Fashioning Protea Ornaments

When it's time to decorate for the holidays this year, you may be devoted to your favorite store-bought decorations that have been tucked away in your garage all year long. While they’re a nice way to jolly up your home, we think designing and fashioning your own ornaments can be a more creative way to decorate. Whether you're already in the ‘elf mode’ or want to hold off on making anything until you've picked out your tree, there's never a wrong time to start thinking about creating some unique, homemade ornaments.

That brings us to our favorite holiday décor. Yep... you’ve guessed it once again, proteas! Did you know proteas are ever-flowers? With proper post-harvest care, blooms can last weeks in a vase. Then, they don’t die… they dry beautifully! Many Proteas retain their structural design and to some extent their color. When used in crafts, like ornaments, they are as permanent as almost anything the botanical world provides. The best part? Our favorite ornaments can be enjoy during the holidays and long after the season ends. So, if you're tired of those old store-bought decorations, we suggest you take a peek at these sweet angels.

When protea blooms find their ultimate place in a dried decor, they finish a story that began in Gondwanaland and triumphed over a thousand adversities. They represent a special kind of bond, a link to the past and a reminder of the present and how new life springs eternal.

Creating a Fall Protea Wreath

We’re starting to see early signs of fall here on the farm! We've dusted off all the wreath making equipment and ordered plenty of extra supplies! Designing and creating a gorgeous Protea wreath is one of our favorite crafts, it's like painting but with a palette of flowers, and it definitely puts you in an autumn mode! With a dozen beautiful Protea, Grevillea Ivanhoe, Honey Myrtle, Banksia Occidentalis and Leucadendron Safari Sunset as well as Galpinii with fabulous cones, we anxiously observe as another unique masterpiece is created.

The wreath... a symbol of welcome, eternity and a joyful spirit! When protea find their way into a wreath they no doubt fulfill the promise of eternity, as they don't die they dry beautifully and become timeless!

When Protea is the Way to Your Heart

If you really want to melt hearts this Valentine’s Day, you might want to think outside the vase. Perfect for besties and sweeties alike, these gorgeous protea wreaths make for thoughtful, long lasting gifts.

A one-of-a-kind handmade gift designed for your one-of-a-kind Valentine.

Home for the Holidays

To me, a room is never finished without fresh flowers and greens.  When getting the house ready for holidays, there's nothing better than bringing the freshness of the outdoors in.   Whether it's a festive handmade wreath to decorate the door or a beautiful garland to garnish the table or mantle, flowers add life to a home and make it welcoming!

Debra Prinzing, outdoor living expert, author and lecturer specializing in interiors, architecture and landscapes recently shared with readers how to stay local and sustainable when creating holiday wreaths and garlands.

From harvest to holiday

It’s easy to stay local when you make a wreath from homegrown San Diego greenery and blooms. 

Subtropical plants are enjoying a huge surge in popularity in the global cut flower market, which is why it’s so satisfying to know that San Diego County has many family farms, large and small, that are producing Protea, Leucadendron, Leucospermum, Banksia, Leptospermum, Chamelaucium (Wax flowers), Anigozanthos (Kangaroo Paws) and other Mediterranean specimens.

DIY holiday garland made with foliage, flowers from California's backyard

For millennia, garlands created from intertwined foliage, flowers and fruit stems have symbolized home, hearth - and hospitality.

During the holidays, we expect to see evergreen garlands, often made with cedar boughs.  But according to floral designers who want to "go local", you don't have to rely on the Pacific Northwest's forests to decorate doorways, mantels or tabletops.

May your holidays be filled with fresh flowers and greens that bring you a bounty of joy and happiness!

Creating a Festive Protea Wreath

It's starting to feel a lot like Christmas here on the farm.  We've jumped right into our wreath making mode and we're loving every minute of it!  Creating and making things with your own two hands feeds the soul and definitely puts you in the holiday spirit!  Throw in fresh protea, crisp foliage and cones loaded with texture and the joy just begins.  Watch as Porfirio walks you through the steps of creating a festive protea wreath.

This time of year is so magical.
Let it fill you with joy and happiness.

Happy Holidays!