to acknowledge their contributions to society.

This year’s hashtags also include: #WomensDay, #ChooseToChallenge, the straightforward #IWD2021, #InternationalWomensDay, and #SeeHer.

10 Yellow Inspired Protea Designs

Hello Yellow… Pantone has spoken! The color of the year is always a fun headline to look forward to every January. According to Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, "The hue of yellow, called Illuminating (one of two colors selected for 2021), will help to fill people with energy, clarity and hope to conquer the continuing uncertainty, spirited and emboldening shades satisfy our quest for vitality. Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity, a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power."

Yellow has historically been used to kindle joy and inspired positivity. Plus, nature is where color begins, after all... and no color is more a representative of nature than bright yellow. In the natural world, yellow is the color of sunflowers and daffodils, bananas and lemons, bees, numerous birds and many of our favorite Leucospermum and Leucadendron. In nearly every culture on earth, yellow represents sunshine, happiness, and warmth.

Looking through our collection of yellow floral creations, we have several examples where we have used yellow as the principal color in each design.

There is no doubt yellow sparks a broad spectrum of emotions in all of us. While it can be playful and radiant, it can also be unforgiving and ominous, which makes it a wildly fascinating hue. The many facets of the color yellow reveal its extremely impactful spirit.

2021 Colors of the Year: Ultimate Gray & Illuminating

It's an annual announcement: Come early December we all eagerly wait for the experts at Pantone to release the Color of the Year, forecasting a shade that they believe will set the tone for the year ahead.

This year, the global color authority and provider of professional color language standards, Pantone, has selected "Ultimate Gray" and "Illuminating" for colors of the year 2021 (yes, two colors). In an official press release, Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, states, “The selection of two independent colors highlight how different elements come together to express a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting, conveying the idea that it’s not about one color or one person, it’s about more than one. Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope.”

Pantone emphasized that a hue of yellow, called Illuminating, will help to fill people with "energy, clarity and hope" to conquer the continuing uncertainty, spirited and emboldening shades satisfy our quest for vitality.

"Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity, a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power."

On the other hand, Ultimate Gray evokes feelings based on solid and dependable elements which are everlasting and provide a firm foundation.

Ultimate Gray is also the color of pebbles on the beach and found on natural elements whose "weathered appearance highlights an ability to stand the test of time."

"Ultimate Gray quietly assures, encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness and resilience," added the company.

When it comes to flowers and foliage which are appreciated for their immense color selection, symbolic meanings + overall “happy” nature, Pantone’s color selection is perfect. Yellow has historically been used to kindle joy and inspired positivity. Here’s just a few of our floral faves to look for in 2021.

Leucospermum High Gold

Leucadendron Inca Gold

Leucadendron Pisa

Leucadendron Gold Strike

Isopogon

Grevillea Moonlight

Eucalyptus Tetragona

Leucadendron Galpinii

Whether Ultimate Gray and Illuminating are used as a pair or independently, these versatile colors will hopefully inspire creative ways of thinking and help move us forward with the optimism for a better tomorrow.