show pet

Our kind of welcome… Protea Wreaths! Clear skies and warm autumn temperatures greeted guests as they enjoyed a wreath making workshop, along with a tour of the nursery, a peak in the packing house and some tasty treats. Our favorite flower farmer, Mel and Cenovia demonstrated the art of wreath making, while participants joyfully contemplated what flowers and foliage they would select for their special wreath. By the time the workshop wrapped up we viewed 27 beautiful and unique fall wreaths. Guests departed with a wreath in one arm and protea bouquets and plants in the other.

Fall is a very popular time of the year for outdoor markets and fairs of all kinds. And when garden opportunities arise we always try to participate in the local favorites. Autumn also happens to be the best time to plant perennials, shrubs, bulbs and even wildflower seeds. Did you know that plants established in the fall and winter grow faster in the spring and require less water when summer comes? This month we ventured out to the UCR Botanic Gardens nestled in the foothills of the Box Springs Mountains on the east side of the University of California, Riverside Campus for their 35th annual fall market and plant sale. This spectacular event features an exciting collection of plants with many varieties including drought tolerant California Native plants as well as plants that attract hummingbirds or butterflies and plants that are suitable for vegetable or flowers gardens. It’s also a fabulous time of year to visit the UCR Botanic Gardens - not only to enjoy this living plant museu...

South Africa’s Western Cape is one of the country’s most beautiful provinces, attracting a lion’s share of tourists. It is a region of majestic mountains, long beaches and colorful patchworks of farmland set in lovely valleys. With a total area of 129,462 square kilometres, the Western Cape is roughly the size of Greece. The Mediterranean climate of the peninsula and the mountainous region beyond it is ideal for flower farming and there are a number of family farms producing an excellent range of flowers. However, if you’re passionate about Protea there’s no other place on Earth like the Cape Floristic Region – The Home of Proteaceae! That’s exactly why we made it a point to attend this year’s International Protea Association (IPA) Conference in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The IPA Pre-Conference Tour took place on September 1st & 2nd and featured four fabulous flower farms: Arnelia Farms, Pomona Farm, Philadelphia Farm and Jansekraal. Our first stop on the morning of the 1st (and...