July Joys: Australian Native Flowers & a Surprise Summer Encore

If you're looking for unique flowers that bring texture, color, and lasting beauty to floral arrangements, our farm has been bursting with some truly spectacular seasonal blooms. This season, Banksia and Grevillea (affectionately known as Bush Lollies) have been stealing the show. Even more exciting, we're also enjoying an unexpected second flush of waxflower… something we rarely see this late in the season.

Australian native flowers are treasured by florists and flower lovers alike for their sculptural forms, incredible texture, and vibrant colors. They create beautiful focal points while adding depth, movement, and a touch of the unexpected to bouquets and designs.

Banksia is one of the most distinctive flowers we grow. Its striking cone-shaped blooms, in shades of warm orange, golden yellow, and soft green, make an unforgettable statement in everything from wedding flowers and event installations to everyday bouquets. With its bold texture and architectural form, Banksia brings natural drama while pairing beautifully with both native and traditional blooms.

Grevillea offers the perfect contrast. Its intricate, curled flowers bloom in shades of soft pink, vibrant fuchsia, rusty orange and creamy yellow, bringing elegance, movement, and a whimsical touch to every arrangement.

Together, Banksia and Grevillea create loose, organic arrangements that celebrate the beauty of nature. Whether you're styling a summer table, or simply brightening your home with fresh blooms, these Australian natives offer unmatched character, texture, and seasonal beauty.

As if that weren't enough, this season has brought an unexpected bonus.

Our waxflower is still flowering well beyond its usual season. By this time of year, we would normally have packed away the last of our waxflower, but an unusually mild spring has gifted us with a beautiful encore. Discovering fresh stems still blooming in the fields has been one of this season's happiest surprises.

Waxflower may be delicate in appearance, but it's one of the hardest-working flowers we grow. Its tiny star-shaped blooms, fresh fragrance, airy branching stems, and exceptional vase life make it a florist favorite.

One of the greatest joys of flower farming is that every year writes a different story. The weather, the seasons, and Mother Nature always have the final say, and sometimes they reward us with surprises that are even more beautiful than we imagined.

As July draws to a close, we're remind that some of the season's greatest joys are the ones we never saw coming… and that's part of the magic of flower farming.

Chamelaucium - A plant whose beauty is deep rooted

At first glance, it’s all softness… tiny, star-shaped blooms with a porcelain delicacy, often blushing in whites, pinks, or purples, and a light citrusy scent that feels almost nostalgic. But beneath that beauty is a plant built for survival.

Native to Western Australia, chamelaucium or commonly called waxflower evolved in some of the harshest conditions imaginable: poor, sandy soils, long dry spells, intense sun. Where many plants would give up, waxflower adapts. Its narrow, waxy leaves reduce water loss, and its tough woody stems protect it from the elements. Beauty here isn’t fragile… it’s strategic. It adapts. It endures. It lasts. 

That’s why waxflower has come to symbolize more than just elegance: 

• Resilience and endurance… thriving without excess, standing strong in scarcity 
• Fresh beginnings… blooming in late winter to early spring, when the world is just waking up 
• Quiet confidence… it doesn’t demand attention, but it holds it effortlessly 

As a cut flower, it lasts remarkably long, holding its shape and color long after others fade. There’s something poetic about that… grace that doesn’t rush, strength that doesn’t need to announce itself.

Waxflower reminds us that softness and strength aren’t opposites. Sometimes the most resilient things in the world look delicate… and that’s exactly their power 🌸 🌱✨

Self-care is Just a Bouquet Away

When we think about self-care, it’s easy to get caught up in ideas like bubble baths or massages. But the truth is, self-care can take many shapes and sometimes, it’s as simple as surrounding yourself with the beauty of nature.

Flowers aren’t just pretty; they have a deep, therapeutic power. The sight of a vibrant bouquet can immediately brighten your mood, help you feel more connected to the world around you, and even reduce stress.

How can flowers boost your self-care routine?

1. A Feast for the Eyes: Surrounding yourself with fresh flowers or even floral patterns can instantly lift your spirits. Whether it’s a simple vase on your kitchen table or a floral print on your clothes, a burst of color and life can make a difference in your environment... and in your mood. 
2. Aromatherapy: Flowers, like waxflower or lavender, are known for their calming effects. A simple floral-scented candle, essential oil, or bath soak can help you unwind after a long day and create a peaceful atmosphere. 
3. Nature’s Healing: There’s something truly special about spending time with flowers… whether that means gardening, walking through a botanical garden, or simply noticing the flowers in your neighborhood. Nature has a way of grounding us, and flowers are the perfect reminder to slow down and appreciate the small, beautiful things around us. 
4. Creative Inspiration: Flowers have inspired art, fashion, and design for centuries. Whether you’re creating a floral arrangement or incorporating flower motifs into your daily life, the process can spark creativity and bring a sense of calm focus to your day. 

Self-care isn’t just about what you do for yourself… it’s about surrounding yourself with things that make you feel whole, joyful + connected!

Welcoming the Chamelaucium: The Start of Waxflower Season in California

Like clockwork… just before the winter solstice, we’re seeing first hints of spring begin to grace the fields, one of our favorite seasons is upon us: Chamelaucium season! This aromatic beauty, often referred to as waxflower, bursts onto the scene with a delightful array of colors and fragrances that signal the arrival of a new season.

Originating from Australia, these delicate, cup-shaped accent flowers ranging in hues from soft pinks, whites to deep purples and even bi-colors. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, waxflowers are also cherished for their unique waxy petals, which create a stunning visual while providing longevity in floral designs.

Waxflowers typically begin their bloom in early winter and continue to flourish through the spring, making January to June a particularly delightful time for designers. As temperatures rise, we see a flourishing of color across the fields. The warmer inland valley provides ideal growing conditions for these resilient plants.

Whether used as the star of the show or simply mingled in mixed bouquets, waxflowers bring a fresh, earthy scent and texture that’s simply irresistible. Their compatibility with other spring blooms, such as protea, pincushions, and leucadendron, makes them an ideal filler flower for creating lavish bouquets and centerpieces that celebrate the season.

In the language of flowers, waxflower symbolizes a love of fortune and a yearning for independence. Given its delicate yet resilient nature, it’s often associated with hope, freedom, and new beginnings. Whether you’re using it for a wedding bouquet, an event, or a thoughtful gift, waxflower can add a layer of meaning to your arrangements.

Care Tips for Waxflower 

To get the most out of your waxflower arrangements, it’s essential to understand how to properly care for these delicate blooms. Here are a few tips: 

• Hydration: Always re-cut stems at an angle before placing them in water. This ensures proper hydration and longevity. 
• Temperature: Keep arrangements in a cool environment away from direct sunlight, which can quickly wilt the blooms. 
• Cleaning: Change the water regularly and remove any wilting flowers or foliage.

Waxflower, with its delicate petals and fragrant aroma inspires creativity and adds depth to your work. With the right care and a thoughtful approach, Chamelaucium can elevate floral creations, leaving a lasting impression on all who encounter it.

So next time you’re looking to add that special touch to your floral designs, don’t overlook the charm of waxflower. Embrace its beauty and versatility.

Rotundifolia

Looking for alternatives to Chamelaucium or commonly called waxflower? We've got you covered! Consider Lepto Rotundifolia, a member of the Myrtle family and related to clove, eucalyptus, and guava. This Australian native filler flower is often referred to as Blue Lepto or Lavender Queen, and blooms in late spring when it’s waxflower relative is finishing up for the season.

With long woody stems that produce clusters of lavender blooms, Rotundifolia complements the beauty of proteas as well as other seasonal flowers. It’s versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. The long stems are excellent for adding line to an arrangement and are especially chic in oriental and contemporary designs. Rotundifolia stems can also be shaped into decorative handles for baskets, added to dish gardens or simply placed in a bud vase as a charming accent flower.

What to look for

• Buy stems in the bud stage to ensure the longest vase life. 
• Avoid bunches that are shedding or flowers that are turning brown. 
  

Flower Care 

1. Stems should be re-cut with pruning shears. The stems are very woody and may be tough to re-cut, but worth the effort as it will increase longevity. 
2. Place stems loosely in a bucket of flower food solution and place in a cool place where they will get good air circulation. 
3. Rotundifolia has a vase life of 7-14 days.

For the Love of Waxflower

Waxflower season is upon us, and with it comes an abundance of those beloved fragrant flowers. Belonging to the Chamelaucium genus of shrubs and stemming from the myrtle family, they are related to Leptospermum and Thryptomene. Waxflower includes over 100 varieties of Geraldton wax or Chamelaucium uncinatum and other Chamelaucium species and hybrids. Some of the more common hybrids are classified as Pearlflowers, Gemflowers or Starflowers. These amazing plants typically bloom early winter through spring and are widely grown for their frilly eye-catching blooms.

Discovered in 1819, the waxflower originated from the southwest of Western Australia, where the French botanist Rene Louiche Desfontaines gave the plant its botanical name Chamelaucium. The slight waxy feel of its petals is believed to be the reason for its name. The leaves contain oil glands that have a beautiful lemony fresh fragrance when crushed. The blooms are delicate in style, flaunting five petals, ten stamens and a small, hardened fruit.

Waxflowers have long been associated with good luck and best wishes of lasting love. And it's also a symbol of wealth and riches. In Australia it's believed that the waxflower symbolizes joyful memories and new beginnings and is therefore used in most weddings. These fabulous flowers have an abundance of uses in bouquets and arrangements, as well as in flower crowns and corsages.

Look Out – California Grown Waxflower is Back

‘Tis the season for waxflower and with it comes an abundance of those beloved fragrant flowers. Belonging to the Chamelaucium genus of shrubs and stemming from the myrtle family, they are related to Leptospermum and Thryptomene. Waxflower includes over a 100 varieties of Geraldton wax + lots of other Chamelaucium species and hybrids. Some of the more common hybrids are classified as Pearlflowers, Gemflowers or Starflowers. These amazing plants typically bloom early winter through spring, and they are widely grown for their frilly eye-catching blooms.

The name waxflower is due to the slight waxy feel of the petals. The leaves, which contain oil glands, are small to medium in size and boast a beautiful lemony fresh scent when crushed. The blooms are delicate in style, flaunting five petals, ten stamens and a small, hardened fruit.

Also known as the flower of romance, waxflower is symbolic of patience and lasting love, which makes them a popular option for Valentine’s Day and weddings. These fabulous blooms have an abundance of uses in bouquets and arrangements, as well as in flower crowns and corsages, as cake embellishments, and simply, left all alone on a desk or table to be enjoyed for weeks.

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

Spring Floral Topiaries

Topiary… the term may sound unfamiliar, but there’s no doubt you’ve seen the art around. Those hedges and shrubs that have been trimmed into amazing sculptures of everything from shapes to animals to people are topiaries. The art is defined as the horticultural practice of clipping shrubs or trees into shapes.

Topiaries date back to ancient Egypt, when rows of date palm were force-cut into shapes of cones. They returned in medieval times as a way of training fruit plants, and then again during the Italian Renaissance. In the 15th century, the Dutch became intrigued with creating topiary that resembled animals while the French preferred creating topiary into geometric shapes. Topiaries have continued to evolve, they’re not only restricted to formal landscaping structures, some are crafted from potted plants, like ivy or rosemary.

Designing a topiary no longer requires that you adhere to live plants, floral topiaries have become quite popular as well. Crating a floral topiary is a simple way to bring a touch of nature indoors. All you need are the flowers and foliage of your choice, floral foam, as well as a tree branch (or stick) and container to act as the support and showcase for your design. For my first topiary, I gathered Serruria, Leucadendron, Phylica, Berzelia, Calycina and waxflower.

As the spring season’s floral options transitioned from soft mute colors to more vibrant hues, I mixed Leucospermum, Isopogon, Leucadendron and sprigs of lavender and Jasmine Vine.

Many of the botanicals I gathered for these toparies will retain their structural design and to some extent their color long after they’re vase-life. Simply put… they don’t die, they dry… Beautifully!

Vine & Blooms

Why the name Vine & Blooms? There are a few reasons but mostly the name is inspired by the coming together for the love of wine and flowers. The two seem to go hand-in-hand in a beautiful relationship. Sipping on a glass of wine while creating your own special bouquet can lower inhibitions which is perfect for those who have beginner designer nerves. Floral craft activities have consistently proven to have tremendous benefits for both your mind and body as well!

Sounds far-fetched, doesn’t it? We don’t think so! That’s why this month we partnered with another California farm, Fallbrook Winery, at their 36-acre vineyard to host our first Vine & Blooms Workshop. The afternoon started out with a wine tasting and tour of the vineyard followed by our bouquet workshop. It didn’t take long for everyone to realize that floral designing (especially when it’s paired with friends and wine) boosts your mood and you don’t have to be a professional designer to have FUN with Flowers! It was no surprise how beautiful all the bouquets turned out and everyone had a blast in the process.

Many thanks to our friends at Fallbrook Winery for being the perfect host!