Enjoy the Proteas of Summer in Garden Inspired Arrangements

Summer. It's a time for relaxed, carefree living. In this moment, gardens abound with a rainbow of color and texture, inviting us to fully savor all the bold and bright blooms of summer. There's no need to focus on one particular flower as they’re all so awe-inspiring.

In keeping with the no-fuss seasonal vibe, that's what we have for you here in this collection of summer arrangements mingled with protea, pincushions, banksia, leucadendron, roses and more. So, sit back and enjoy these seasonal designs.

Since you’re possibly foraging a wide array of muti-colored blooms from your garden you’ll appreciate this design. In addition to a textural pincushion in shades of orange, this arrangement is combined with so many awesome blossoms like grevillea, everlastings, alstroemeria, callas, yarrow, lions tail, roses and dahlias.

Garnish your arrangement by adding fresh fruit like peaches to the mix. A vintage ceramic urn fashioned with protea, banksia and pincushion plus a few dahlias and callas for a splash of extra color makes this dreamy combination perfect for any summer gathering.

If you’re a fan of yellow hues, then you’ll love this playful summer design for a spruced-up Sunday brunch. Pincushions, kangaroo paw, callas, grevillea, fennel infuse this vase with a bright and cheery spark.

This basket full of posies has just the right combination of delicate and hardy. Foxglove, agapanthus, roses, canterbury bells and yarrow deliver the soft touch while pincushions, protea and dahlias provide the textural feel making this design fun, festive and fabulous.

Floral Dress-Up

What is it about wearing fresh flowers that makes us feel extra special? Simply put, flowers make the idea accessory, like a flower crown or boutonniere. They are natural, stylish and there is something sensual and romantic about wearing flowers. There’s no doubt, we think floral accessorizing should not be exclusive to weddings or school proms, they are perfect for most any occasion.

During the month of March, we took our love for flowers and accessorizing to the next level: Botanical Couture or Floral Dress-Up. American Flowers Week (June 28-July 4), a homegrown social media campaign established in 2015 as part of the Slow Flowers Society invites flower lovers (gardeners, florists & farmers) to celebrate beauty, sustainability and joy of local and seasonal flowers across the U.S. Teams of flower farmers and floral designers create wearable botanical clothing and accessories. Each look reflects a particular seasonal harvest straight from the fields, while also showcasing the farm and designer’s talent. The chic floral fashions created are worn by live models and photographed for publication.

We were thrilled to have the opportunity to team up with designer, Kelly Shore, owner of Petals by the Shore in Damascus, MD. Inspired by the breathtaking selection of Australian native wildflowers (particularly the Chamelaucium or waxflower) being grown here on the farm, Kelly created her own Nature’s Poetry. Frilly filler flowers, meshed in a mix of pink and white hues, layer upon layer, mimicked ruffles on a street length skirt.

Plus, accessories! A gorgeous waistband laden with Serruria Pretty & Pink and necklace to compliment with an added layering of eucalyptus and heather. The hat, garnished with more of the seasonal delicacies.

“Flowers transformed as art or sculpture, as fashion and beauty, as a symbol of the human desire to connect with nature, there is much more to each bloom than one might imagine” – Slow Flowers 2021

Photography by Madeleine Collins & Diana Roy

June Articles of Interest

San Diego County farmers fight
for share of federal COVID-19 relief money

Farmers who grow San Diego County’s most valuable crops may miss out on federal cash for coronavirus-related losses because some of their agriculture products — primarily flowers, nursery plants and exotic fruits — are not included in the relief program.

Read more here.
_____________________________________________________________

The coastal banksia has its roots in ancient Gondwana

If you fondly remember May Gibbs's Gumnut Baby stories about the adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, you may also remember the villainous Big Bad Banksia Men (perhaps you're still having nightmares about them).

But banksias are nothing to be afraid of. They're a marvelous group of Australian native trees and shrubs, with an ancient heritage and a vital role in Australian plant ecology, colonial history and bushfire regeneration.

Read more here.
_____________________________________________________________

American-grown blooms for American Flowers Week

You’re invited to join the Social Media experience and share images of #redwhiteblueflowers for #americanflowersweek (June 28-July 4). Of course, we hope everyone features local and seasonal flowers — from your own garden, or sourced from a flower farm in your area.

We love what Kelly Shore of Petals by the Shore and The Floral Source has launched as part of her AMERICAN FLOWERS WEEK promotion and we want to share it here to inspire your own floral plans!

Read more here.

Protea Designs We Love

From alluring bouquets and wreaths to artistic works of art, protea are stand outs in seasonal designs from late summer through autumn.

Protea stems thoughtfully displayed in a large galvanized basket evokes feelings of abundance and gratitude for another bountiful harvest season. This all-eximea arrangement features Susannae, one of the newer cultivars, in pink, burgundy and cream hues.

Seasonal Simplicity - Bouquets

Festive Wreaths

Creative Centerpieces

“In brilliant jewel tone shades, protea are an excellent summer and autumn flower. The blooms are vibrant and plentiful throughout the warmest part of the year.”—Mel