July Orchids Bloom

Usually my orchids do not bloom in summer too often. I only have a new one that is blooming right now and the other two have been blooming since previous months.  

Cattleya (name lost). This was a very young plant. I got it
from pot party a few years ago. First time bloom. The flowers
are only two inches in size.

Three flowers have faded. New buds keep coming since May.

I cut the main stem off when it finished blooming.
The new branches are blooming beautifully.
This Phalaenopsis was a gift. It has been blooming  for
more than two months now.    

Austria and Hungary Vacation and beyond

During my vacation trip to Europe recently (7/12-7/22/2012), besides the sightseeing tour, I saw many beautiful gardens and window box flowers that just take my breath away. I would like to share some "Ikebana like" pictures I saw in the hotels where I stayed. It surprised me that the flower arrangements were not all western style.
The countryside of Austria and Budapest's historic buildings along the Danube River are so picturesque and beautiful, there is no need to describe them. 

Hydrangea Arrangements- Mass and Line

Hydrangeas are in season now. They can't tolerate hot or dry conditions too well. If the flowers wilt, just immerse them in water for a couple hours, and it will be lively again.

Materials: Hydrangea, Liatris and Stocks' aster
Dish kenzan is used behind drift wood.

 No water in these Liatris are OK. Usually it dries beautifully.

I bought this container  from Phila. flower show
 last March. It's made from a Hawaiian palm tree.

  Liatris, Philodendron selloum and  Hydrangea
Composition of  Mass and  Line

Celebrating Retirement Arrangement

I chose this painting (original by P.W.Ahlborn) and used it for my flower arrangement. To me it implicates stepping into another stage of life for my husband's retirement. This was today's assignment "Specific scenes or Occasions".

Hydrangea with Trumpet vine branch
A simple and happy retirement to you, my dear. (7/3/2012)

Slanting Style Moribana

Seeded Viburnum branches with  Day lily
Back to basic style for today's lesson (7/3/2012)

Sunflower Arrangement

Sunflower with bamboo and hosta

Sunflower with metal and Hosta
Using fresh and unconventional  material  design.
I use sunflower stem for supporting  metal sheet pieces.

Sunflower with Hosta,and Willow
Summer time at the pond side

Sunflower with Coral bell leaves, long leaves and wild onion

Glass Container and Impromptu Arrangement

In our June 19 class, we had two assignments: The first one is "Focusing on the use of glass container,"  which was resumed from last time's title. Second one is "Bring your own container, moribana or Nageire of your choice."  Our teacher will provide materials for us, and we must arrange it and finish it within 25 minutes.

This was my third arrangement. The other two were done last time (6/5/2012) due to a canceled class.
Material: Wax plant and Hydrangea

The materials given to me are Azalea, astilbe, mum and hosta.
 All students must finish their arrangements within 25 minutes.
I would do it differently if I had more time.

Focusing on the Use of Glass Container

 Day lily and seashell. ( arranged in 6/5/2012)

Horsetail, Astilbe, Coral bell and one leaf (6/11/2012)

Side view

June Orchids Bloom

Paph. "Shireen"
I ignored this lady slipper and almost gave it away.
Finally it is blooming after three years.

Encyclia "Green Hornet"  This one is so reliable,
its bloom seems to never end.

 Phalanopsis 1

Phalanopsis 2

Last year I had many Phalanopsis bloom.  This year I only have two.  Perhaps since I don't use fertilizer or my time was more devoted to my Ikebana.

I received this at our award night in May.

Basket and Peony Arrangement

My husband's Japanese teacher gave me this basket (she made it by herself) and a beautiful wood base (see second picture) as gifts before she moved to Hawaii for retirement. I am so happy that I can use them for Ikebana.

Material: Iris, Coral Bell leaf and Peony.

Twigs (I painted and used them many times), Hosta, peony.