Resendiz Brothers' Harvest News

Harvest News

Sharing the beauty of Fynbos & Australian natives, especially the family of Proteaceae!

August 2020

A Perfect Match: Protea and Peonies

Pink protea are definitely a personal passion. The velvety, bell-shaped blooms contrast beautifully with the soft petals of most flowers. They are standouts. A full-grown protea plant can produce 65 or more stems. There will be plenty of blooms to cut and enjoy indoors, and still some left in the garden for added pleasure. When left to dry in your home, protea deliver pleasure long after the plant’s season ends.

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Fabulous Foliage

Leaves can be show-offs in their own right, especially during autumn months. Variegated Leucadendron Jester does that every time. When we place stems at the base of an arrangement, they become the attraction, stealing glances from the protea. You can see why it is so named as it definitely sports colors of scarlet, green and cream. Its other names, Safari Sunshine and Katie’s Blush make a delightful reference to all its colors and is a gesture to it being kin to Safari Sunset.

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Design Goals: From Bouquet to Centerpiece

You may have noticed already but flowers are certainly having a moment during this era of Covid. Nothing says ‘HAPPY’ quite like a beautiful arrangement of fresh flowers. They’re bright, colorful, and downright cheery!

However, ordering weekly arrangements might not be in your budget right now… which is why we decided to share a few tips on how to turn an simple bouquet into a stunning centerpiece.

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August Blogs & Articles of Interest

Gardening | For healthy proteas, forget using artificial fertilisers

Proteas are often admired in floral arrangements and are purchased for their ability to last several weeks in a vase. Because they are related horticulturally to a large group of Australian native plants, including banksias, grevilleas and waratahs, they require similar growing conditions.

Proteas originate from South Africa. They have a low tolerance for artificial fertilizers. Applications of superphosphate will kill proteas. However, they require magnesium, and this can be applied as Epsom salts, scattered over the root areas and then watered in well during spring.

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Mel's Field Notes

Hello friends,

I was taken by surprise this weekend when I checked my calendar and realized that it's already the end of August. Before you know it, the fields will be filled with gorgeous autumn protea and lush, colorful Leucadendron. I have found that a little extra farm maintenance and planning this time of year will put me in a good position for our fall harvest season. The plants are all looking healthy and they're are loaded with buds.

In a few short weeks we will harvest the bulk of our Pink Ice protea to sell by the stem or mixed in bouquets and wreaths, and then the Neriifolia or Minks will start blooming towards the end of September. The difference between the two varieties (in case you don't already know) is the Pink Ice have fuzzy silvery-pink bracts that overlap and a beautiful rose-colored central dome with a splash of wine at the tip. The Neriifolia or Minks have velvety pink bracts with black feathery tips, offering a more exotic flair. The remaining fall protea harvest will include, Red Baron, Brenda, Obtusifolia, Pink Duke, White Owl and Grandicolor.

Let's turn our attention to enjoying flowers indoors. Bringing flowers inside helps bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor space. Their beauty takes the edge off distressing events and makes special occasions extraordinary. Flowers make an emotional impact on us and provide relief and sensitivity. They’re natural and healthful moderators of mood that have an immediate impact on happiness. Covid-19 may have wrenched us out of our sense of normality but nature, its beauty and continuity will help us find ourselves again.

Have a wonderful month of September! Stay safe and enjoy the last of the summer season!

Happy Labor Day!

Mel