California Bountiful

A wet winter here in California can only mean one thing. Well, scratch that. Not just one thing, it means a bounty of wonderful things for nature. For years, this state has endured such severe dry spells that crops wither, flowers bloom erratically, fruit trees sit barren, streams dry up, and neighbors traded in their lawns for cactus, rocks and cement. But this year, California is receiving more precipitation than normal, and the results are simply glorious. Not only are some drought effects reversing, but wildflowers are starting to bloom on hillsides creating a carpet of color… truly a beautiful sight!

That being said… we’re also seeing some fabulous floral sights here in the hills of Rainbow. The season's colorful leucadendron along with bright leucospermum, gorgeous protea, textural banksia and frilly Australian wildflowers provide a feast for the eyes.

Guichenotia macrantha or Yanchep Bells

Leucadendron Maui Sunset

Waxflower Purple Gem and Jenny

Leucospermum Phil Parvin

Banksia Menziesii

Leucadendron Gold Strike

Protea Grandicolor

Best of all, when these gorgeous flowers are mixed into a bouquet or tucked into an arrangement, they are simply ‘Breathtaking’!

In the Field: Guichenotia macrantha

Flowers are the little something that can change nearly everything. From bouquets of fresh-cut flowers to elaborate arrangements, each inspires a burst of floral bliss and a lot of drama (the good kind). With the season’s abundance of Australian wildflowers scattered throughout the fields, we turn to a ‘newbie’ here on the farm Yanchep Bells.

Guichenotia macrantha or also called Yanchep Bells is a beautiful flowering Australian Native shrub. It’s no secret that we think this gorgeous plant should definitely be receiving more attention from florists and designers for its wonderful flowers and foliage.

Guichenotia macrantha has delicate bell or lantern shaped pink to mauve flowers with very attractive silvery-grey foliage. Flowering from mid-winter through to early spring this wildflower adds a unique look and texture to bouquets and arrangements.

What to look for:

• Branches with 1/3 to 1/2 of flowers open. 
• Avoid bunches with wilted tips, yellow leaves or signs of flower drop.

Flower Care:

1. Keep cool at all times. 
2. Strip leaves from the bottom half of each stem. 
3. Re-cut at least 1/2” off each stem and place in cold water. 
4. Always use a preservative as this will help keep open flowers looking fresh. 
5. Replace water every day.