When it comes to leucadendron, everyone knows 'Safari Sunset'. With its deep burgundy bracts, it's by far the most the most popular variety. But have you seen 'Maui Sunset' when its bracts take on a creamy white color and suddenly it becomes a gorgeous flower? How about 'Harvest' or 'Strictum'? These are only a few of the awesome alternatives to the fall favorite 'Safari Sunset' and they bloom winter through spring.
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The colorful petals of the leucadendron are called bracts (modified leaves), and the true flower is actually nestled among these bracts and covered with styles or stamens. The stamens will changes color from green to yellow to reddish-orange as the flowers bloom.
In the past, large volumes of leucadendron foliage were shipped from South Africa to Europe, where it was sold in the flower markets as “Cape Greens” and treated as a long-lasting filler-foliage. This image has changed with the realization that many leucadendron blooms are beautiful flowers in their own right. Here a just a few of our favorite blooms.
Pom Pom
Rainbow Gold
Eucalyptifolium
Red Eye
Salignum Pink
Strictum
Tintum
Maui Sunset
Pisa
Harvest
It's an odd, very rare sight: The hills of Rainbow with flower fields and avocado groves covered in snow! An extremely cold weather front descended on Southern California just in time to ring in the New Year, bringing freezing temperatures and unusually low snow levels as well as powerful winds. Instead of waking up and heading out to harvest flowers we found ourselves clearing roads of fallen trees and shoveling snow. So far, it looks like most of our Valentine's blooms have escaped without harm and the snow has melted but for a day or two it was a winter wonderland and picture perfect.
"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe." - Anatole France
The bliss of flower farming is having the opportunity to accomplish great things! Yes, farming requires a dream, planning, hard work and a big leap of faith but in the end it is possible to do the unimaginable. With those thoughts in mind, this weekend I ventured out into one of the newer flower fields to seeing how our dream was unfolding.
In 2012, we purchased several acres of land on a very steep hillside completely covered in brush. At this stage in the game you have to have a wonderful imagination with so many bushes to remove, loads of trash to cleanup, tons of bugs, snakes and animals to evict and roads to grade.
What was once only brush is now full of blooms! Here's just a glimpse of the treasures I discovered.
A naturally robust and earthy wine red, Marsala enriches our minds, bodies and souls. Marsala is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth. - Leatrice Eiseman Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute
Why did Pantone choose Marsala? Eiseman stated, "We felt it was time for something that spoke to people's real needs—the need of nurturing, the need for something more robust that had a life force that was intrinsic to it. The most interesting thing about Marsala, I think, is that even though it has this grounded influence, this earthy undertone we see in the wine-red, at the same time, it has this sophistication. There is something very versatile about the color."
So, naturally when I heard the news I began to ponder about how the flowers and foliage we grow compliment this awesome color of the year. Here's some Marsala inspiration to get you started.
First, a few fabulous flowers and foliage that emulate this seductive shade.
Then, a look at how very versatile Marsala is when combined with other earthy hues.
To me, a room is never finished without fresh flowers and greens. When getting the house ready for holidays, there's nothing better than bringing the freshness of the outdoors in. Whether it's a festive handmade wreath to decorate the door or a beautiful garland to garnish the table or mantle, flowers add life to a home and make it welcoming!
Debra Prinzing, outdoor living expert, author and lecturer specializing in interiors, architecture and landscapes recently shared with readers how to stay local and sustainable when creating holiday wreaths and garlands.
From harvest to holiday
It’s easy to stay local when you make a wreath from homegrown San Diego greenery and blooms.
Subtropical plants are enjoying a huge surge in popularity in the global cut flower market, which is why it’s so satisfying to know that San Diego County has many family farms, large and small, that are producing Protea, Leucadendron, Leucospermum, Banksia, Leptospermum, Chamelaucium (Wax flowers), Anigozanthos (Kangaroo Paws) and other Mediterranean specimens.
DIY holiday garland made with foliage, flowers from California's backyard
For millennia, garlands created from intertwined foliage, flowers and fruit stems have symbolized home, hearth - and hospitality.
During the holidays, we expect to see evergreen garlands, often made with cedar boughs. But according to floral designers who want to "go local", you don't have to rely on the Pacific Northwest's forests to decorate doorways, mantels or tabletops.
May your holidays be filled with fresh flowers and greens that bring you a bounty of joy and happiness!
The holiday season is in full swing, which means your schedule is starting to fill up with parties and family gatherings. If you're hosting your own special get-together, you'll need decorations to create a festive ambiance. However, finding the right decor can sometimes be difficult because options are often limited to the typical colors and styles. One way you can combine your personal style with seasonal decor is with flowers.
Not only do flowers allow you to express your unique style, but they also bring the freshness and beauty of nature to your gathering. Your family and friends may admire your holiday decorations, but nothing compares to a gorgeous bouquet. When you decorate with fresh flowers and foliage that reflect your personal style, it makes for a unforgettable event your guests will reminisce about for weeks.
To show how we expressed our personal style using Protea we created six holiday designs that will hopefully inspire you to create your own.
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