Calltleya Orchid in Ikebana

During this time of year, I like to force Japanese Quince and Forsythia branches to bloom for their delicate and beautiful flowers. Their line and flowers are perfect Ikebana materials.

Cattleya and Japanese Quince seem perfect together
 in the moon shaped container. The moon container in
itself is part of  decorated design already.

I cut two of the Cattleya flowers (Left side) without
hesitation this time and used them for my arrangement.

Cymbidium Orchid in Ikebana

Most of my Cymbidiums are blooming right now. Each stem has many flowers. I cut a couple of them to use for my Ikebana arrangement. Which base do you like better?

Peace lily leaf and cymbidiums (in water tube).
Coral rock as container

Materials: Peace lily leaf and Cymbidium
Cut one side of the leaf off and use one side tape to place a
 wire up the center of the back then bend as desired.
The Chinese characters mean "Spring air."

 My Cymbidium orchids are always in bloom
 in February.

L' Amor - Love is Here

 I choose pink daisy like Chrysanthemums for my Valentine's Day arrangement instead of traditional red roses.  I hope you like it. Be my valentine!

This is for our 2/5/2013 class assignment "Valentine's Day."
I used petals to form a heart to say " L'Amor". 

Close-up view
I cut the painted twigs into small pieces and
tied them together in any shape I wanted.  

HAIKU -- ORCHID

 My first Haiku - Orchid :
The bloom brings me smile,
The fading saddens my heart.
That's cycle of life.

Cat. "Spring snow". It bloomed and faded a couple years ago, I hope it
 will bloom again in near future.

January Orchid 2

Another cattleya, see its sepal and petals are different from the previous post. 

Dendrobium. This was a division from an orchid society's
 friend  few years ago. (1/21/2013)

Dendrobium. Their growing condition is similar as Cattleyas. 

January Orchids 1

Cat. Big plant, mediurn size flowers
This orchid needs to be repotted or divided. Its roots are so crowded,
this is the reason there are not as many flowers as previous years. (1/14/2013) 

Oncidium. Sunlight " Hilo Honey"
The stems are so tall but it's not enough
 flowers. I think it has a bit of malnutrition.

Winter Snow- Using Left Over Materials

All white materials arrangement (Painted branches,
 Baby's breath ,Carnation and Calla lily) - Snow is
coming. (1/14/2013)

Two or More Containers

After we have finished 4 text books, My teacher likes us to practice repeatedly in book 3 or 4, plus another free style with theme for each class until we are ready for the teacher's certificate. (1/8/2013)

Material: Pine, Calla lily, Carnation, Baby's breath and  Japanese quince
Two identical metal containers 

Hope in a Hopeless Environment

I witnessed the super storm Sandy's powerful destruction and revival.
The budding Japanese quince branch and one small flower are the HOPE.
Base: Leftover cider roof  pieces 

Two Cattleyas to Start The New Year 2013

Earlier this month I only have two new cattleyas to post, one big and one small. Hopefully I have more to show later.

I put these two cattleya orchids together to compare their size.

Bllra. Tohoma Glacier " Ithan" AM/AOS  Fragrant

This tiny cattleya flowers are only 2" compared to the flowers
 in the top picture which are 6".

The first snow (3") of this season on December 28.