Designing with Helen – Part 2

We first met Helen Davis this summer when Mel was the featured farmer in the California State Floral Association’s booth at the State Fair in Sacramento. With some determination, her daughter, Laura, brought her to meet Mel and see the protea. She was asked to pick the flowers of her choice and make her own special protea bouquet which she proudly took home with her. Meeting Helen and seeing her light-up as she created her bouquet has since been a highlight of ‘2017’ for both Mel and me!

To our delight earlier this month, we heard from Laura once again. She asked if she could bring her mother down to see the farm around the middle of the month. Since we saw Helen in July, she had been diagnosed with a rare cancer and Laura wanted her to visit us while she was active and able to make the trip. Laura said, “We have been living your flowers from afar but it’s time to see the real thing in person.”

They decided to join us on the 16th for our farm tour, wreath class and a special trip up into Rainbow to see the flower fields or what Helen called, Protea Heaven!”

A Passion for Flowers - Designing with Helen

Helen Davis has always loved flowers and plants. As a young mother in Yolo County, California, she discovered the art of floral design at the local fair. Feeling inspired, she decided to try her hand at designing and began participating in the fair’s annual design competition. A tradition she has held on to for the last 50 of her 89 years. Helen further developed her design skill while working for a good friend who needed help with her home-based floral business. Over the years, she has shared her passion for flowers with her children and grandchildren… spending time training and encouraging each of them.

A few years ago, while preparing for a competition at the fair and considering using protea in her arrangement, Helen was introduced to our Facebook page when her sister shared a post. Since then Helen regularly spends time on Facebook enjoying flowers posts… especially those with protea.

Helen’s ‘protea highlight’ happened this summer when Resendiz Brothers was the featured farm in the California State Floral Association’s booth at the State Fair in Sacramento. With some determination, her daughter, Laura, brought her to meet Mel and everyone with him in the booth. Helen was overwhelmed with the kindness shown to her. She was asked to pick the flowers of her choice and create her own special Protea Bouquet which she proudly took home with her. Helen’s love and enthusiasm for flowers will be a cherished memory not just for her but for all of us who got to meet her and hear her story that day!