SPRING
Ageratum
Commonly known as blue mist flower as its flowers are floss-like fluffy heads of purple-blue. In Australia, common species like Ageratum conyzoides houstonianum (Eutrochium) are often called Blue Billygoat Weed or Floss Flower. It grows really well in our region and can be seen in paddocks across the South East of Queensland. Why? As a weed, it is great at taking advantage of the poor condition of your soil. It likes to grow in soils that have been over-grazed or over-fertilised. It loves soils that are deficient in nutrients including available carbon and nitrogen. Soils where it has grown for some time show significant improvements in these nutrients!
These annual or tender perennial herbaceous plants and shrubs are in the plant family Compositae (Asteraceae) are all native to Central and South America. One species, A. houstonianum from Mexico, named for William Houston (1695-1733), a Scottish physician who collected the first plants, is commonly used as a bedding plant. The flowers on this tender annual come mostly in shades of blue but can be pink, lavender or white.
Ageratum is one of the few annuals with a true blue flower colour. The soft, fuzzy flowers are dainty and feathery, often delightfully fragrant, and usually completely cover the plants. Each flower cluster consists of five to 15 tubular florets.
Snapdragon
Snapdragons make such wonderful additions to your cut flower bouquet and as they benefit our gardens as beneficial pollinators mush as bees and butterflies love them.
Snapdragon is an edible flower but can be slightly bitter, so use sparingly in desserts or salads. The snapdragon is an important garden plant, widely cultivated from tropical to temperate zones as a bedding, rockery, herbaceous border or container plant.
Cultivars have showy white, crimson, or yellow bilabiate flowers (with two lips and thus this feature begets its name - the Snapdragon.
Nigella
Nigella Albion Black Pod, also known as ‘Love in a Mist’.
Fluffy blooms fade to dark purple and the black seed pods perfect for drying! Plant attracts and feeds bees and other beneficial insects.
Anise Hyssop
Anise Hyssop also goes by the name agastache foeniculum and is an herb. The plant produces spikes of mauve flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It looks fantastic in bouquets and in gardens as it creates wonderful tall spikes in the arrangement or garden form.
An edible flower, Agastache foeniculum is commonly called anise hyssop, blue giant hyssop, Fragrant giant hyssop, or the lavender giant hyssop, is a species of perennial plant in the mint family.
I love the way Anise Hyssop adds height and dimension to bouquets. I also love the taste of the leaves, and if you like licorice, you will too.
Anise Hyssop flowers can be used for bouquets, edible decoration, and the leaves, (not the flower) can be steeped for tea.
Cornflower
Cornflowers are also known as Bachelor's Buttons, Centaurea, Cornflower, & Blue Bottle Flowers.
With a small, thistle-like appearance, this single flowered stem boasts an intense vibrant blue hue that radiates from the centre, outward.
Blue is the most common corn flower colour. Bachelor's button flowers are also found in white, pink and yellow.
The flowers earned their bachelor buttons moniker from the Victorian Era. Single men would often wear a Cornflower in the buttonhole of their suit when they were courting women. The flower was a symbol of love and availability, and this practice eventually led the flowers to be a popular wedding boutonniere.
These flowers grew wild in amongst wheat barley and corn had been grown. For centuries, these wildflowers have painted rural landscapes, their vibrant hues a striking contrast against the muted tones of cereal crops. Once considered weeds, cornflowers earned their place through their beauty. In the farmlands of Europe, they thrived among the cornfields, their name a nod to their chosen habitat. Over time, their bright blue petals captured the hearts of gardeners, poets, and artists, transforming them from field intruders to cherished symbols of summer.
A famous German legend states that Queen Louise hid her children in a field of cornflowers while fleeing from Napoleon's army. This story then lead the bright blue cornflower to became a symbol of Germany and Prussian courage. This all lead to the naming of a specific blue called Prussian Blue.
Black Eyed Susan
The Black-eyed Susan is a type of coneflower that is similar to daisies but have bright yellow-orange flowers with a black centre. Rudbeckia hirta, is a North American flowering plant in the family Asteraceae.
It can grow to 1 metre (3+1⁄2 ft) tall with daisy-like yellow flower heads. There are numerous cultivars. It was used medicinally by Native Americans The roots, though not the seed heads, can be used much like the related Echinacea purpurea to boost immunity and fight colds, flu and infections. The Ojibwa people used it as a poultice for snake bites and to make an infusion for treating colds and worms in children.
These plants range in height, with some flowers able to reach eight feet tall, while they spread to a mere three feet. Their flowers bloom from Summer to early Autumn. Rudbeckia hirta is widely cultivated in parks and gardens, for summer bedding schemes, borders, containers, wildflower gardens, prairie-style plantings and cut flowers. Numerous cultivars have been developed, of which 'Indian Summer' and 'Toto' have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Other popular cultivars include 'Double Gold' and 'Marmalade'.
Swan River Daisy
Brachyscome iberidifolia, commonly known as the Swan River daisy, is an annual herb Australian native from Western Australia.
Occupying a wide range, the species can form fields of plants. The Bellis daisy form and colours were familiar to Europeans when discovered, and they have since become a popular garden plant, as the species is hardy and adaptable, and poor or sandy soils do not prevent a showy display.
Statice
From the Limonium family also known as wavy sea lavender. Plants have an upright habit and grow to 80cm, producing long angular stems carrying clusters of many different coloured flowers dependent on the variety grown.
Statice flowers hold their colour well when cut and are commonly used in fresh and dried flower arrangements. It looks so good in bouquets, adding that airy element that helps elevate a bouquet from ‘bunch of flowers’ to ‘magical’.
Dianthus
A single dianthus, known as Dianthus Barbatus known also a Sweet William offers pink and red clusters of tiny flowers from a single stem.
They offer a wonderful addition to a bouquet and have a long vase life. Among the many things we plant in the fall and winter so that they are ready for Spring flowering are sweet Williams and other dianthus.
Sweet Williams are members of the carnation family, and in Europe florist’s carnations are known simply as “dianthus”. Sweet Williams are known scientifically as Dianthus barbatus, but many of the new introductions are inter-specific hybrids of D. barbatus and other members on the carnation family.
Calendula
Calendulas, also known as pot marigolds, due to their history of culinary use, are one of the easiest flowers to grow, and are some of the first cut flowers that many flower farmers and gardeners grow. They are an edible flower so are often in a vegetable garden.
You will love the old-fashioned orange variety of calendula called ‘Indian Prince’ - the tall long stems and large bold flowers are an excellent splash of colour that mixes well with other jewel tones, oranges, gold and rust and burgundies of late summer and fall.
Didiscus
Also called lace flower, Didiscus adds airy sky-blue, white or pastel pink filler flowers to summer bouquets. Native to Australia, Didiscus prefers well-drained soil and appreciates some afternoon shade in hot summer locations. We are growing this one for the first time this Spring for Summer harvest.
Stock
Stock flowers for their long-lasting bloom time and clove-like fragrance. They add texture and height to designs along with vibrance because of their full blossoms, bright green stems, and shiny leaves.
Depending on the type, stock flowers can grow between 12 to 36 inches tall, with single or double blooms arranged in a spire-like pattern on their stems.
They are members of the mustard brassica family and belong to the genus Matthiola. Stock flowers are edible; the pods have a pleasant, radish-like taste, while the blossoms have a floral flavour. They belong to the same family as kale, turnips, cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
Stock flowers have a common native ancestor - Matthiola incana - but many found in floral designs are hybrid cultivars, giving us their famous variety of desirable colours.
In Victorian England, giving someone a bouquet of stock flowers signalled your sincere and profound affection for them.
Stock flowers are also a beloved selection in wedding florals as they promise contentment and joy throughout life. You can combine this symbolism with the language of colour for added significance.
SUMMER
Ageratum
Commonly known as blue mist flower as its flowers are floss like fluffy heads of purple-blue. In Australia, common species like Ageratum conyzoides houstonianum (Eutrochium) are often called Blue Billygoat Weed or Floss Flower. It grows really well in our region and can be seen in paddocks across the South East of Queensland. Why? As a weed, it is great at taking advantage of the poor condition of your soil. It likes to grow in soils that have been over-grazed or over-fertilised. It loves soils that are deficient in nutrients including available carbon and nitrogen. Soils where it has grown for some time show significant improvements in these nutrients!
These annual or tender perennial herbaceous plants and shrubs are in the plant family Compositae (Asteraceae) are all native to Central and South America. One species, A. houstonianum from Mexico, named for William Houston (1695-1733), a Scottish physician who collected the first plants, is commonly used as a bedding plant. The flowers on this tender annual come mostly in shades of blue but can be pink, lavender or white.
Ageratum is one of the few annuals with a true blue flower colour. The soft, fuzzy flowers are dainty and feathery, often delightfully fragrant, and usually completely cover the plants. Each flower cluster consists of five to 15 tubular florets.
Dianthus
A single dianthus, known as Dianthus Barbatus known also a Sweet William offers pink and red clusters of tiny flowers from a single stem.
They offer a wonderful addition to a bouquet and have a long vase life. Among the many things we plant in the fall and winter so that they are ready for Spring flowering are sweet Williams and other dianthus.
Sweet Williams are members of the carnation family, and in Europe florist’s carnations are known simply as “dianthus”. Sweet Williams are known scientifically as Dianthus barbatus, but many of the new introductions are inter-specific hybrids of D. barbatus and other members on the carnation family.
Cosmos
As the summer sun graces our days with warmth and light, we celebrate one of the season's most charming and whimsical blooms: the cosmos. With their daisy-like flowers dancing atop long, graceful stems, cosmos bring an air of effortless elegance to gardens and bouquets alike.
During the Art Nouveau period of the early 20th century, cosmos flowers frequently appeared in decorative arts, their simple yet elegant form perfectly embodying the movement's celebration of natural beauty.
Cosmos flowers are native to the Americas and have origins in regions of Mexico extending south to Brazil. The species has been growing wild since ancient times and has been historically used as both a culinary and medicinal plant. Cosmos plants were introduced from the New World, specifically from areas of Mexico, to Spain in the 16th century, and were later spread throughout Europe. Plants from the Cosmos genus were present in England by the late 18th century, but it was not until after extensive breeding in the early to mid-20th century that the plants became popular for home gardens.
Dahlia
Beautiful dahlias are a one of our all-time favourites blooms due to their versatility. There are a wide variety of forms and textures available and dahlias grow in a large range of hues. They are seen in lighter shades of white and cream through to bold ruby reds, golds, purples and magenta, and there are over 50,000 varieties to be found across the world.
he dahlia originates from the mountain regions of Mexico and Guatamala, and the flower is the national flower of Mexico. It is believed the Aztecs used dahlias for both food and medicine, particularly as treatment for epilepsy. In the 16th century a variety of dahlia could be found with a stem length of over twenty feet. The hollow stem was used to carry water by traveling hunters. Dahlias hold different meaning depending on their colour. Generally, they are said to represent elegance, inner strength, change, creativity, and dignity. During the Victoria era, dahlias symbolised a lasting bond and lifelong commitment between two people.
Zinnia
Zinnias grow in a wide range of colours from pastels to brights and grow all Summer long. They withstand hot summer temperatures and have a long vase life of up to one week in a hot Australian Summer. A bouquet full of zinnias provides lots of lovely petals pushed together, overlapping to create a luxurious and abundant bouquet, that lends a feeling of opulence and splendour.
Zinnia elegans, also known as Zinnia violacea, is the most familiar species, originally from the warm regions of Mexico.
Celosias
Celosia argentea (pronounced sell-OH-see-ah ar-jen-TEE-ah) blooms are grouped into three main classes - Cristata, Spicata, and Plumosa.
As a focal and transitional flower, Celosia excels in providing texture and colour. The cockscomb variety is particularly striking as a centrepiece. Great for adding interest to bouquets and arrangements, Celosia pairs well with other summer blooms.
Celosia is a must have flower in our garden. We love all of the varieties from the feathery plumes of Celosia plumosa, to the intricate, velvety folds of Celosia cristata (cockscomb or brain like), to the spiky, flame-like blooms of Celosia spicata (wheat celosia).
Celosia thrives in heat, blooms prolifically, and holds its own both fresh and dried. It looks amazing in bouquets and is often used for floral centrepieces and on wedding arbours.
Celosia is a small genus of edible and ornamental plants in the amaranth family, Amaranthaceae. Its species are commonly known as woolflowers, or, if the flower heads are crested by fasciation, cockscombs.
Celosia Cockscomb (Cristata)
Cristata or crested-type have convoluted flowers that make me think of brains or coral.
The beautiful crostata flowers come in yellow, red, rose, pink, orange, and magenta. These are long-lasting in arrangements, and will hold their colour well if dried.
Celosia Spicata
Spicata or spike-type have narrow blooms that look like spikes of wheat. With its flamboyant, spike-like inflorescences, Celosia spicata likes to stand out from the crowd. Yet botanically speaking, it's simply a variation on Celosia Argentina a plant of the Amaranthaceae family native to Africa.
Celosia Spicata come in a variety of muted tones including white with purple tips - the Flamingo Feather, muted pinks and whites.
The flowers are made up of tiny, downy blossoms packed together to form a cylindrical spike. In the garden, it's a magnet for bees and butterflies. At home, its spikes are much appreciated for making fresh bouquets, which last several weeks. Spicata love to be dried and enjoyed beyond its usual vase life.
Celosia Pampas Plume
Plumosa or plume-type have flowers that look like fluffy paintbrushes. Flowering lasts several months in the garden. It begins flowering in early summer and lasts until autumn. The flowers are grouped in panicles and form a downy feather. They attract bees and pollinating insects and their colour varies according to cultivar and availability. In Australia we have a limited selection of hybrids.
The inflorescence can be :
- Yellow, as in Celosia 'Century Yellow' ;
- Purple, as with Celosia 'Red Fire' ;
- Orange, as with Celosia 'Apricot Brandy';
- Pink like Celosia 'Dark Pink plume';
- Violet as in Celosia Caracas.
Holy Basil
Ocimum tenuiflorum, commonly known as tulasi, tulsi, or holy basil, is an aromatic perennial plant in the family Lamiaceae. It flourishes in Sub Tropical conditions and is a perennial. Bees love it and we love it.
It is used in our market bouquets to add height and a wonderful aroma. Holy basil is pungent and yummy. It lasts well over a week in a vase and is edible.
It is widely cultivated throughout the Southeast Asian tropics. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Australia and the western Pacific.
Strawflower or Everlasting Daisy
Xerochrysum bracteatum is native to Australia and loves to grow well through Summer into Winter and back into Spring again. This beautiful flower looks beautiful n both Australian Native bouquets and cottage flower bouquets. You can dry it upside down and use the flowers in wreaths and a plethora of dried flower art projects.
It doesn’t need too much water and the more you pick the more you get. I love the vintage whites, pinks and salmons, but the showstoppers for colour that hits you are the copper reds.
African Marigold
Gomphrena Glubosa
This flower is commonly known as globe amaranth, is an edible plant from the family Amaranthaceae native to Guatemala and Panama.
The round-shaped flower inflorescences are a visually dominant feature and cultivars have been propagated to exhibit shades of magenta, purple, red, orange, white, pink, and lilac.
In Australia we have access to pink, white and purple. Within the flowerheads, the true flowers are small and inconspicuous.
Sun Flower
Ah the wonderful sunflower!
There are many different varieties.
There are two types of sunflowers, branching and nonbranching.
Branching types get quite large and produce an abundance of blooms over a long period of time. Nonbranching types (also called single stem) produce one flower per seed and are prized for their fast bloom time and long, straight stems. These are the types that most flower farmers choose to cultivate.
The 'Teddy Bear' sunflower is a compact, dwarf variety (Helianthus annuus) famous for its fluffy, double-petaled, deep golden-yellow blooms that look like soft pompoms. We are focusing on this variety this Summer.
The Fibonachi Sequence can be seen vary clearly in a sunflowers' centre.
Generally, each floret is oriented toward the next by approximately the golden angle, 137.5°, producing a pattern of interconnecting spirals, where the number of left spirals and the number of right spirals are successive Fibonacci numbers. Typically, there are 34 spirals in one direction and 55 in the other; however, in a very large sunflower head there could be 89 in one direction and 144 in the other. This pattern produces the most efficient packing of seeds mathematically possible within the flower head.
Amaranthus
Also known as Love Lies Bleeding, this plant has exotic looking foliage and tassels that are in blood red and sea moss greens. You can find plants with a range of leaf colours, from bronze to deep red to lime green and white. We are growing green and red varieties. They are dramatic draping flowers that provide incredible scope for use in bouquets.
Many parts of the plant, including the leaves and seeds, are edible, and are frequently used as a source of food source, across the world and in South America where it is native. Amaranth is used in muesli commonly.
The language of this flower in the Victorian era, for the drooping variety called Love-lies-bleeding stood for untenable romantic relationships or an absence of desirable prospects in the Victorian language of flowers. The plant's flower resembles droplets of blood and so was given a Puritan virtue name of love-lies-bleeding since the 16th century.
We love adding these dramatic flowers to our arrangements in the Summer, as they provide a lovely form that drapes below the top of the vase. They are often used in bridal arrangements and , on garlands of swags draped over a bridal arch. They are dramatic and lush, organic in form and striking. They can be kept and dried.