Environmental Awareness

The Environment

We are an environmentally conscious company always striving to protect our natural resources and water conservation. The use of chemicals is kept to an absolute minimum and organic practices are implemented wherever possible.

Fertilizers and Pest Control

The uses of fertilizers are minimal. Young Proteaceae plants respond well to moderate applications of nitrogen and potassium but their phosphorous requirements are very low. We use an All-Purpose Fertilizer with Fish Emulsion and an N-P-K of 4-1-2 (Nitrogen 4% - Phosphorous 1% - Potassium 2%). Fish emulsion comes from a number of sources, but a sizable majority (and 100% of Alaska Fish Fertilizer) comes from one of two sources - the fishmeal trade or the fish canning industry. In our nursery and growing fields, we use the Safer Brand of fertilizers and nutrients.

We try to implement natural methods to control pests and unwanted insects. Ladybugs, spiders and Praying Mantis’ can be found all over our garden, grove and flower fields. Pests are not a major concern when growing Proteaceae.

Xeriscaping

The word xeriscaping comes from a combination of two other words: "xeri" derived from the Greek word "xeros" for dry; and "scape", meaning a kind of view or scene. While xeriscape translates to, "dry scene," in practice xeriscaping simply means landscaping with slow growing; drought tolerant plants to conserve water and reduce yard trimmings.

Most Proteaceae varieties are excellent is a xeriscape environment. Xeriscapes generally require less fertilizer and fewer pest control measures than traditional landscapes. Because pesticides and fertilizers can inadvertently harm beneficial organisms, as well as impact air and water quality, reducing their use is a good idea. In addition, of course, using less of these materials saves money. Proteaceae can thrive under these circumstances.

While indigenous plants are naturally accustomed to local climates and therefore good choices for water and waste efficient landscapes, xeriscaping does not mean planting native plants only. For example, one could draw from many available colorful drought tolerant plants native to other "Mediterranean" climates such as Southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia, South Africa, and Australia.

Erosion control is a major concern we are faced with when planting field crops. Great care is taken when planning a new planting area. Above is a field of Grosso Lavender that was planted to control water run-off during the rainy season. In addition, the bees love it, and we get lavender flavored honey form our hives.

In a continuous effort to promote the Protea industry, we make an effort to use water resistant Proteaceae in our landscape. We grow numerous Protea, Leucospermum, Leucadendron and Banksia in our garden – in the ground and in pots. Not only are they excellent landscape plants, we get to enjoy the beautiful flowers.

Hydroponics

Hydroponics by definition means 'water-working." In practical use, it means growing plants in a water and nutrient solution, without soil. Hydroponics allows a gardener to grow plants in a more efficient and productive manner with less labor and time required.

In hydroponics, you provide the exact nutrients your plants need, so they can develop and grow. The nutrients are fed directly at the root base, never stressing the plant due to lack of nutrients or water.

Virtually any plant will grow hydroponically, but some will do better than others will. Hydroponic growing is ideal for fruit bearing crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, leafy crops, like lettuce and herbs and some flowering plants.

At Cape Flower Fileds, we are constantly experimenting with hydroponic methods of growing fruit bearing crops. Various vegetable crops are grown in this manner. Because of the controlled environment, the application of nutrients and pest control measures are done very effectively. We are constantly looking for environmentally friendly methods of gardening.