Protea, Leucospermum “pincushions” and Grevilleas hold their shape beautifully in any arrangement. Their textural bracts and spikes add an exotic touch, while their colors range… from dusty pinks and burgundy to deep oranges and reds, blends seamlessly with autumn’s palette.
Seeded eucalyptus brings a graceful, draping quality to designs. Its soft sage green tones and clusters of tiny seeds create texture and movement, making it the ideal filler that doesn’t just “fill space” but adds depth.
The silvery tones of eucalyptus contrast beautifully against the richer hues of the proteas, offering a cooling balance to the overall warm palette. Bonus: eucalyptus has a refreshing, clean fragrance that subtly enhances the sensory experience.
Rain tree pods (from the Samanea saman) are not your typical botanical. Their colorful curved shells add an unusual element to floral designs. Used sparingly, these pods add a touch of rustic elegance, reminding us of foraged elements and woodland textures. They’re particularly effective as a contrast to the softness of petals and leaves.
Autumn arrangements don’t have to be predictable. By choosing flowers and foliage that challenge the norm…. like proteas, seeded eucalyptus, and rain tree pods, you can craft designs that offer a fresh, textured, and dramatic take on fall florals.
Proteas, with their striking shapes and diverse textures, are symbolic of resilience and beauty. Native to the southern hemisphere, particularly South Africa and Australia, these extraordinary flowers thrive in conditions that are less than hospitable, making them a symbol of strength and resilience. By featuring them in our calendar, I aim to inspire not just an appreciation for their alluring qualities but also an admiration for their unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.
As we embark on this new year together, let's indulge in the beauty of nature and celebrate the spirit of proteas. Our 2025 Protea Calendar is more than just a way to mark the days; it’s a source of inspiration that encourages us to appreciate life’s delicate moments and the strength within us all. Join me in honoring these incredible flowers and start your journey into a year filled with beauty, creativity, and connection with the natural world.
Scroll on down and have a sneak peek at this year’s picks!
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Sometimes good things come to an end, so that better and greater things can begin. Bring on 2025!
Sugarbush is named for its sweet nectar that attracts a wide array of pollinators. The flowers come in shades of pink, red, white, and even bicolor, making them a perfect addition to any color palette. Whether you are going for formal event arrangements or casual gatherings, the striking shape of the flower serves as a focal point that draws the eye.
When mixing Sugarbush into your designs, consider pairing them with other blooms that have complementary shapes and colors. Flowers such as banksia, grevillea, and even other protea varieties can enhance the overall visual impact while maintaining balance. The combination of textures can elevate your floral arrangements. Pairing the rough textures of banksia with the smooth and strong presence of protea adds depth and interest to your designs. Don’t shy away from experimenting with color palettes. A vibrant white Sugarbush can be beautifully contrasted with soft pink, yellow, cream and brown flowers and foliage for a stunning visual effect.
The beauty of Sugarbush makes it an alluring choice for floral designs. Let this versatile protea inspire your next creation. Happy designing!
Leucospermum, like the Erubescens pictured above, are exquisite and incredibly long-lasting cut flowers, with vibrant, colorful blooms. Then, adding some textural varieties of Banksia and Grevillea take an arrangement from being ordinary to extraordinary.
If you'd like even more variety, mix in blooms like alstroemeria, ranunculus and snapdragons. Sturdy stem flowers are a big benefit, as they will stand up better in the container. Don’t forget to use some lush foliage like Grevillea Ivanhoe as a filler which, by the way, will add even more texture to the design. Most importantly, you're the artist so select colors and blooms that inspire your creativity. Flower arranging is a practice of resourcefulness, which requires experimentation and imagination. If you like what you've made, then you've accomplished the goal!
This earthy connection has become quite evident as we're seeing more organic, natural colors and textures being used in floral design. Dried flowers provide another way to bring nature and simplicity into our homes and lives.
Instead of thinking of dried flowers as a substitute for fresh flowers, we can think of them as a complement to the fresh flowers. Dried flowers expose us to a whole new universe of color palettes and textures, expanding the range of choices for use in designs. When looking for colors that are antique and muted, dried flowers can fit the bill perfectly. You can create a design using only dried flowers or use them together with fresh flowers to create a more dynamic arrangement.
How to Dry Your own Flowers…
Start by removing any excess leaves from flowers and cut stems to your desired length. Then, hang them in a dark area like a closet to help them retain their color. Blooms can be hung individually or bundled together, but do not overcrowd any bunches. If you are in a humid area, try hanging a paper bag over the flowers while they dry, it will absorb any moisture released from the flowers during the drying process and keep dust off the blooms. Let them hang undisturbed for three weeks or until they’re completely dry. And always dry more than what you need.
