Fynbos

Fynbos is one of the earth’s hot spots because of its exceptional biodiversity. It’s little wonder that Fynbos which literally means ‘fine bush’ has been touted for its unique type of vegetation that accounts for more than 80 percent of the plant species in the Cape Floral Kingdom. And, more than two-thirds of these plant species are not found growing naturally anywhere else in the world (like Mimetes pictured above). Many of these amazing plants have been used for their decorative and gardening purposes, medicinal purposes and even their magical powers. Despite the growing interest in fynbos, it remains a mystery to many people. Some species can be found growing right under their noses and they don’t even realize it.

Fynbos is composed of approximately 100 families with the three largest and most well-known families being: the ericas, proteas and restos. With that in mind, there are plenty more families to get to know – Here are just a few of our favorites:

Agapanthus means ‘Flower of Love’ and is derived from the Greek agape’ meaning ‘love’ and anthos meaning ‘flower’. They are also known as the ‘lily of the Nile’ and the ‘African lily’ even though they are not a lily. Did you know in the world of magic the agapanthus is a highly respected plant? The roots can be used to make a love charm and their magical powers even ward off thunder. And agapanthus can serve as a fire-break if you plant it close enough to the house.

Egyptians called the aloe vera plant “plant of immortality,” 6,000 years ago. Cleopatra applied the moist middle of the spiky plant to her body as part of her beauty regimen. Greeks used it to cure everything from baldness to insomnia and the Native Americans called it the “Wand of the Heaven.”

Leonotis leonurus is also known as wild dagga and lion's tail. Wild dagga flowers and leaves were smoked by the Hottentot tribe of southern Africa because of its euphoric effect. In traditional healing, wild dagga is used to treat fevers, headaches, coughs, and skin rashes. It's also used as a charm to keep snakes at bay and has been used to treat snake bites.

Tulbaghia Violacea or wild garlic is also called Society Garlic because Dutch settlers thought it was a more polite spice to use for flavoring dishes than true garlic particularly for social events. And the Zulu used both the flowers and the leaves to make hot seasoning with meat and potatoes. Tulbaghia is a disinfectant, and the bulb has been used to treat coughs and colds.

Brunia Albiflora – Coffee Bush

Whenever this beautiful botanical is seen, it is often greeted with curiosity and wonder as if it has never been seen before. The mysterious, almost alien looking Brunia albiflora is also called coffee bush and coffee-scented berzelia after its coffee scented berries or actually "small-ball shaped flowers". This single-stemmed shrub has long leafy branches with beautiful dark green foliage that resembles a pine tree but is much softer. In early summer, the berries form into tight spherical knob-like inflorescences that are clustered into flat, rounded heads in a deep green hue touched with silver.

As the season evolves the flowers start to open in a ring, starting on the outside of the berries and working inwards. Each tiny flower is about ¼” long, white with yellow stamens sticking out, giving the inflorescence a cream colored nuance.

Whether used in its berry stage or flowering, albiflora not only provides interesting texture, but it also adds a whimsical feel to designs. Plus, it blends well with most flowers (especially proteas), it's hardy and dries extremely well. And on a side note... in the Language of Flowers, it symbolize Chivalry.

What to look for:

• If possible, buy before the flowers are open as branches with cones last longer than open flowers. 
• Leaves should have a glossy green appearance. 
• Avoid bunches with flowers showing brown marks.

Flower Care:

1. Keep cool. 
2. Strip leaves from the lower half of each stem. 
3. Recut at least ½” off each branch and place in water. 
4. Don’t use a preservative as this may open the flower buds. 
5. Add a half cap of bleach to the vase. 
6. Replace vase water with fresh water every 2 days.

Eucalyptus Macrocarpa – Mottlecah

Evergreen plants, which have flourishing leaves or needles year-round, are often the foundation of a beautiful landscape or floral arrangement. Place them in the correct spots, and you'll frame your garden or centerpiece with a natural, leafy border. Plus, since many varieties offer colorful foliage, flowers, and cones, evergreen shrubs can add color and texture to any creative endeavor.

Eucalyptus, one of my favorite evergreen plants, is a large genus of more than 700 species in the Myrtle Family. While some species are tall trees, others have a multi-stemmed shrubby tendency like the flamboyant macrocarpa or “mottlecah” (the Aussie name). This distinctive species of eucalyptus has what Australians usually refer to as a “mallee” growth habit (varieties that are multi-stemmed, grow from an underground rootstock and thrive in harsh conditions).

It’s obvious why this amazing plant is celebrated for its grayish-white or bluish-white leaves and its long, sturdy branches… they make for a stunning display both in the field and in floral designs.

The usual flowering time for macrocarpa is typically late winter through spring. For months before the flowering commences, the silver dollar sized buds are visible as white domes with pointed tips, and within is a cluster of stamens. As the stamens expand, they pop off the white cap and provide a splash of bright red and yellow. The gum nuts which follow the flowers are also an interesting feature of the tree… they’re very large and have a powdery grey covering.

Red, White & Blue Centerpieces

Beautiful centerpieces are a lot like wonderful guests. They add a festive ambiance, lure the eye, and spark interesting and inspiring conversations. With the summer’s abundance of fabulous florals, fruited stems and branches, anyone can easily assemble an arrangement that's dynamic, alluring, unexpected… and it might even become the talk of the table.

Consider hosting a 4th of July gathering and set the scene with a colorful arrangement fashioned with gorgeous proteas and array of other fabulous flowers and foliage. The good old red, white and blue is a classic color combination that will never go out of style, especially if you're gathering is on the 4th of July. Take the arrangement pictured above, for instance: The patriotic color scheme is vibrant and cheerful and the basket conveys a picnic vibe which is perfect for the occasion.

One of the best ways to get inspiration for centerpieces is to look to your table settings and consider the food you plan to serve… they can all kindle great ideas. You could echo the blue in a tablecloth or incorporate the same fruit you use as a garnish on desert.

Scroll down for a little more red, white and blue inspiration.

Banksia Speciosa - Showy Banksia

As the name “Showy” suggests, this large shrub or small tree puts on quite a display with its long, chartreuse cylindrical spikes and leathery, saw-tooth leaves that fan out in a circular pattern from each flower’s base.

This stunning species is also called Green Banksia and Mint Julep due to its refreshing and revitalizing hue and Ricrac Banksia for its ridged, textural foliage.

Flowering off and on all year round, speciosa peaks June through August creating amazing natural designs to be enjoyed in both the garden and when featured in floral designs. These proteas aren’t just for pretty décor, they’re for standing out… and this showy banksia certainly does that.

Proteas Designed with a Spring-Ready Twist

In springtime proteas abound, which makes them easy to include in your everyday decor. Among the season’s most beloved proteas are pincushions and banksia with warm color palettes in lively hues of orange, yellow and green.

For this spring protea arrangement, I mixed bold, hardy Leucopsermum Flame Giant + Brandi dela Cruz and Banksia Speciosa with some roses, alstroemeria, yarrow and eucalyptus. And, for a playful touch, I added a delicate stem of foxglove. The results made for a vibrant centerpiece with a tropical-feel and put a spring-ready twist on the proteas. The sherbet color palette added a sense of softness that resonates with springtime and the new beginnings.

Materials

• Leucospermum ‘pincushion’ Flame Giant and Brandi dela Cruz 
• Banksia Speciosa 
• Orange roses 
• Purple yarrow 
• Alstroemeria 
• Foxglove 
• Eucalyptus Baby Blue 
• Eucalyptus Blue Gum 
• Round ceramic container 
• Clippers 
• Waterproof floral tape

Steps

1. Create a tape grid across the top of your vase using waterproof floral tape. 
2. Begin designing your arrangement by creating a base of the eucalyptus Blue Gum foliage. 
3. Continue to build the base by adding the Leucospermum and Banksia. 
4. Once you have a nice base and shape, insert the roses. Make sure to cut the stems at an angle to allow maximum water absorption. 
5. Next, insert the alstroemeria and yarrow stems randomly around the arrangement. 
6. Add color and a new texture with the mint green eucalyptus Baby Blue. 
7. For the final touch, use a stem of foxglove to bridge the color palette of the arrangement. Keep the stem long so that the bell-shaped flowers perch up over the arrangement.

Flowers truly feed the soul!

Anigozanthos – Kangaroo Paws

Colorful and unique, kangaroo paws are an Australian Icon which have become famed the World over! Vibrant flowers perch on long stems adding color to the garden and attracting birds. And they also make superb cut flowers!

Anigozanthos (pronounced an-ih-go-zan-thos) or more commonly known as kangaroo paws produce clusters of fuzzy tubular blossoms that do indeed resemble kangaroo toes. The size of the flowers, stem length and color vary depending on the species and cultivar. The coarse hairs growing around kangaroo paw flowers and their stems determine their eventual color. Weather also plays a role in color variation. In cooler climates, kangaroo paws will develop more intense colors. Some kangaroo paws can grow over 6 feet in height!

Because of their novel appearance, kangaroo paws are used to symbolize uniqueness and individuality.

Post-Harvest Care:

• Select well-branched stems with some of the flowers open. Flowers should display clean, vibrant color. Avoid stems with limp flowers or browning petal tips. 
• When processing, strip foliage that falls below the water line. Recut stems about ¼” at an angle (45-degrees) and hydrate them in water for about five hours before use in designs. 
• Stems can be re-cut under running water or in a bowl of clean water. Cutting under water may reduce the risk of air pockets forming at the stems’ base and allows the flowers to absorb water right away. 
• Kangaroo paws are also heavy drinkers, so good hydration is essential when processing and designing.

Strap into your pouch as we hop through some of our favorite designs where we mixed kangaroo paws with proteas and other vivid flowers.