Magnificent Tree

This is a maple tree that belongs to my next door neighbor. In only a few days, the tree changed from dull and ordinary to these vibrant, orange colors. Look at the pictures, it’s strikingly gorgeous! 

10/31/2022

10/26/2022

10/23/2022

Sogetsu New York 50th Anniversary

The Sogetsu New York Branch celebrate their belated 50th anniversary with an exhibition, demonstration, reception and workshop. I registered to attend, because of the guest instructor, Ilse Beunen, and I would like to meet her in person. Besides my daughter promised to go with me as a special date. So, I was there to witness all the wonderful demonstrations she made. Every piece was so creative and inspirational. Thank you, Ilse Sensei! Also thanks to her husband, a skillful photographer! (They are from Belgium.)

Besides Ilse Beunen’s demo pieces, there were more arrangements to enjoy. All from the members of the New York Sogetsu Branch, lead by Judith Hata Sensei. I had the chance to meet her my Sensei and saw her beautiful arrangements too.  (10/21/2022)

Hata Sensei’s arrangement 

Hata Sensei’s arrangement 

 

October Class Lesson - Make a Reed Structure

Without Hata Sensei’s presence in this month’s class, Marcia, Sarah and Jonne planned a wonderful lesson for us.  “We will learn how to make a reed structure that can be twisted into an arrangement."  

I found an old sushi mat that I usually use for rolling sushi (see below). To be able to twist it, you have to cut off the outside three white threaded lines, but keep two center lines. After I finished two mats, I twisted two of them to make a structure and blended it into my arrangement. For this arrangement I chose a silver metal container.  Some classmates purchased long mats to make their structures. I posted some of their gorgeous arrangements. Please see below:  (10/18/2022)

Azalea, mum, bittersweet and reed structure 

From other angle 

Classmate’s arrangement, beautiful!

Classmate’s arrangement 

Classmate’s arrangement 

Sushi mat

“The Rustling of Autumn Wind” - All Dried Materials Arrangement

Hydrangea, Aspidistra and Sedum (Autumn joy) are dried nicely in their natural way. Their textures, colors and characteristics can be used for a dried materials arrangement. See my arrangement below; there is no water in my new ceramic container.

 

Hawaiian Passion “Carmela”

This is an easy growing Cattleya that produces 3 1/2 inch clusters of yellow green flowers. Very fragrant!  Looking through the history of my blog, I found that I have been growing this orchid for more than 10 years. It bloomed two years ago in the fall of 2020, with only three flowers, but this year it has six flowers! 

Winterizing the Orchids

It’s time for my orchids to winterize. Some October nights are turning really cold! I have to bring all my orchids inside (10/7/2022).  I discovered that four of my orchid plants are budding at the same time. What a joy!  

Cattleya, Roman Holiday and Hawaiian Passion “Carmela “  10/14/2022

10/12/202o

 

10/7/2022

Fall Beauty - 美人半遮面

October is the season of changing colors! Cooler weather and morning dew make my lawn happy and lively again. 

Materials: philodendron, Golden rod, mum, baby’s breath and winter beauty / ceramic vase   (10/5/2022)

Just for Fun - Upright Style Nageire

I grabbed a bunch of roadside grass (貓尾草) for ikebana use, plus I had some red mums as leftover materials, and I chose a Nageire red vase. Within ten minutes I had this arrangement!