Labor of Love: Valentine’s Day

Embracing the land that brings us together !

On February 14th, when you are celebrating the person or people in your life that make your heart skip a beat, we’ll be celebrating our farm and farmworkers, that pulled this special day together for us and give us all a shared purpose.

For this very reason, our farm is a gift of love and a labor of it, too. It isn’t easy work, harvesting flowers and foliage on the steep hillside of Rainbow (rain or shine), but it’s noble work and it gives you that feeling that nothing else in the world can. A feeling of contentment that comes from putting your efforts into nature and the land… only to watch it flourish and grow, brighter and better than you left it last.

The beauty of flower farming is something that we hope to enjoy for years to come. Think of it like a love note, sown together with soil, plants and a whole lot of passion. In the dead of winter, Valentine’s Day brings us a bounty of gorgeous florals to be grateful for and the best part, it’s only a pit stop as we approach the arrival of spring.

2023 Color of the Year: Viva Magenta

CHEERS to the Pantone Color of 2023: Viva Magenta 18-1750. Described as “a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength.” Considering this hue is meant to “encourage experimentation and self-expression without restraint”, it’s fitting that protea lovers will embrace this color. Not only are there plenty of magenta protea to choose from but, they too are symbolic of diversity, individuality and the courage to stay true to oneself.

Viva Magenta is “powerful, empowering, brave and fearless, and a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration. It is a new animated red that revels in pure joy, an electrifying, and a boundaryless shade that is manifesting as a stand-out statement. Viva Magenta welcomes anyone and everyone with the same verve for life and rebellious spirit. It is a color that is audacious, full of wit and inclusive of all”.

When it comes to proteas which are appreciated for their vast selection, meanings and overall “unique” nature, this color selection is perfect. Here’s just a few of our picks to look for in 2023.

Ceres

Venus

Brenda

Andrea

Lienbencherry

Protea Brenda

In the language of flowers, protea is said to symbolize diversity and courage… and if Brenda had her own special language, she would be the symbol of resilience too! When asked to describe this gorgeous bloom, the first words that come to mind are hot pink and faux. The dark pink bracts or petals which surround Brenda are shiny and durable not soft and velvety like many other protea. STUNNING. And, perfect if you’re into self-care and hoping to start 2021 off on the right foot.

As COVID continues to impact our daily lives, flowers are more vital than ever for our health and well-being (apparently, pink flowers, that often convey a message of romance, also stand for love for one’s self… which, by the way, is super important right now). While navigating through the challenges of this “new normal”, they’ll bring a much-needed dose of happiness to break anyone out of a stress-induced funk.

Photo by @kwiaciarniawtepedy

Photo by @constantiapera

Finally, as a reminder… no one needs a reason to ask if they deserve flowers today - the answer will always be YES!

Natural Remedies for the Winter Blues

I must have flowers, always and always,” said Claude Monet.

Our sentiments exactly! Especially in January, at the cusp of winter, when we’re all slowly coming out of a ‘Christmas Greens Coma’. One trip into the fields and there’s no doubt in our minds, as the weather gets colder, the colors become brighter and more intense.

The Leucadendron Inca Gold seemingly ‘wakes up’ making for superb winter flowers in a bright yellow color with a touch of red on the tips.

And the Protea Brenda is so shiny and vibrant creating the perfect contrast with her lovely petals or bracts in hues of deep pink.

With a few stems of Grevillea Misty Pink and some textural Ivanhoe foliage, you can design a bouquet that takes the chill out of the season while providing an instant winter pick-me-up. There’s no doubt, the best remedy for beating the ‘Winter Blues’ is to surround yourself with vivid color and pretend it’s almost spring.