The Latest Floral Inspiration

Golden State – is Still the One for Fresh Flowers

While it’s a reality that even our local flower market is a part of the global economy, the Market enters its next 100 years with its feet firmly planted in Golden State soil. California remains a leader and trendsetter for what is in demand for floral artisans here and around the world thanks to the vibrant and versatile flower, plant, and foliage offerings from its farms.

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A Conversation with Certified American Grown

Come with us as we learn more about Certified American Grown! Q1. Can you tell us more about yourself and how long you have been in the industry?

Certified American Grown (CAG) is a non-profit organization. We are an independent national trade association representing a unified and diverse community of American cut flower, cut foliage, and potted plant farmers from the United States.

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Discover The National Flower of South Africa:
The King Protea

South Africa is an incredible country with a wide range of climates, people, and animals, so it’s no surprise its national flower is the astonishing king protea. With a name like that, you know it’s going to be good! Let’s discover the national flower of South Africa: the king protea and why it symbolizes the South African nation so well.

What is the National Flower of South Africa?

The national flower of South Africa: the king protea is also called the sugarbush or the cape artichoke flower.

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CPA Brunch

TOGETHER AGAIN! It has been three [long] years since the California Protea Association (CPA) - had its last member gathering. Yes, after the dark days of Covid, events are back and this month we went all out and hosted an alfresco brunch at the Institute of Contemporary Art - in Encinitas. How appropriate is that? This brunch was a real culinary treat as we partnered with Chef, Flor Franco - once again, and I’m so delighted to share it with you.

Garnering acclaim and a reputation for excellence, Flor Franco has served as the Executive Chef for several award-winning venues and restaurants, two Sundance Film Festivals, one Conde Nast dinner, hundreds of the world's best events, and has had the honor of designing and executing menus for Hollywood elite, dignitaries, national political figures and of course, CPA members.

We added festive protea flare to the brunch by designing a gorgeous wreath to welcome guests and created 20 colorful arrangements to garnish the tables and to set the scene.

Everyone mingled throughout the brunch, enjoying the delicious Spanish cuisine, and refreshing beverages plus, the lively mariachi band.

A unique group of farmers and gardeners gathered in one place for one moment to share the most universal human conversation: a meal. Chef Flor and her team created an amazing menu that left us all feeling like we had just eaten at a Five Star restaurant.

I hope this alfresco brunch in the museum gardens inspires you in some small way. To me, it felt like the perfect way to rekindle relationships with fellow protea farmers and friends as well as celebrate... July – American Grown Flowers Month!

Protea Wedding Inspiration: Luz and Philippe Wiliamson

You KNOW how much we love protea farming! Well, we couldn’t be more excited to share some homegrown protea wedding inspiration with you. Mel and I got to be on both sides of the wedding fence this month when our friend Flor Franco’s daughter, Luz, tied the knot in a beautiful garden estate over-looking La Jolla shores. Flor said she wanted proteas for Luz’s wedding but when asked to design and create all the décor and accessories, we were thrilled. It’s not too often we get the opportunity to create the bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces, arch, flower girl accessories, garnish the cake and enjoy the flowers we grow while attending the wedding as guests.

Let’s just say that, for farmers who love proteas, we were in heaven and OMG… the arch, the cake, the bouquets! I just love the way this wedding combined the elements of soft and strong – protea, Serruria blushing bride, Brunia albiflora and vibrant pincushions mixed with the dreamiest of fabrics in hues of cream and teal, contrasting with colorful water carafes. For us, it was the perfect representation of the flowers we’re so passionate about growing!

Beauty was a huge hallmark of this wedding day, every detail from the scenic venue to the alluring décor was absolutely breathtaking.

Petal it Forward 2018

The floral industry hit the streets once again on October 24th to Petal It Forward, and Temecula was among 410 cities in all the 50 states, plus Washington D.C. where florists, wholesalers and farmers brightened the days of random merchants, passersby and even firefighters. It was part of the nationwide ‘Petal it Forward’ program, sponsored by the Society of American Florists which calls attention to the variety of flowers and foliage grown in the U.S. and the positive, instant impact of giving and receiving flowers. This feel-good campaign helps farmers, wholesalers and retailers connect with their local communities and generates positive PR, for their businesses and the industry at large.

Petal It Forward teams from 410 cities not only spread happiness to lucky people who received the flowers but arms the recipients with the tools they needed to Petal It Forward and spread happiness to others: An extra flower bouquet to share with a friend, co-worker or someone they don't know. The idea: That it's not only fun to receive flowers and kindness, but it feels good to give. We joined in on the fun and headed to Old Town Temecula to help revel in the power of flowers and spread some happiness too!

This was a win-win for all the happiness ambassadors but, more importantly, it was a win for creating positive buzz around flowers in the communities that were reached.