Absolutely Love Protea? If so, then you need to check out the new International Protea Association (IPA) Facebook Page and Instagram. In September I traveled to South Africa to attend the IPA Conference and Pre-Conference Tour. During my visit I had the opportunity to tour several protea farms and meet some amazing farmers from across the globe. Feeling extremely inspired by my new friends and hating the idea that it would be at least two years before we’d meet again, I wanted to find a way to stay in touch. After reaching out to the IPA members in attendance, creating an International Protea Association Facebook Page and Instagram was the solution. It’s our hope that these platforms would provide us all a way to stay connected between conferences.
Finally, after two months, the Facebook Page and Instagram are up and running... and we couldn't be more excited.
Since 1984, the IPA has served as a link in the Value Chain of global commercial protea production. It offers researchers, propagators, farmers, marketers, breeders and educators an open forum of communication and friendship to promote and expand the industry for the benefit of all.
From protea farms to nurseries, marketers, florists and designers... we invite you into the world of protea from around the globe and ask that you like us, follow us and join in on the conversation.
South Africa’s Western Cape is one of the country’s most beautiful provinces, attracting a lion’s share of tourists. It is a region of majestic mountains, long beaches and colorful patchworks of farmland set in lovely valleys. With a total area of 129,462 square kilometres, the Western Cape is roughly the size of Greece.
The Mediterranean climate of the peninsula and the mountainous region beyond it is ideal for flower farming and there are a number of family farms producing an excellent range of flowers. However, if you’re passionate about Protea there’s no other place on Earth like the Cape Floristic Region – The Home of Proteaceae! That’s exactly why we made it a point to attend this year’s International Protea Association (IPA) Conference in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
The IPA Pre-Conference Tour took place on September 1st & 2nd and featured four fabulous flower farms: Arnelia Farms, Pomona Farm, Philadelphia Farm and Jansekraal.
The rumors are true, it’s ‘Leucadendron Season’. Often one of the first hints of spring in our fields, leucadendron serve as a welcoming committee for warmer and longer days. These barometers of the season begin to emerge as winter winds down, blooming from the cold days of February all the way through May. Though often known as "conebush" due to their colorful nuts, leucadendron are considered the foliage side of the protea family. Most leucadendron are indigenous to South Africa, though some varieties have been found in Australia as well. Around 80 known species exist and all share the same emphasis: the beauty of their foliage. The colorful petals of the leucadendron are called bracts (modified leaves), and the true flower is the cone nestled among their bracts.
With so many fabulous varieties to choose from, it's hard to play favorites with leucadendron, but we've gathered a few outstanding varieties for you here.
Given the abundance of South African and Australian flowers and foliage being grown here in San Diego County, having this group of 75 tour the farm and experience our day to day activities seemed like a natural fit. With the perfect mix of Proteaceae and Australian wildflowers, we knew it would be the just the place for them to capture some garden inspiration. Come along with us, as we venture around the farm.
"Protea”, a treat for lovers of Proteaceae, features the return of Lewis J. Matthews in his second inspiring romp through this unique and alluring family of plants. Matthews has had a life-long fascination for proteas and has followed the hybridization of them with great interest. For inclusion in this updated book, he chose a wide selection of the best, many of which are very dramatic yet have not been seen in print before, and they are certain to inspire readers to enjoy them in their homes and gardens.
In areas unsuitable for cultivating protea, the proteas are featured in exotic, floral arrangements; brightening home decor year round. Even gardeners who are unable to cultivate these amazing plants will enjoy being fascinated by the incredible variation of form and color portrayed in this beautiful book. Whether for the home gardener, commercial flower farmer, or nursery professional, this outstanding, well-illustrated guide provides a valuable reference tool and gives a fresh look at both proteas that are well known, as well as those that are recent arrivals on the scene. From the first page to the last, you’ll find advice on growing requirements, propagation, uses in garden situations, which ones attract birds and cut-flower production.
As summer heats up, we are keeping things cool with an array of creative and informative protea projects, each individually crafted here on the farm. “This poster is an organized, yet fun way to represent the many different Protea grown here in Rainbow,” says Paulette, our talented design artist. “I started working at Resendiz Brothers a few months ago having never seen a protea. After designing this poster I can say I am well-versed in the Proteaceae Family. I think our customers will have the same experience.”
Click here to download a printable version of the poster - Enjoy!
