2012 - WEDDING FLOWERS
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Bringing Portraits to Life With 3D Engraving

Bringing Portraits to Life With 3D Engraving

http://jrangelella.blogspot.com/A new and innovative style of modelling, 3D engraving is increasing in popularity and becoming more specialised. The beauty of the models is developed by the skill of experienced engravers who are also gifted artists and sculptures. These specialised companies are founders of this modern art and therefore have great experience in dealing with the issues involved in crystal engraving. They are also very well placed to give advice and recommendations depending on a client's needs and preferences. They pride themselves on their artistic merits and their technological expertise guarantees quality.

Many fine examples of this kind of work can be found in exhibitions throughout Europe and America. The uniqueness of 3D engraving can also make a personal gift very special whether it is for a wedding, anniversary or birthday.

The Process
The basic process involved in 3D engraving requires that the client provides a 2D image, which is then transformed into a 3D model ready to be engraved by the client. The image must be of high resolution so that the model can be as accurate as possible. As you would expect when turning a 2D image into a 3D model, the more visual information the better. Craftsmen can work from a single image but if they are provided with further images taken at different angles and showing various profiles they are able to get a clearer idea of what they are creating. While more than one image is preferred bear in mind that many experienced craftsmen can create a 3D model from a simple painting or sketch.

Images are best suited to being engraved on the medium of crystal or glass, which is perfect because of its resilience to cracking and its aesthetic appeal. It is a classic material that will stand the test of time and make the 3D engraving something to treasure.

The possibilities of 3D engraving are endless and the market is growing. Artists working in the industry therefore have to make it a priority to increase their knowledge of engraving techniques and potential issues and quirks involved in the skill. This is an holistic process, and by understanding the engraving side they can produce models of the highest quality for the next part of the process.

Many models can be bought online. These range from animals, portraits and flowers to signs of the zodiac and artistic depictions of religious scenes. If you want to create a personal model you will get plenty of ideas from scrolling through companies portfolios, which also gives an idea of what you can expect.

Christmas Cones


Some Leucadendrons are grown not for their flowers but for the cones that appear after the flower.  This hybrid Leucadendron Jubilee Crown is one of them.  It is often called Christmas Cones because it produces these lovely blushing red cones in December, just in time for Christmas.  


The flowers of the Christmas Cone bush are pretty but not really memorable.  After the flowers are spent, the centre starts to swell and a cone forms.  It swells and as it does, its colour becomes more vibrant until it is round and rosie red and ready for picking.  The bush produces lovely straight stems which get longer with good rainfall.  


Christmas Cones are fabulous in a Christmas bunch - their colour and texture lend themselves well to seasonal arrangements.  They are long lasting too, like most Leucadendrons, and will usually be the freshest looking flower in the bunch, after all the others are spent.  


After the cones are spent, they open and dry out, and resemble tiny pinecones.  Last years cones remain on the bush.  They are generally not sold at this stage, but I think they still look lovely and can be used in floral arrangements even as a "dead" or spent flower.  


Leucadendron Jubilee Crown, "Christmas Cones", is not the main event in an arrangement but it is certainly a valuable addition to a Christmas arrangement adding a charming texture and colour.   
Express Your Feelings With A Gift Basket

Express Your Feelings With A Gift Basket

http://jrangelella.blogspot.com/Whether it is for a birthday, holiday, graduation, anniversary, wedding, or any celebration in between, gift baskets are a fantastic gift option. They come in every shape and size imaginable, making it easy to find just the right one for the intended recipient. Everyone loves the excitement of rifling through the contents of gift baskets. Show how much you care by selecting a basket that expresses your true feelings.

There are two ways in which to go about selecting a gift basket: purchasing one that is ready-made and customizing one by putting it together yourself. Either way, take some time to think about who the gift is intended for. What do they like? Do they collect anything? How do they spend their free time? A gift basket should be personal whether you assemble it yourself or not. Once you have thought about what sort of basket they would like, settle on a theme and let that guide you in choosing the perfect gift basket for them.

Beautiful thoughtful baskets do not have to break the bank. Designing your own basket to give to someone is the best way to keep within budget and still offer something special. Antique malls, thrift shops, and flea markets are ideal places to look for unique items that capture your loved one's personality and tastes. These types of stores usually have vast selections of all kinds of things at all different price points so the chances of finding just the right items to include in your gift are high. You can be sure no one else will give the same thing.
Do not be afraid to think outside of the basket, so to speak. Get creative by choosing an unexpected container. Does the gift recipient like to bake or cook? Arrange your items in a dish or pan. Do they love fashion or vintage items? Use a hatbox. Are they green thumb gardeners? Find a flower pot or watering pail.

 There are no limits on what you can make a gift basket out of. Once you settle on a theme, look for fun ways to incorporate it into all parts of the gift including the vessel. Giving this sort of present also eliminates the hassle of gift wrapping as the gift itself is its presentation.

Gift baskets are just as fun to give as they are to receive. These stand-out gifts are ideal as they are appropriate for every occasion and work for every budget. Best of all, they are perfect for showing how much you care. They express that you put thought into the likes and interests of the person to whom it is given and let them know that you take an interest in their life. Whether you personalize and assemble one yourself or find just the right one on the shelf, your gift basket is sure to be a hit.

The Christmas Rush


I sometimes wonder what it would be like to have Christmas in winter.  Summer is such a busy season here.  There is so much to do around the farm - the grass seems to grow while you watch it.  The leucaspermums all seems to flower at once, and everyone wants flowers for Christmas.  Add to all this the normal end of year activities and you end up with a great long list of things that need to be done!  But in amongst it all, there are some fun jobs.  I've been designing christmas arrangements and wreaths and I love the creative side of it. 

The potted arrangement above has three types of Leucosermum - Cordifolium (the orange one) Scarlet Ribbons (the red) and Mardi Gras (the yellow and orange).  I've also included some Berzelia or button bush - the creamy white little pom poms, and a selection of leucadendrons.  


This Christmas wreath includes our newest planting of leucaspermums - Scarlet Ribbons.  They've been in the ground just over 2 years and we've had a great crop of them this year.  They are a relatively early flowering variety for us, and they look so cheery on the hillside where they grow.  I love the way they change colour from pink and greyish purple and red when they are just opening, to rich red with orange and tinges of pink as they mature.  

The wreath also has our leucadendron Christmas Cones - the little purplish red cones that you can see peeping out of the foliage.  They are such a great Christmas time plant.  The beautiful swelling cones are so vibrant on the end of the stems, and even look good when they are aged and dry.  They end up looking like miniature pinecones on the end of the stems.  What a useful Christmas plant!!  

I have added some of our Tasmanian Myrtle foliage too, which is looking so spectacular after its growth season in spring.  It's botanical name is Nothofagus Cunninghamii.  It is a beautiful Tasmanian tree that is highly prized for its pinkish toned timber which makes wonderful furniture and wood products.  I love to pick it, because it has a wonderful resinous smell that lingers on your hands. 
You might also be able to see some Geraldton Wax flowers, and some Eucalyptus foliage.  I just love the way the colours and textures of the different plants blend together when I'm creating different bunches and arrangements. 

I think sometimes the busyness of the season can get the creative juices flowing!


The Cost of Renting a Limo Vs Getting a DUI

The Cost of Renting a Limo Vs Getting a DUI
When you see a limousine approaching, you may think it's a celebrity inside. But have you ever thought of renting a limousine to take you around on a night that you are drinking? Read on to find out why that may be a much better idea than driving yourself under the influence.

Standard Prices
A standard six-person limousine starts around $65 -$100 an hour. The rate can increase to $100 -$300 per hour for newer, more popular, or more unusual vehicles such as a Rolls Royce, Escalade, or a stretch Hummer seating up to 30 passengers.
Rates can change for more popular areas, during peak times, or during big weekends such as high school prom month. Furthermore, many companies have package prices for specific types of events. A wedding package may include a "Just Married" sign, flowers and balloons. A prom or other event might have a red carpet. For an exclusive limousine service between 4 and 8 hours, you can expect to pay at least $400 -$600 for a 6-8 passenger limousine, and possibly $800 -$1,800 or more depending on the type of vehicle, perks, and luxury options such as a mini bar, leather interior or video screen.

Alternate Cost
The alternative to finding appropriate transportation for your night out such as a limousine might be a ride with the police - and a driving-under-the-influence conviction on your record. Even if there were no injuries, the bail, fees, fines, and insurance costs will typically be in the thousands of dollars.
Stiff penalties are intended to discourage the dangerous behavior of drinking and driving. Fines vary among states, but most are hundreds of dollars, some over $1000. Your car gets towed. Your insurance rates will be doubled or even more. Some companies may even drop you the moment you're arrested. A new company will often assess your records for three to five years, during which time you'll need to have no further violations. Legal fees from the attorney will range from $250 for a simple guilty plea, to a few thousand or even tens of thousands of dollars for representation to contest the criminal charge. Alcohol evaluation, education, and treatment are often required on conviction before your license is returned - then there is a fee even for that a leg bracelet that may be part of your sentence. The cost can be well over $1000.

A Memorable Visit to New Zealand

Christchurch and Queenstown were wonderfully refreshing places to visit and more than met our pre visit expectations.
The Hotel SO at Christchurch had tiny rooms and baths but was functional and more than adequate for a nights stay. The Hotel had an atmosphere that was lively and 'funky'. Finding our way around Christchurch was not a problem at all as it is a small city. Our pre booking of the airport -hotel shuttle and a two day tram pass was adequate although we could have bought a combo ticket for the tram, gondola and punting at the tram station at lower rates and across the counter.

The Botanical Gardens, one of the ten best in the world, was a beautiful place to stroll around in. It would have been great if we had more time and could sit around and enjoy the serenity and majesty of the trees and flowering plants. We took the Punting ride on the River Avon through the Botanical Gardens and this too had a peaceful and calming influence about it.

The Gondola ride wasn't up to the mark and in retrospect was a waste of money. We just spent a short while at the top of the hill and had a cup of coffee / hot chocolate before we headed back. It was chilly and extremely windy on the hill top. You could literally get blown off. I have some interesting photos of Deepa & Saraswati with their hair swept crazy by the strong winds.

The tram ride through the city in quaint old trams was fun and we stepped off and on at places of interest. The National Museum for Maori Art and Culture and the Arts Museum were worth the time we spent at each. The Arts Museum had paintings of the early settlers and life as it was in those early days. It was good seeing Christchurch or New Zealand of old and it's evolution into the city and country of today. Every where we went we saw the value and esteem paid to the early settlers, explorers and pioneers and their dedication to the establishment of the fledgling settlements. Of course in terms of ancient civilisations and culture this place cannot match the places of historical interest such as Rome, The Mesapotamia, Indus Valley etc. The Maori tradition and history cannot match that of the ancient Chinese, Indians and Persians.

We squeezed in a visit to the 1864 Methodist Church and the Anglican Christchurch Cathedral. At both places we stayed awhile and said short prayers and spent moments of silence. Both Churches had beauty and calm though the Christchurch Cathedral was the more structurally beautiful and majestic. The Cathedral Square was quite a happening place and a place to sit around and rest awhile.
In Queenstown we were fully looked after by Nokia and the Event Management staff. True to form we were give an outstanding time. . . experiences of a life time in terms of the food and wine, the hotel stay experience at the Hotel Sofietel, the Adventure activities and the beautiful cultural fare. Lots of care and attention to detail made the visit comfortable and memorable. The Sofietel Hotel and Spa was extremely comfortable and right in the heart of the small town of just 17, 000. They do however receive over 1. 5 million tourists every year. Life for the residents clearly revolves around tourism. The Taxi engaged to ferry us around to each activity were driven by well educated retired folk who engaged us warmly in conversation every time. A world of a difference from the cab /taxi experience in most other cities.

Of the many memorable experiences we had was 'The Souring into the Heights' Programme as part of the Delgates Programme. I had the experience of flying in an open cockpit ancient World War 2 Tiger Moth. It cant get more memorable than that can it?? I also took a helicopter ride along with four others and landed on a mountain top over looking the Remarkables Mountain range and valley and the River Wakapitu. The sights were truly breath taking. I took plenty of photos but the camera simple cant do just to the majesty of the scenic beauty.

We had a fun filled day at the Queenstown Hill and the Walters Peak were we had a range of activities covering kayaking, horse riding, sheep shearing, and an exhibition of a sheep dogs skills. The setting was simple out of the world. Deepa in particular freeked out with multiple Luge rides, kayaking, horse riding, et al. We had flown into Walter's Peak in an eight seater Islander Aircraft which was a wonderful experience in itself. Quaint little aircraft these, very well suited for the type of flying we engaged in through valleys and along the mountain side before landing on a grassy plain. The experience and the sights were superb a once in a life time experience. The restaurant at Walter's Peak and the sheer beauty of the surroundings was just wonderful. I couldn't help clicking away with my camera.

The return journey was in a steam boat, TSS Earnslaw, a coal fired steam engine driven steamer which has been plying since 1912. On board was a grand old lady playing the piano and encouraging every one to join in a sing along session of old favorites such as Waltzing Matilda, My Bonnie Lies over the ocean etc. It was a fun and relaxing journey back to the hotel.

As usual Nokia ensured we had great networking time over dinner. The first day was at the Prime Restaurant where the food and also the ambience was not all that good. The next day at Gantley's was far better. The ambiance in particular was superb. Like wise the venue of the Awards Nite at the Mount Soho winery and restaurant was wonderful. So to was the Opera recital by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. She is reputed to be one of the outstanding performers in the world and her singing even to as uninitiated a ear as mine was truly beautiful and soul stiring. We were told she sang at the wedding of The Prince of Wales and Lady Diana!!!!! We were really fortunate to hear such a highly rated performer.

Another great experience was the 25 minute thrill ride we took on The Shotover Jet. A speed boat that hurtles along the Shotover Canyon at 80kms /hour, driven by experts who twirl the boat around 360degrees and also shoot along the walls of the canyon giving you the impression your going to crash into them. It was a fun filled ride and a wonderful experience.
Beautiful and Affordable Wedding Flowers For Every Season

Beautiful and Affordable Wedding Flowers For Every Season

Wedding flowers can be very expensive, but they don't have to be! You can have the wedding flowers chosen by royalty without breaking the bank.

Spring Wedding Flower Choices
For a spring wedding, there are many colorful and inexpensive flowers to choose from. Sweet pea with its delicate pink hue is a beautiful accent for wedding flower bouquets and centerpieces and is reasonably priced. It was once used as altar decorations for weddings by Italian royalty and is still perfect for spring weddings.
Purple wedding flowers such as irises and lilacs when arranged with delicate pink sweet peas and some traditional white wedding flowers like lilies scream of springtime. Irises come in a variety of colors and are very fragrant, relatively inexpensive, and are a traditional wedding flower favorite.
According to legend, a blue iris and a white iris in a vase were placed at a bride's table signifying that marriage would have its bright times as well as its dull ones, and this was the beginning of the "for better or worse" phrase found in the traditional wedding vows.
Chrysanthemums have always been popular choices for wedding flower bouquets and centerpieces. They come in many colors and are inexpensive. A wedding flower bouquet of peonies, sweet pea, irises, chrysanthemums, lilacs, and lilies can be absolutely breathtaking and easy on your budget at the same time.

For the Summer Wedding
If a summer wedding is in the works, you have some really nice but inexpensive flower choices available to you. Yellow wedding flowers like yellow chrysanthemums combined with blue or purple hued accents such as irises or wisteria are great for spring and summer weddings and are particularly pretty when combined with orange tiger lilies.
Alstromeria has blooms that look very much like orchids and they have many blossoms per stem, making them a more economical choice. Alstromeria comes in several different colors and keeps fresh for a long time.
Dahlias are another great but economical choice, particularly if the wedding is taking place in late summer. Consider a wedding flower bouquet and centerpieces made with alstromeria, dahlias, daisies, irises, tiger lilies and chrysanthemums for sophisticated color, style, and savings.

Colorful Flowers For Your Autumn Wedding
Fresh wedding flowers of choice for fall are anemones. Their deep hues of red and blue bring rich vibrancy without major expense. Many brides in Italy wear crowns made of them at their weddings. Asters many years ago were almost like family heirlooms, passed from one generation to another.
Where better to use asters than in fall wedding flowers, since weddings are often the prelude to the next generation? Delphinium, with its strong stems and delicate purple blossoms is the symbol of strength, particularly with regard to the marital bond.
Wedding flower bouquets and centerpieces containing anemones, asters, delphinium, gerbera daisies, gladiolas, and chrysanthemums not only add spectacular color but are easy on the budget, too.

Wonderful Flowers for a Winter Wedding
Winter wedding flowers can be absolutely elegant and budget friendly, too. Red, the color of love, is simply dashing with white, which symbolizes joy. Star of Bethlehem with its delicate white blossoms resembling stars is absolutely gorgeous combined with amaryllis or poinsettias.
Adding Euchalyptus to the greenery in your winter wedding flower bouquets and centerpieces enhances the natural beauty of your flowers.

Hawaiian, Tropical, and Beach Themed Wedding Flowers
Tropical wedding flowers for themed weddings usually contain a mix of anthurium, bird of paradise, proteas, tuberose, and heliconia, all typically a bit more expensive. You can still use them to create a fabulous bouquet and add them to centerpieces without breaking your budget. You will not want to go overboard with them. Use them sparingly to make a scene. Remember, with these bold choices, less is more.
Hawaiian wedding flowers and centerpieces can be made with hibiscus blossoms, bird of paradise, heliconia, and palm fronds giving the desired effect without all the expense. Are you getting married on the beach? Beach wedding flowers should include some local flower varieties native to the area. This may mean hibiscus, crepe myrtle blossoms, wisteria vines and palm fronds. If you are not sure what grows locally, ask a florist from that area what choices are available to you at a reasonable price.

A Creative Way to Save
Bring out the artist in you! Consider taking a class in flower arranging at your local vocational school or college and buy wedding flowers from a wholesale distributor for creating your own wedding flower masterpieces.
You don't have to be wealthy to have the flowers chosen by royalty. Fresh wedding flowers in season arranged to perfection save you money and add exquisite beauty that you and your guests will remember for many years to come.

Summer Colours


Summer is within reach!  The days are longer and warmer and the first early summer flowering Leucaspermums are starting to bloom.  Leucaspermums are a species of plants within the Protea family.  They are native to South Africa, although here in Australia they are often called "natives".  They do resemble a lot of our Australian Proteaceae - they seem like a cross between a waratah and a grevillea, with a great variety of colours.  Leucaspermums usually flower in late spring and early summer.  Here at Swallows Nest Farm, we have 5 different varieties.  The one pictured is a hybrid called Mardi Gras with bright yellow stamens and red inner petals that give an overall colour of golden yellow.  


In bud form, they are silvery and hairy.  Then the bud starts to swell and out pop the stamens exposing both the yellow and the red.  It's an explosion of colour!


Mardi Gras are one of the earlier flowering Leucaspermums that we grow here.  The other is called Scarlet Ribbons.  These two are available from mid November up until Christmas, give or take a week depending on the seasonal weather.  These plants produce a large crop of flowers in a short space of time.  


Leucaspermums are long lasting flowers like most proteas, if they are handled correctly.  They must be packed carefully though, because they have a tendency to loose their heads!  The flower can easily pop off the stem if they are handled roughly.


Leucaspermums love to be pruned and will produce many more flowers next year, if this years flowers are picked.  They are ready to pick when the first yellow stamens start to emerge.  They will continue to open once they are in a vase.


I love this early flowering variety that has the colours of summer!

In Full Bloom


Spring is coming to an end, and the Tasmanian Waratahs are in full bloom.  The smell of summer is in the air!  Many of the spring flowering leucadendrons are starting to loose their colour now and the summer flowering proteas are getting ready to make their appearance.  Watch out in the next week or so for the bright and beautiful Leucaspermums, commonly known as pincushions, that are popular coming into Christmas.  


I'll be posting about the amazing varieties of pincushions that we have here at Swallows Nest Farm as they begin to flower.  In the meantime, enjoy the last of spring and its spectacular colour!




Praia Do Forte, A Hard To Resist Brazilian Beach Paradise

Praia Do Forte, A Hard To Resist Brazilian Beach Paradise

http://jrangelella.blogspot.com/Praia do Forte was a lazy coastal fishing village in Bahia which has been transformed into a must see tourist destination for anybody visiting Brazil.
Imagine an unpolluted coastline with palm trees, little quiet pools of water that form at low tide just inviting you to come and take a swim, a dream come true for fishing and water sports lovers, a treat for nature lovers, when it comes to Praia do Forte words are simply not enough to describe the place.

Praia do Forte, Just Over An Hour's Ride From The Airport
Praia do Forte is just 30 miles from Salvador international airport. An hour to an hour and a half bus ride will take you to this tourist haven. If you prefer, you also have the option of renting a car. Within the town you will be able to get to most places on foot. It is worth the walk, the streets are dotted with shops and restaurants.

Tropical Climate, Comfortable Weather All Year Round
At Praia do Forte, No One Gets BoredThe climate of Praia do Forte is tropical where the temperatures remain in a comfortable range between 22?C to 30?C. An almost constant breeze coming in from the sea will keep you comfortable outdoors. Being tropical, the place gets good rainfall. Rainy season starts in April, gathers momentum by May, and is on its way out by September. You can expect heavy rainfall in May, June and July.

Unlike other holiday spots where you may get bored after a few days, Praia do Forte will motivate you to be on your feet throughout the duration of your stay. A few places that you should not miss:

1. Projeto Tamar: A turtle sanctuary and conservation project where you will be thrilled to see different species of sea turtles and fishes in pools. It gives you an opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures from close range. Four out of the seven species of sea turtles that exist lay their eggs on the beaches at and around Praia do Forte.

2. Humpback Whale Institute: You will learn a lot about these whales at this place which is setup mainly for studying and conserving these mammals.

3. Sapiranga Ecological Reserve: Eco-tourism at its best, the reserve is a treasure trove of a great variety of plants and flowers spread over 600 acres.

4. Garcia D' Avilla castle: A historical and cultural heritage monument, ruins of a former military building with Portuguese architecture. In the same complex Chapel of St. Peter of Rates is also a place to visit.

5. Fisherman's village: A little path lined with trees full of birds and dotted with restaurants, bars and decorated stores will enchant visitors with its simple charm.

6. Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi: A chapel that was built in 1900 by fishermen, a very popular place for wedding ceremonies for people from all over Brazil.
Great Activities To Look Forward To At Praia do Forte

1. Beach activities: The most visited beaches are 'Lord' and 'Papa-Gente' where the attraction is the natural pools that form at low tide. These pools are filled with fish and will encourage you to take a swim or snorkel.Whether you are the adventure minded or are just looking forward to swimming, fishing and shopping, Praia do Forte will not disappoint you. Here are some of the activities that you can look forward to:

2. Surfing: The beaches are perfect places for surfing over the coral reefs.
3. Quad bike ride: Go on an adventure on quad bikes through the Sapiranga Ecological Reserve.
4. Horse riding: Another way to get to Sapiranga.
5. Cycling: Yet another way to enjoy the beauty of the Sapiranga reserve is to hit one of the bike trails.
6. Parasailing: If you are the adventure minded, you can take the 10 minute parasail flight and enjoy the view from 60 meters above the ground.
7. Shopping: The fishermen's village is the place for shopping. You will find hard to resist stores stocked with everything from handicrafts to beachwear and jewelry.
8. Nightlife: You will find the perfect bars with music, cocktails and snacks. If you prefer something simple, you could just take a stroll in the moonlight.
Perfect Accommodation For Everyone

Food, A Gastronomic Delight Awaits You
Praia do Forte has all types of accommodation which will suit people with all kinds of budgets. From R$40 for a dormitory to expensive resort hotels charging around US$380 for a double room, everyone will find a place that fits their budget and comfort level.
There are plenty of restaurants at Praia do Forte that offer different cuisines and cater to all kinds of tastes, irrespective of which part of the world you are from. However, if you are like most people, you will not want to miss out on the local food. There are plenty of pubs and snack bars where you can grab a quick drink and bite between sightseeing and adventure.

A trip to Praia do Forte will open up a world of relaxation and adventure for you. Once you come here, it will be hard for you to leave. Plan your trip so that you have at least 5 days here. Anything less than that will seem like a rushed visit or you will have to leave out places you will regret missing. Once you come here, the chances are that you will be back again, so if you miss something you can always make it up on the next visit.
Search over 600+ Brazilian properties; houses, apartments, farms, land and development opportunities to make an informed Brazilian property investment. Brazil Bahia Property are the largest property agents in the Bahia region and cover all areas of the Brazilian property market.

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What's in the Basket?



We've been at Swallows Nest Farm for 4 years, and not long after we arrived, I found a basket at a local op shop which said "BUY ME"!  It has become my constant companion on the farm.  I use it for everything from planting to pruning to picking and even delivering bunches.  When we are picking large wholesale quantities collecting into a trailer attached to a small tractor, I always have my trusty basket to take the flowers to the tractor.  

Boronia Heterophylla, Leucadendron Lemon Spice, Grampians Thryptomene, Berzelia Button Bush


Every now and again, I look down at the basket and admire its contents.  Then, I'll whip out the iphone and snap off a photo. 

Isopogon Formosa Pink Cone Flower, Red Gem Leucadendron, Berzelia Button Bush

I have quite a collection of these basket photos now, and have decided to start a regular (or irregular!) post on the blog called "What's in the Basket?"  This will be the first of many so you get a kind of overview - a Year in a Basket!

Leucadendrons Maui Sunset, Safari Sunset, Inca Gold, Tall Red, Safari Gold Strike and Protea Neriifolia 

The basket is quite large but sometimes it gets overloaded - the flowers in the photo above make it look so small!

Grampians Thryptomene, Richea Dracophylla, Berzelia Button Bush, Telopea Speciosissima Waratah

Retail bunches ready for delivery to a local shop.

I'm looking forward to sharing what's in my basket. I hope you enjoy taking a peek!

Giving Flowers



In the last two weeks I have picked flowers for so many occasions.  It has caused my mind to wander about the gift of flowers.  I can think of no other gift that is appropriate for congratulations, and commiserations, to celebrate and to encourage.  We use them in weddings and funerals.  They are given to celebrate birth and to sympathise in death.  Flowers say "I love you", "I'm sorry" and "Thankyou".  They say "Welcome Home" and "Goodbye".  I find it quite amazing!


A friend recently passed on a book called "The Language of Flowers"  by Vanessa Diffenbaugh.  It was a great read!  It is based on the Victorian idea of expressing thoughts and feelings through the gift of flowers.  The Victorians had a very sophisticated flower language.  I want to do some more exploring in this area now - I've been inspired!  At the back of the book was a paraphrased list of flowers and the meanings assigned to them through this floral language.  Of course, I was keen to look up Protea, and was really surprised by its meaning.


Proteas mean courage.



I rather like their meaning!

I'm Having a GIVEAWAY!



Welcome to my first giveaway!  We are celebrating spring, and new beginnings.  We've changed our name officially to Swallows Nest Farm and we want the world to know!  And who doesn't love a giveaway?! For those of you who don't know, as well as running Swallows Nest Farm, I am also a practicing artist as well as having an online shop called trees4thewood where I sell small artworks and handmade cards, all inspired by the flowers and birds here on the farm.  Yes, life is full, but I love it.  

And I love it when everything comes together too!  In the shop, this years Christmas cards are based on the beautiful Tasmanian Waratah that I featured in the previous post,  and seeing as we've officially changed our name (we were previously trading as Parson's Bay Proteas - boring huh?!) we thought we'd celebrate with a giveaway.

So what's the prize, you ask?  You get

Set of 6 professionally printed postcards of flowers from Swallows Nest Farm
Pack of 5 handmade Tasmanian Waratah Christmas Cards from trees4thewood
Pack of 3 Welcome Swallow Fancy Edged Note Cards from trees4thewood
A hand painted Tasmanian Waratah bookmark from trees4thewood

Thats a prize worth $50+!!!  

What do I have to do to win this fabulous package, I hear you ask?!?

Thats simple!  I'm using Rafflecopter to run the giveaway.  There are three ways you can enter - and if you do all three, you get three entries! Entries are open for three weeks. Follow the prompts below and good luck! 



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tasmanian Waratahs


This week, I picked my first Tasmanian Waratahs for the season.  I have one bush that flowers in late October - just a bit earlier than the rest.  Almost over night, it seemed to be covered in bright red blooms.

Most people associate the Waratah with New South Wales, probably because its is that states floral emblem, but Victoria and Tasmania are also home to some wonderful species of waratah.  At Swallows Nest Farm, we are lucky to be growing the waratah endemic to Tasmania called Telopea Truncata. It is a smaller flowered plant to its mainland cousins, but size isn't everything!  The Tassie waratah is about the size of a carnation and looks a bit like a cross between a "normal" waratah and a grevillea.  It has lovely bent styles the give it a charming sculptural quality.


The Tasmanian Waratah grows as a large shrub to 3 m, but can that can get to over 8 metres tall.  In the wild, it grows in wet forest areas and flowers in November and December.  It is often picked in the wild for the flower trade. The flowers are striking red making the bush really stand out when its in bloom.  Very rarely, the flowers are actually yellow.  The yellow form has been used to make hybrid waratahs which are available to purchase as garden plants called "Shady Lady Yellow".  It is the only waratah to have a yellow variation.  

I love it that these cheery Tasmanians are ready to pick in the lead-up to Christmas.  As a flower grower, its the plants that help to mark the seasons and this one is such a lovely Christmassy flower.  It brightens up a bouquet and compliments the other flowers that are available in the Christmas season. 



The Tasmanian Waratah is best propagated by seed.  After the plant has flowered it produces some fantanstic seed pods.  I'm a bit of a collector of seed pods and waratah seed pods are definitely worth collecting!


Look out for Tasmanian Waratahs in your florist or in the wild during November and December.  They are a real treat and a great reminder that Christmas is fast approaching!

If you'd like to have a go at growing your own Tasmanian Waratah, you can buy fresh seed collected from Swallows Nest Farm here.

More Waratahs


Spring is definitely upon us here in Southern Tasmania.  There are beautiful warm days with glorious blue skies, followed by bitterly cold days with snow and hail, and ferocious winds.  The grass is thickening and lush green, and there is a smell in the air that promises summer.  

At Swallows Nest farm, the flower thats getting the most attention is still the Waratah.  We have a few  varieties - there are the large early flowering ones, and then the later pinkish ones.  We have some late flowering rich reds and some wonderful Wirrimbirra White.  They flower from September through to October and into November when the Tasmanian Waratah, Telopea Truncata, starts to flower.  






I came across the following picture on the internet recently and thought it was a wonderful use of a pink waratah.  I certainly hadn't seen them in a bouquet like this before.  Our white waratahs are popular for wedding bouquets, but these look fabulous and striking too.  Great idea.


Of course, as the rest of our waratahs begin to pop, I will be putting up pictures of them.  The differences in varieties can be quite amazing. 

The other news is that I'm planning a small giveaway! Stay tuned - details will follow ...










Maui Sunset


The next spring flowering Leucadendron I'm featuring this year is this gorgeous blushing beauty called Maui Sunset.  It's creamy white bracts are tinged with delicate pink and the shape is almost rose-like.  For most of the year, Maui Sunset is a fairly unremarkable green.  


There is a tinge of brownish pink, but its not what you'd call a "stand-out" colour.  Over winter, the pinkish tinge begins to increase, and the green slowly starts to lighten. 




By late winter, these lovely leuco's have thrown off their cloak of invisibility and are definitely beginning to shout "look at me"!  But they continue to lighten until they are almost white, glowing, and rimmed with pink.  The ridge along the top of the hill where they grow is transformed.


Maui Sunset are not widely found in florists.  They don't have the same long stems that other leuco's have.  I think the colour and beauty of them make up for the shorter stems!  We often leave some of our bushes uncut and allow them to grow two seasons, giving them a multi headed stem with longer length.    Then, they are really useful in larger bunches.  


The Maui Sunset on top of the basket above show how this second years growth give the effect of many flowers on one stem.  I picked 6 or 7 stems here, and each stem had 3 or 4 flowers on it.  


The spectacular colour transformation of these Maui Sunset are a very obvious sign of the change of season around the farm, and their effect is so cheery and bright - they are definitely a spectacular spring flowering Leucadendron.  




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