Orchids and Ikebana

Ikebana in the Japaese Tokonoma (Alcove)

2012-01-28T18:09:00.000-08:00

I took these Ikebana pictures in the different hotels I stayed in during my vacation to Kyushu (the southern part of Japan from 1/18 to1/22). The arrangements are very simple and elegant. Usually the arrangement is placed in a Japanese room called "Tokonoma" in which objects art, painting and flower arrangements are displayed.

January Orchids 2012

2012-01-06T19:45:00.000-08:00

This is my last post for three weeks. I will be in Taiwan and Japan, just as all my orchids are blooming. There are more budding, so I will be excited to come back and be surprised!

Cattleyas. Seven flowers in one plant. Not fully open yet.

Cattleyas. This picture has more than one plant.

Dendrobium.

Cymbidium.

Oncidium.

Happy And Healthy New Year 2012

2012-01-01T11:15:00.000-08:00

Materials: Yew, Mum, Rose and Nandina
This is my another arrangement for New Year.
Love, Peace, Health to all!

Leaves in a Contemporary arrangement (Leaf Manipulation)

2011-12-29T17:26:00.000-08:00

Materials: Sensevieria Leaf( Tiger tail), Mums, Baby's breath and Rose
I bought a dozen roses two weeks ago, after I used some of them, I kept it in the garage. They are still very fresh surprisingly. Also I have a new book "Leaf Manipulation". I wanted to try to use my house plant leaves and roses in this kind of arrangement.

Materials: Boston Fern and Rose
Container: Local artist hand made ceramic vase

New Year Arrangement

2011-12-22T11:48:00.000-08:00

Materials: Bamboo, Pine, mum and roses.(12/20/2011)

These materials are commonly used for New Year's flower arrangements in Japan, especially pine and mum. Be sure to make the tip of the pine needles face upward or forward to express dynamism. The bottom picture I did in class, but my teacher said the bamboo sticks were not tall enough, so I rearranged it and added the third tallest one right after class.

Free style

2011-12-21T11:53:00.001-08:00

I like to use this wood panel from last October and arrange it differently. I secured the branch on top of wood first and wrapped some bitter sweet around them. It gives you a natural look; then I arranged flowers (small mums, a rose and some green) on both side using dish kenzan. (12/20/2011 in class)

Orchids in December

2011-12-19T10:40:00.000-08:00

C. Percivaliana "Summit"
It's called "Christmas orchid", always blooming on time for Christmas.

Bllra. Tohoma Glacier "Ithan" AM/AOS Fragrant
I've had this orchid for a long time. It's a vigorous plant with big, dramatic flowers and blooms every year.

The 2nd orchid from left(Blc. Toshie Aoki "Carmela"), right one(Slc. Final Touch "Mendenhall" AM/AOS) and the one at below picture( Onc. Sunlight "Hilo Honey") are my new collection, I bought them with my award gift card.

In the morning, my house is filled with a pleasant fragrance from the blooming orchids.

Merry Chrismas

2011-12-07T14:44:00.000-08:00

Christmas Arrangement
Materials: Red Winter Berry, white Poinsettias, Holly and silver paint sprayed vine and Hydrangea.
After class I rearranged it at home by adding silver hydrangea. I like this composition much better than the one I arranged in class.

Below: Basic Slanting Style: Azalea and Chrysanthemum. (12/9/2011)

BCOS 2010-2011 Show Table Awards

2011-11-26T14:46:00.000-08:00

The Bucks County Orchid Society usually gives out show table awards for windowsill and greenhouse growers at every May's banquet award night. Because I was so busy and I didn't attend many meetings up until now (the November meeting), the president of BCOS handed me these two awards, which are from May. I was so surprised and happy. Everybody gave me an applause! and I received a $50 gift card to Parkside Orchid Nursery, which it's very nice that I can purchase new orchid for my collection.

Because I like its green color, so I bought this very young orchid plant (much cheaper than the mature one) from New York Orchid Show. After three years, it is blooming for the first time. I am happy.

Combined Styles and Free Style

2011-11-23T18:44:00.000-08:00

Nageire and Moribana
I did this style two years ago in book#2. The composition this time is much more beautiful than the previous one. (11/22/2011 class)

I love bittersweet and I like to arrange it using my new flea market found container. (11/22/2011 class)

Simplified Arrangement

2011-11-22T22:58:00.000-08:00

My simplified arrangement has been trimmed to its limit in class, after a class discussion under the guidance of my teacher. Unfortunately I didn't take the picture before it was trimmed for comparison. The discussion--taking note of every single berry and leaf--was fun and was a very good lesson too. (11/22/2011 class)

Camellia

2011-11-18T18:16:00.000-08:00

The camellia is one of the most commonly used flowers in Japanese floral art, but in the United States we hardly see them used in the ikebana arrangement. Maybe the camellia is hard to get, also its flowers tend to fall off easily and do not stand up to transport. But I love it, so I planted a hardier species in my garden a few years ago. It has survived two harsh snow storms already. I am thrilled that I can use it today. The arrangement looks simple and elegant.

Orchids in November

2011-11-15T15:55:00.000-08:00

This Thursday is our Bucks County Orchid Society meeting. I have missed two meetings already. I am going to bring four plants (below) to the meeting this time to compete. Hopefully I can get some awards!

Pot. Mysteve Natsumi. It has more flowers than last year.

Milttassia "Xenia" (Milt. Bluntii '4n' x Milt.Clowesii '4n) fragrant in the morning.

Brassia Winter Wonderland " White Fairy"
My blog shows that it bloomed for the first time in January 2010. Now I'm posting it again in this month's blooming orchids. It has 8 flowers and is much bigger than last time.

The left was divided from the same one that I posted last month(please check it). But this one bloomed a month later.
The right is Mitassia Charles H. fitch "Izumi"(I found its name from this month's Judge).
The orchids above are all fall bloomers.

Composition with Pumpkin

2011-11-09T08:23:00.000-08:00

Compared to the one below, I made a few little changes to this arrangement in today's class.(11/8/2011)

Left was my original arrangement, I did it before the class.
Right is my teacher's center piece arrangement.
Below is my arrangement using a pumpkin as a container. (11/8/2011)

He is so adorable

2011-10-31T10:36:00.001-07:00

What does the Ikebana have to do with this cute little boy. Are they related?
Oh, yes! These Ikebana materials were collected from his home during my stay in my daughter's house taking care of him for a week, while his parents and sister (3 years old) went to Disney World for a meeting and vacation. So we, the grandparents and grandson, had so much fun and quality time together. He is such a cute one year old boy. I am posting this picture proudly to share with you.

A piece of wood panel, front and back. (9"5x13"5 )
Hurricane Irene damaged a big hollow tree on my daughter's neighbor's front yard. I asked the worker who was cutting the tree for this interesting piece of wood, thinking that I can use it for Ikebana. Below is my arrangement. The beautiful Azalea branches were from my daughter's garden. You can turn the lazy Susan base to view it all around.

Orchids in October

2011-10-15T18:24:00.001-07:00

Miltassia" Spider orchid" name unknown. Vigorous and easy to flower. (9 flowers in total)

It's mid October now, and the weather is getting colder. It's time to bring all my "vacation site" orchids back into the house. Before I do, I have to check and clean each one of them. I was surprised to find that many orchids have been in spike or in sheath already.

Onc. papilio Mendenhall " Hildos"
I posted this orchid in August. After I enjoyed its beauty for about a month, it faded and fell off, but another bud started to form, and it's in full bloom now. I wonder how many flowers will bloom in this stem?

Four Different Styles of Arrangement

2011-10-07T15:33:00.000-07:00

We didn't have any class all of September. It happened that I had these beautiful flowers, so I felt the urge to do some arrangements using them. Here are the four different styles.

Naked weeping pine branches (I stripped all the pine needles), St. John's-wort and roses.

Trimmed azalea branch and sunflowers

Willow, pine, and chrysanthemums

Abstract design- rose( in tube) and broken leave

"Summer Laborers" Abstract Design incorporating garden tools

2011-10-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

This is our MWGC member Jeremy's design which I liked the most. The meeting was held 9/28/2011. I didn't like my arrangement so I redesigned it at home (below). I don't know if it's abstract or not?

My Back Yard--Deer and Wild Turkeys

2011-09-29T20:29:00.001-07:00

The mother deer and three fawns are always running around my back yard looking for food. Now, the mother's gone, and the three young deer are on their own.

The mother turkey and nine young chicks have been coming "home" every evening. They flew into the tree tops one by one and rest there through the night. It's fun to watch the action.

Orchids in September

2011-09-22T12:32:00.001-07:00

Onc. Sharry Baby ' Sweet fragrance' - chocolate scent. I have a couple of these plants. They're easy to grow and bloom couple times a year.

Blc. Richard Mueller x B. Cordata, "Lady of the night"
Fragrant at night. It blooms during this time of year faithfully. Their flowers change color from a little pink to yellow after a few days and last more than a month.

Free Style using Leftover Materials

2011-09-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

Materials: Ceriman, Philodendron selloum, Carnation, vine
I think this long bamboo basket suits this big Ceriman leaf (20"x17"). The tied vine around it makes it look balanced and in harmony.

Mini Exhibition at Grace Taiwanese Church

2011-09-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

Abstract Design. Color contract and very striking!

Left is Bamboo design. Right is all Green Toned arrangement.
Above are my teacher's demo. arrangements.
Below are mine. I only posted some of my teacher's demo pieces and parts of my flower arrangements at this exhibition. You might like to see the other flower arrangements in this show at http://flowersikebanaandI.blogspot.com.

These two pictures were similar ideas that I designed in my previous arrangement.

Left: Line, Mass and Surface are the three elements of this arrangement.
Right: Carnations, chive flowers and honey suckle vine.( 9/10~9/11/2011)

Just for Fun

2011-08-30T17:09:00.000-07:00

Self made container #3.

All dried materials except the fern leaves.

Hanging and Contemporary Arrangement

2011-08-18T08:51:00.000-07:00

Materials: Honey sucker, Rose of Sharon.
Container: bamboo( made in Taiwan).

I used the same dried branches and Coral bell leaf for both arrangements, the only difference was the flowers (Gaillardia and Dahlia). I think both arrangements have the same contemporary look.

Self Made Container : 2

2011-08-16T19:08:00.000-07:00

Materials: Two pieces of vine, marigold, pine and hosta.
My teacher approved my arrangement this time and said that it's nicely done.
These pictures were viewed from different angles. (8/16/2011)

Orchids in August

2011-08-12T20:35:00.001-07:00

Onc. Mendenhall "Hildos"
After I repotted this plant in May, before I knew it, it started to spike. Now it's in full bloom. I always love this orchid but it seems difficult to flower. I am thrilled this time.

Oncidium Alliance "Wild Cat"
Last July, it had more flowers and it cascaded more beautifully than this time.

L. Purpurata var. carnea x Bl. Richard Mueller
Surprise! It's blooming at my orchids' "vacation site" (under a big pine tree outside). I didn't check them regularly because I've been out of town a lot. When I discovered this flowering there, one of the flowers had already faded and fell down. (Please check the same one last year Oct. 2010).

Self Made Container : 1

2011-08-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

I had to redo this assignment today at home because I didn't like what I did in yesterday's class.
I was at Rehoboth beach (DE) to join my daughter's family, to help watch the kids and also to enjoy a mini vacation. I came home late, so there was no time (and no idea) to prepare for the next day's class. I jokingly told my husband I flunked this time. So, today I spent some time making a container using old grapevine, tied with wire first, then wrapped with bamboo skin (soaked in water first) to look better. Finally I could arrange flowers in both sides. I don't know what my teacher will say about this composition, but I am happy with what I did this time.

Free Style-Anything Goes

2011-07-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

Perennial sunflowers and Spider plants
I just wanted to make an arrangement using any kind of flowers from my garden. Here are my choices as shown above and the top picture is my finished arrangement. (7/29/2010)

My Granddaughter's Ikebana

2011-07-28T18:55:00.000-07:00

Jordan asked her mother once, "What does Ikebana mean?"
"You ask A-Po [grandma in Hakka], she will tell you," her mother said.
I said to her, "Ikebana is the Japanese style of flower arrangement that A-Po is still learning now."
I showed her some of my work. Jordan and Devin stayed with me last week because their parents (my son and daughter in law) went to Italy for their ten year anniversary vacation. So Jordan wanted to play Ikebana with me. She went to the garden to pick some flowers and then drew some pictures. Then she arranged the flowers using two glasses. After that she held my hand to go to the sun room and she said "SURPRISE! These are my Ikebana, A-Po."
"It's so beautiful, Jordan!" I said. Indeed, it's so cute and beautiful! I was so moved and delighted.
She is just six years old! (7/28/2011)

You in Ikebana

2011-07-19T10:20:00.000-07:00

After I finished four text books, it's so much easier now for me to do a free style arrangement, and I feel more pleasure and confidence making ikebana flower arrangements with any kind of plant materials. I can freely express my feelings through plants. Although I know I still have a long way to pursue "My Ikebana."

The green branches and two pieces of wood were found from my wooded area and the hydrangea was from my garden. (7/21/2011)
The right picture was arranged by 9/10/2011 for the church's mini exhibition.

With Leaves Only

2011-07-19T06:58:00.000-07:00

I have done this "Leaves Only" arrangement in the past, but my teacher wanted us to arrange it in a more artistic or more abstract way this time. She likes to push us one more step to a higher level. I always have a tendency to arrange ikebana more traditionally. I found it so hard to arrange the "leaves only" this time. I am not sure that I achieved it?
The philodendron selloum was still not tall enough, but coral bell leaves match the vase very well. (7/21/2011)

My daughter's wedding flowers

2011-07-12T13:40:00.000-07:00

Bigger flower arrangement at a big window where seating cards were displayed. (July 3rd was my daughter's big day)

Reception room corner table and lady's room arrangement.

Bridal bouquet: Cattleya, Peony, ranunculus, dendrobium and sweet pea. It's so lovely!

The hand made wooden cake toppers were a gift from an artist friend. Cattleya and dendrobium orchids were simply decorated on cake.
Right side: A small ikebana arrangement from my daughter's bridal bouquet. 7/5/2011

Bridesmaids and flower girl (my two granddaughters) bouquets.

Table center piece
Phalaenopsis and different succulents. Guests could take them home. (7/3/2011)

orchids in June - Phalaenopsis and two others

2011-06-29T10:45:00.001-07:00

I wish this Cattleya could add into my daughter's bridle bouquet.
Below-Brassia, "Orange Delight". I got it from last year's potting party, It bloomed for the first time.

All other kinds of orchids have faded away, only Phal. remain blooming this time of year. They don't stay blooming as long as usual in the summer time.

This yellow one is fragrant.

These flowers are miniature.

These bloom every year!

Hosta And Lily Arrangement

2011-06-09T12:17:00.000-07:00

These Hosta, Lily and Tulip were left over materials, free to take home from last Tuesday class.
I used the materials to work on three different style arrangement at home without my teacher's assignment. Any comment?(6/10/2011)

Free Style - Big Arrangement

2011-06-08T05:50:00.000-07:00

Final composition in June 7th class.
I am lucky that I can use my last peony( end of the season) for this project. After my teacher's suggestion, I added some zebra grass to give some height and soften the whole arrangement. All my classmates said it's beautiful. I was so happy and said congratulations to myself because I've also finished four text books already.

These two pictures are the first(5/5/11) and second(5/17/11) stages of arrangement in May's two classes.
This particular wood I found in my wooded area was three feet tall, it broke into two pieces. I thought it's perfect for my teacher's assignment. I stocked vines into the decayed holes, then added and changed the pine, bulrush and rhododendron over three classes.( 6/8/2011)

Free Style - Go Green Design

2011-06-07T15:50:00.000-07:00

A new trend of the Sogetsu school is to use mostly green color in an arrangement. Most of the materials I used here were of different textures and shapes of green color, such as moss, bulrush, Butterfly Maple, Yew and a young Hydrangea flower. They were all picked from my garden and field. I even used a piece of drift wood as a container. (Below is close up view) 6/7/2011

Orchids in May

2011-05-31T06:21:00.000-07:00

I wish this medium sized white Catelleyas could last until for my daughter's wedding (less then 5 weeks away). She always wants her bridal bouquet to have this kind of orchid, just like mine (which was from my father's orchid collection). I might have to look for it somewhere else to fulfill her wish. Usually there are not many blooming Cats in the summer time.

Zygonisla Cynosure " Blue Birds"
Three years ago this was a young plant, it's the second time it's bloomed now. I can't believe how easy it is!

Left-Huge, 7 inches flower on big plants. Fragrant
Right- Encyclia "Green Hornet" Buds are produced one after another, it's still going strong.

Left- I divided it into two plants last summer, both were blooming through April to early May.
Right- This is the same orchid as the first picture above, it's been blooming for 4 weeks now.( 5/31/2011)

MWGC - May Little Show

2011-05-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

On May's MWGC meeting, I entered two designs for the little show, one is a "Tubular Design." I used three PVC tube as containers and the peony were from my garden.

Another one is a "Flowering of the Arts." I arranged all the flowers (which were from my garden too) to interpret the painting below. I bought this water color painting from Acapulco, Mexico long time ago.(5/25/2011)

"Flowering of the Arts' - Interpret a painting of your choice

In a Suiban without Kenzan

2011-05-17T14:44:00.000-07:00

I arranged this at home and took this picture at a different angle a day before class.

I made this arrangement in the suiban without using Kenzan. I used an upside down wood branch as a center framework that is steady in place, then I interlocked the branch with the maple, lilac and a clematis flower. The base is effectively displayed with water. My teacher said this was beautiful--what do you think? (5/17/2011)

Paying Attention to the Container and Placement

2011-05-17T14:38:00.000-07:00

I love this container (Rosenthal, made in Germany) because its unique open mouth. I want to showcase it, so I made a simple arrangement only using a few Irises to suit the subject title. I placed my composition the corner of the stairs toward one side against the window.(5/17/2011)

To be Viewed from All Angles

2011-05-05T17:22:00.000-07:00

We skipped April's Ikebana class because our teacher went for vacation. We resumed May's class today. I made my arrangement "To be viewed all angles" using waved pine and Azalea.
I also had an another big free style arrangement that my teacher assigned me to do this time. I just did my first lay out draft today. It will be completed next ikebana class.(5/5/2011)

MWGC April Little Show

2011-04-27T17:15:00.000-07:00

" Come for Tea"-Place setting for one person on a tray. Mine and Cynthia's place setting arrangement.

"April Showers"- an Underwater Design. Jeremy and my design.

Orchids in April

2011-04-14T05:57:00.000-07:00

Blc. Hawaiian Lightening "Colorful" ( Fragrant)
The good thing about my blog is that I can trace my orchids growth and compare, like this one has more flowers than last year. (See last February 2010)

Phrag. Don Wimber (Eric Young x besseae)
This has been blooming every year since I can remember. Its buds keep coming after the first flower fades; after the fourth flower, it stops budding, in total about 3 months. My other lady's slipper orchids are not like this one, they skip blooming a year or two. (See last June 2010)

Orchids in March

2011-03-24T15:06:00.000-07:00

Onc. Chaculatun " Golden Pacific"
I don't grow or have this orchid, but I was lucky enough to get it from this month's raffle.

Onc. Sherry Baby and Cymbidium. Below is Onc."Hawaii sunset." These three orchids along with other BCOS members' orchids were in the SEPOS (Southeast Pennsylvania Orchid Society) International Orchid Show this weekend in Longwood Garden.

Left: Cattleya (name unknown). Small cluster flowers, it skipped blooming last year. I think I neglected it a little bit last summer.
Right: Dendrobium (I lost the name). It is blooming for the first time, but it only has one flower. Maybe lacking sun?
Both orchids were given to me by two friends who divided their orchids a couple years ago.

Arrangement With Flowers Only

2011-03-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

This arrangement requires two or more kinds of flowers. My various kinds of flowers were a Cattleya orchid and deep purple carnations that match the orchid's lip color. For the color contrast I chose yellow gladiolus plus some baby's breath. I arranged them carefully into a black vase. I love my composition.

Lc. Hallo wedding "Carmen"
I cut off one flower from the back of this orchid without hesitation because I want it for my arrangement with flowers only (see above picture). (3/16/2011)

Only One Kind of Material

2011-03-15T12:16:00.000-07:00

Forsythia is the only kind of material to be used for today's arrangement. It can become boringly dull, so I forced the plant into flowering a couple weeks ago and chose a different type of container, together it looks more vivid. The teacher said it needs a little bit more dimension.

Left is my Gladiolus, one kind of material I arranged, the idea was from my teacher's inspiration last time.
Right is my teacher's demo piece. How can I think about using containers to do one kind of material arrangement? I was amazed! (3/16/2011)

Philadelphia International Flower Show #3

2011-03-11T09:23:00.000-08:00

As a volunteer for the Philadelphia International Flower Show, I was at the America Orchid Society table to help out. So I had the chance to see so many beautiful things and to take some pictures.
These #1. 2. 3. are only a small portion of them.

Philadelphia International Flower Show #2

2011-03-10T18:24:00.000-08:00

This is my teacher Ms. Lin's arrangement

Philadelphia International Flower Show #1

2011-03-10T17:21:00.000-08:00

"Spring Time in Paris" is this year's theme

Intertwining Plant Materials

2011-03-01T15:50:00.001-08:00

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The Cymbidium orchid leaves (like a sail boat panel) and the willow branch (like wind) both were intertwined and arranged in a boat like container, as if the arrangement were sailing in the ocean. The white carnations were added to complete my sail boat design.(3/3/2011)

Fruiting Plant Materials

2011-03-01T15:44:00.000-08:00

It is hard to find any fruiting plant materials this time of year, so our teacher said we may use branches and stick them into the fruits of our choice instead.
I purchased some small sized apples and the willow branches for my fruiting plant materials, which had to be fixed firmly and with good balance. I chose the orange carnations because I just wanted this arrangement to look bright and cheerful! (3/3/2011)

My teacher Ms. Lin's demo piece. (side view)

Cupid's Arrow-- Miniature Angular Design

2011-02-23T13:30:00.000-08:00

We have MWGC meeting today. I entered the Little Show for a miniature angular design "Cupid's Arrow". It required not to exceed 5" in any direction. I got first place!
PS: I use lipstick cover as the container.

Cymbidiums in January and February

2011-02-21T18:51:00.000-08:00

I should say January and February are the Cymbidium months. When I brought them to the BCOS meeting's show table (2/17), the members said wow! They are beautiful!
Besides Cymbidiums, I also have two other kinds of Cattleya and Papha. See below.

Left: Paph. sukhakulii (Take Off x Short Stop). This has been blooming for 6 weeks now.
Right: Large Cat. Fragrant and can last about 4 weeks.

Simplified Arrangement

2011-02-15T19:38:00.000-08:00

Today we have to make an arrangement by simplifying the composition to its limit.
I found this pine branch from still snow covered ground. It has a naturally curved line, perfect for this subject, but it needed a lot of trimming so that it still can express its originality without weakening its strength and beauty.

In the class, my teacher said this is a beautiful arrangement, but it didn't qualify for today's subject because it wasn't simple enough. So she suggested to replace the driftwood with a piece of wood and a spider Mum (the first picture). Since my original arrangement did not qualify, I rearranged it at home and added some leaves to make it even prettier without too much consideration (the second picture). 2/16/2011

Keeping in Mind the View from Above

2011-02-15T18:45:00.000-08:00

Materials: Black pine, Spider mum and Alstroemeria
When I placed this arrangement on the coffee table, people could view it standing or seated. The design I created is rather a traditional style. (2/16/2011)

Dried, Bleached, or Colored Materials

2011-02-03T19:57:00.000-08:00

We had a winter snow storm and a monster ice storm these days. It affected us in so many ways, no school, no class, and dangerous roads, but it's beautiful winter scenery to enjoy.
That's why I chose this subject for today's lesson, and I had all the materials I needed which I collected before, such as a Lotus seed pod, walking stick. To complete it I added a fresh flower and a leaf into a Nageire (tall vase) style. ( 2/4/2011)

Vegetables and Fruits in an Arrangement

2011-02-03T19:48:00.000-08:00

Materials: Broccoli, Tomatoes, Kalanchoe and Pine
Last November, I had the same subject for my Spreading and Morimono arrangement, that was in book #2. Today's lesson is in book #4 which means you have to push yourself to the next level, my teacher said. So I got the idea from my teacher's inspiration "Color of the Container" demo last month, combined this with my own idea, and created this vegetables and fruits composition. (2/4/2011)

Orchids in January 2011

2011-01-26T10:01:00.000-08:00

Below are three kinds of orchids that I was supposed to bring to this month's BCOS meeting's show table. I was absent because I had a flu. I was told they had a very interesting topic.

SLC. Redeac " Carteria Flame" (picture taken 1/20/2011)
Miniature orchid, 7 inches in height, the flowers are only 3 inches in width. Easy to grow, it has 3 flowers this year.

Lctna.Mighty Titan "parkside" AM/AOS (picture taken 1/1 and 1/26/2011)

I bought this one from local Parkside orchid nursery a few years ago, since then it has bloomed and improved every year. Two stems, 7 flowers.

Paph. "Sukhakulii" ( Take Off x Short Stop)
This one is also from Parkside nursery. I won it in a raffle a long time ago. It skipped blooming last year. (picture taken 1/26/2011)

Free Style Ka-bu-wa-ke

2011-01-21T12:45:00.000-08:00

The key point of this lesson is to pay attention to the space between the two Kabu (group), you have to make an arrangement using two or more Kenzans in a container Moribana style.
The division of the two Kabu was arranged by carnations, some green and tall branches. The shape of the container displays the two Kabu and the water is clearly be seen.( 1/21/2011)

Color of the Container

2011-01-20T08:03:00.000-08:00

The last picture was my teacher's demo piece.
I was told this marble like vase (with jewel toned color, made from "Rose Stone") can only be found in the eastern mountains of Taiwan. The essence of ikebana always relates the flowers to the containers. Focusing on the container to be used this time, I picked fuschia pink carnations, one philodendron and painted black twigs to match the vase and arranged them artistically together. (1/21/2011)

An Orchid in Ikebana

2011-01-08T10:19:00.000-08:00

Finally, I put an orchid flower in my ikebana design because my husband broke one of my orchid flowers accidentally--(see below, I posted about this orchid last month, now in full bloom, 12 flowers in total ). At first I was mad but than I was so happy that I could use this flower to do an arrangement. Since we have no ikebana classes due to winter snow. I thought this was a perfect time to practice at home.
PS: Dried Hydrangea, Statice and baby breath plus fresh cattleya and ferns were used here.

Best Wishes for a Health and Happy 2011

2011-01-01T13:19:00.000-08:00

I posted this Cat. for the new year 2011 because of its unique color and its unusual form (the petals and lip are almost the same). This is a small orchid, its flowers are only 6cm.

Orchids in December: Cattleyas

2010-12-26T19:23:00.000-08:00

C. Percivaliana " Summit"
This one is called "Christmas orchid", It was blooming during Christmas last year too, but it only bloomed two flowers. It is a good thing that I can check my blog and keep track from year to year.

This is a big Cattleya. It has 3 sheaths; each one has 4 flowers, which is a big improvement than last year. It's also very fragrant. (see below left picture)

Bllra. Tohoma Glacier " Ithan" AM/AOS
Its perfume fills the whole room in the morning. This one is not as great as last year's. There are only three flowers. (see above right picture)

New Years Arrangement Horizontal Style

2010-12-14T16:33:00.000-08:00

The materials for my new years design this year are pine, white mums, and red roses. Because I'm using a horizontal style, also I had a bunch of painted white twigs that could balance the pine beautifully. This arrangement from tip to tip is 36 inches long. After I came home from ikebana class, I rearranged and placed it on my dinning table, it looks very pretty for the holiday season. (12/14/2010)

Composition of Mass and Line (Striaght or Curved)

2010-12-14T16:29:00.000-08:00

The mass of orange mums is contrasted with dark blue container. The curved bittersweet creates artistic tension in the space.( 12/14/2010)

Two or More Containers ( Merry Christmas)

2010-12-07T17:42:00.000-08:00

The tall vase towards the back of the wood platform creates a strong impression. I used holly, Poinsettia and red Nandina berries, and for contrast I arranged same materials in the much smaller vase towards the front. I placed vines and ivy connected to each other first, then arranged flowers and leaves for both containers. This is also a Christmas themed arrangement. My teacher said it was beautifully done. (12/7/2010)

I gathered all the materials and followed my idea to arrange this one day before class.(12/6/2010)

Vertical Composition

2010-12-07T17:39:00.000-08:00

I found a bunch of wild raspberry plants outside my wooded area. They grew upwards and now only a few leaves remain at the tip. I thought these would show the beauty of natural lines, so they became my design for today's lesson "Vertical Composition." The colorful mums arranged at the bottom brighten the whole arrangement. I followed my teacher's final suggestion to make one branch higher to create a more harmonious look overall--there is no rule about the ratio between vertical length and horizontal width. (12/7/2010)

Full of Surprise

2010-12-04T11:19:00.000-08:00

C. Skinneri Alba "Debbie"
I had another one that faded last month. This is the new, same "Dabbie" blooming after I came back from a visit to my daughter's home. Only four days later I noticed that on some of my Cattleyas, their sheaths had become plump or their buds had come out. Three or even four in one sheath, I am so pleasantly surprised!

Paph.(Lady Slipper) "Sukhakulii" and Cymbidium in the right

Orchids in November

2010-11-20T10:00:00.000-08:00

Oncidium "Saint Dawn Gold" (Dancing lady Orchid)
Look! It looks just like a group of yellow dressed ladies dancing together having a ball.
C. Skinneri Alba " Debbie" Fcc/Aos ( Fragrance)
This cat. blooms faithfully every year during Thanksgiving time.

Pot. Mysteve Natsumi
I was surprised that this one has two flowers for the first time. Another one I posted last month is still blooming.

Morimono For Thanksgiving Dining Table

2010-11-16T18:43:00.000-08:00

View from front (top) and back ( bottom).

I arranged these at home the day before the lesson. Bottom pictures are side views.

These arrangements are for the Thanksgiving dinner table. Even though I made one last year, this time the teacher wanted us to use vegetables, fruits, and one that should be viewed from all angles. Display on plate, cloth or large leaf was our choice. So this year's Thanksgiving center piece design, as you can see above, suited all my teacher's requirement. I used a drift wood to connect both sides. My teacher made a very good point that one side should be smaller, so I took some vegetables and fruits out.

Compared to last year's arrangement, I like this year's better. Going through all my ikebana blog pictures, I think I am improving not just skills but also in confidence. So many things to be thankful for, this is one of them! ( 11/16/2010)

Horizontal Style Nageire Variation No.6

2010-11-16T18:38:00.000-08:00

The horizontal style is characterized by Shin, which is placed almost horizontally or extended near to the side from the mouth of the vase, 85 degrees, Soe is 65 degrees and Hikae is 75 degrees. There are flower pear tree branches and mums, just like dividing a circle into three equal sections. (11/16/2010)

Vines Design

2010-11-10T16:11:00.000-08:00

I was so delighted that I could reuse the flower materials (Oncidium orchids and sunflower), from last week's M.W.G.C. Gala raffle prize for today's lesson" Vines" design.
I couldn't find any vines with leaves or berries at that time, and I also had an idea to use a grapevine wreath combined with orchids and a sunflower. At first I separated and reassembled the wreath into two circles with a thick willow twig to secure them into the tall vase and last I inserted the flowers to complete the composition.(11/9/2010)

My classmate Barbi's vines design and my first try.

Slanting Style Moribana Variation No.5

2010-11-10T16:03:00.000-08:00

This composition was arranged with two Kapu (Azalea branches and roses). Shin 45 degree, Soe 15 degree and with their subordinate materials arranged in the back, the other Hikae 75 degree placed in front. In this style the water between the two groups should be seen clearly as if the water was flowing through from the back toward the front. ( 11/9/10)

November Gala at M.W.G.C.

2010-11-07T15:27:00.000-08:00

The November Gala is our (Martha Washington Garden Club) major fund-raiser for scholarships that we award in June to students in horticulture and related fields. I was lucky enough to win a big ikebana like arrangement in a raffle. As you see above, it is beautiful! (11/5/2010)

Orchids in October and Congratulations

2010-10-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to my daughter and her husband. The newest addition, a baby boy, arrived on October 11, 2010, two weeks earlier than the due date. I became a proud grandma again. Even though it messed up my schedule, I am glad that I could help out in time. It's a blessing that mother and baby are doing well, big sister (2 years old) too. I know I will miss ikebana class and next week's BCOS meeting, so I am posting my blooming orchids this time to celebrate.

L. purpurata var.carnea x Bl. Richard Mueller
Most of my orchids are placed outside in a shaded area from May to October, I call it " orchids on vacation." If I discover an orchid's buds starting to form, I will bring them inside the house, otherwise the bugs or slugs will start to eat it. That happened last year for this orchid, no flowers.

C. Pot Mysteve Natsumi
This Cat. is blooming again this year, only one flower again. I wonder why? Maybe it's the species? The flower is 5 x5 inches big, very flat.

Miltassia (Spider orchid) No. 1
These two plants habit are somewhat compact. Vigorous and easy to flower.

Miltassia ( Spider orchid) No. 2
The color, the form and number of the flowers (10 flowers) are much better this year. Happiness!

Autumn Theme Free Style

2010-10-06T11:22:00.000-07:00

Close up view and side view
"Autumn is coming!" After the long hot and dry summer, autumn is finally here. Our teacher wants us to think about the colors, the materials and create an autumn themed ikebana arrangement.
My fall colors were maples, marigolds, mums and bittersweets. I grouped them on one side purposefully to show this piece of interesting wood. I like my finished composition, but my teacher suggested a longer bittersweet, so I followed her advice. (10/5/2010)

Hanging Style Nageire " Variation No.4 "

2010-10-06T10:05:00.000-07:00

The hanging style is one of my favorite basic arrangements because of its unique style. In this variation No.4 hanging style, the Shin position is in a downwards direction from the mouth of the vase (135 degrees). To do so, choosing a branch is important. I cut a branch (Crab apple) naturally in hanging shape, which was easier to handle. The Hikae (yellow Daisy like flowers) is 75 degrees.(10/5/2010)

Orchids in September

2010-09-24T13:17:00.000-07:00

Paphiopedilum " Doctor Calson"
It is blooming this time of year again, I can enjoy it for about 2 months.

"Lady of the night" ( Blc. richard Mueller x B. Cordata). Fragrant at night.
I divided this crowded orchid into three plants last year. They are all blooming now. I donated a smaller one to my garden club, a member bid $16 for it.

Onc. Sherry Baby " Sweet Fragrance" ( chocolate fragrance)
Above are the three kinds of orchids I was supposed to bring for the BCOS meeting's show table, but I was absent this month. Otherwise, I might have won some prizes!

Free Style

2010-09-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

Another arrangement on September 20 and I changed the flowers from red Coxcomb to yellow Dehlia on September 27.

I had this new container and some Calla lilies left, also I had the urge to do Ikebana, especially because we are not going to have class until October. So this is my piece of work. (9/9 /10)

Garden Series 4 "Deer"

2010-08-31T07:59:00.000-07:00

In spring, young deer usually wander around my backyard looking for food, but this summer has been so hot and dry that I've seen them drinking from our pond. The water level is so low now that a whole family of deer can walk along the inside edge of the pond. Now a few months later, I'm sometimes surprised to discover a young deer has grown into a buck. The deer are cute and always stare at us, but I hate them for eating my beautiful flowers, plants and young trees.

Garden Series 3 "Sunflowers"

2010-08-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

When the zinnias started to grow from seeds, I didn't know a sunflower was also mixed in there. Then I found out my ikebana classmate Cindy, who gave me the seeds, might have mixed the sunflower in with the rest. So this was a big surprise, especially its special color.

This giant sunflower is 14 inches in width and 7 feet tall. Huge! Only two survived though, the deer ate all my other young plants. The orange sunflower below is 6 inches in width and 4 feet tall.

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Garden Series 2 " Butterflies"

2010-08-25T08:09:00.000-07:00

Praying mantis on the Marigold plants.

Dahlia "colarette"
Can you see a bee in the center of this beautiful dahlia? (click for larger view)

I caught a few snapshots of butterflies on zinnias and tramp vine flowers, but I just can't catch the hummingbirds we have in our backyard, they do not stay still like these butterflies.

Garden Series 1 " Peonies "

2010-08-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

Peonies are one of the most popular perennials. If planted properly, they will bloom faithfully every spring. Tree peonies open earliest, at least two weeks before others. Peonies appear in all colors except blue. So far this is my collection of peonies.

P.S. Because we won't be having ikebana classes in September and my orchids usually bloom the least this time of year, so I am publishing my Garden Series.

BCOS 2009-2010 Show Table Awards

2010-08-23T06:01:00.000-07:00

The Bucks County Orchid Society (BCOS) gave out 2009 to 2010 show table awards for windowsill grower and green house grower at this past May's year-end banquet. I'm proud of this recognition, which shows my day to day effort, patience, and love. BCOS's new season begins in September.

Zygonisia Cynosure "Blue Birds"
I bought this young plant from last fall's (9/2009) potting party. I didn't expect it to bloom this year but it did in early July, which was a pleasant surprise.

Asian Culture Night

2010-08-15T17:06:00.000-07:00

Our teacher Ms. Lin gave a brief talk about ikebana flower arranging.

Every second Friday, the Indian Vally Public Library (Montgomery County) hosts a special event. On August 13th, our teacher Ms. Lin held a program to commemorate her daughter's life (she passed away at the age of 13 and was a big bookworm). Ms. Lin collected, donated and contributed a lot of books related to Asian culture to the library in honor of her beloved daughter.
Beside Ms. Lin's ikebana flower arrangement demo, her students' ikebana arrangements were on display. Also, a fellow student Ms. Tsai hosted a tea ceremony ("How to make good tea? Just put your heart in it") and our friend Ms. Lu gave a calligraphy demo. This was an enjoyable evening everybody will remember.

Free Style

2010-08-03T12:04:00.000-07:00

I have prepared this branches which I painted it black some time ago. I know some day I can use it for my ikebana. As seen here, I arranged the stems of the branches pointed either upward or downward plus the combination of black-eye Susan, black branches and white ceramic vase. To me it looks beautiful!

Composition of Surfaces Made by the Massing of Lines

2010-08-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

This subject is to make a composition of surfaces, by gathering the plant materials to create the massing of lines. It's difficult to use just a small amount of plants, so I cut a bunch of Bulrush from wild field of my back yard. To create more dimensional form and to look more interesting, I bent some of Bulrush and added a single black-eye Susan to complete this composition.

Phalaenopsis ( Moth Orchids)

2010-07-30T17:51:00.000-07:00

Phalaenopsis are America's favorite house plants.They are easy to grow, and the flowers last for months. Bright, indirect light is required and should keep in mind they don't like to be soggy.
Above are all my blooming phalaenopsis pictures that I took from May to July.

Combined Styles Variation #8 ( Nageire and Nageire)

2010-07-20T17:46:00.000-07:00

Combination of slanting style and upright style

Left: Basic slanting style was composed of Shin(75 degree) and Hikae by omitting Soe.
Right: Basic upright style of Shin 45 degree, Soe 15 degree and Hikae 75 degree.
I used Azaleas, Zinnias and Hydrangeas in the same color tone for both containers. Because of their similar materials and basic variation arrangement, it's better to use two vases of different color or heights. To combine their individual beauty together, I need to pay attention to how I compose them as a whole.( 7/21/10)

Disassembling and Rearranging the Materials

2010-07-20T15:10:00.000-07:00

My Hydrangea bush has been eaten by deers. I was mad, but it suddenly occurred to me that I can use this eaten branches to create my teacher's assignment today, "Disassembling and Rearranging the materials". So I cut them off, stripped all the leaves and just left the branch's lines and Hydrangea's flower head that I want to use. I choose a perfect container ( from my container collection) for this design. I only used one kind of material( Hydrangea), I cut it (disassembled it), rearranged it, and put flowers into the vase. I also added another branch to complete this arrangement.( 7/20/10)

Oncidium orchids ( Dancing Lady Orchids)

2010-07-15T18:18:00.000-07:00

Onc. "Wild Cat"

Onc. Sherry Baby" Chocolate" fragrance

Onc. Mishima
Only the "Wild Cat" is still blooming now. The three others were blooming at different times, but sherry baby bloom twice a year, which delights me.

Taiwanese American East Coast Summer Conferance

2010-07-09T17:59:00.000-07:00

Grand center piece in the lobby

My teacher wanted us to observe how this big project was made from start to finish (it is about 6 feet x 6 feet). It involved drafting the design first, arranging the materials, and securing and stabilizing the branches with the help of a crew.

Stage piece in the Auditorium.
The S shaped road of sunflowers symbolizes Taiwan's historic struggle for independence.

There were more than 600 people coming from all over the east coast of the US to celebrate July 4th and attend the East Coast Taiwanese American Conference (TAC/EC). My teacher Mrs. Lin designed two arrangements for this big event. One for the lobby, one for the stage (the two pictures above). She also hosted a popular ikebana workshop where I helped as one of her assistants.
TAC/EC has had 41 years of history so far. The conference includes interesting workshops and discussion. Discussion topics included Taiwan's relationship with both the United States and China and an overall assessment about Taiwan's future. This year's conference was held at the University of Delaware from 7/2 to 7/5. The conference's theme this year was "New Thinking, New Action."

By me, Betty, and Chih

By some of the workshop students and mine

By Mrs. Lin and Mrs. Chen

Side view of Mrs. Lin's grand arrangement and demonstration piece

Ladyslipper Orchids

2010-06-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

Paph. and Phrag., the tropical ladyslipper orchids, are easy to grow and very rewarding. They need re-potting every six months if possible, and they need lots of water with good drainage and light fertilizer. They are long lasting orchids too.

Phragmipedium "Don Wimber" (Eric young x besseae)
I have this one blooming every year. It always gets first place at the show table. After it bloomed four flowers and they faded one by one, I was just about to cut the stem off and I found a new bud forming. So surprised!

Paphiopedilum " Golddollar"

This one didn't bloom last year. This year, it not only bloomed but also had two flowers (usually it only has one flower). It's rare to see two flowers together.

Paph. " Pinocchio" (Three flowers blooming together is very rare! The day after I snapped the picture on the right, one of the flowers fell.)
I highly recommend this one for your orchid collection because they seem to never stop blooming, the buds are produced one after another. This one flowered for 18 months straight two years ago. I will see how long it will last this year. It started to bloom last April and it's still going strong. Do they look like three pairs of lovely dancing shoes?

Sunflower Arrangement

2010-06-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

After last week's ikebana lesson, I still have a few beautiful sunflowers left. I randomly made two arrangements using sunflowers to celebrate summer (but it's too hot now!).

An Arrangement for Exhibition

2010-06-16T05:31:00.000-07:00

My teacher Ms. Lin is going to have workshop for the Taiwanese American Conference/East Coast in two weeks. She's not only teaching ikebana but also will hold a flower arrangement exhibition too. So we all have to make arrangements for this coming event. The table is 3x3x3 ft, so I was thinking my arrangement should not be a small one. I found a handsome wild rose bush and I did a lot of trimming. Together with two big sunflowers and a piece of wood was my original idea, after my teacher's final touch, the result was quite nice. I didn't like the picture I took. It's not as pretty as the real thing. (6/15/10)

Side view and my teacher's piece

Wedding Reception Table Arrangement

2010-06-15T18:32:00.000-07:00

All right! I am going to try this topic that my teacher just assigned to us, especially since my daughter is planning to get married next summer. She wants me to do some flower arrangements. I think pastel colors are suitable for her. They are soft, feminine, happy and elegant. The pink ribbon is a good touch (my teacher's hint). Maybe I will try something else next year who knows?

Teacher's demo piece and my first version.

Cattleyas

2010-06-09T20:07:00.000-07:00

These five different kinds of Cattleyas were blooming from time to time in April and May. They lasted from three to six weeks. I have moved most of my orchids outside under two big pine trees. They have been there since Mother's Day and are on vacation now.

Slanting Style Nageire Variation No.4

2010-06-02T10:19:00.000-07:00

This slanting style variation no. 4 is arranged using Shin 45 degrees, Hikae (the flower) 75 degrees, and omitting Soe. Therefore the overall should look stable and well balanced.
My last white irises, boxwood branches and peony bud are used here. (6/1/10)

You in Ikebana

2010-06-01T18:03:00.000-07:00

Before my teacher's assignment, I saw these peonies in my garden in full bloom. I knew immediately I wanted to use them in my ikebana. I thought to myself that black pine with peony arranged together might be beautiful.(another material is Pentstimon)
I asked my teacher why she chose this assignment? We are only half way finished all our text books. This lesson is the last one in Book 4. My teacher answered that she wants to push us to do "My Ikebana." Through all the arrangements we've learned so far, we should be able to express ourselves through the plants. What is my self expression here? It's really hard to say. For now, I just know learning ikebana makes me happy and makes me appreciate the beauty of nature more. (6/1/10)

With Branches only

2010-05-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

Making an arrangement using two or more kinds of branches only.
My classmates' criticism today was that my arrangement looked pretty at first glance, but then you discovered its shape, leaf size, and branch characteristics were too similar (I used a Snow fountain cherry and Red currant--both branches have berries, another one is Crape Myrtle). Now, I certainly understand that it's important to pick branches that contrast with one another, emphasizing their uniqueness. It's a good lesson. (5/18/10)