Freestyle: Massed expression

I created this mass on mass ikebana and initially used a tight loop of willow twigs, but my teacher said, "Loosen it! Loosen it!" Everyone in my class, including the teacher, was impressed with the final result.

Still Blooming!

1. Cat. Name unknown

2. Paph. delenatii " Long Life"

3. Orchids 1, 2 & 3 are still blooming! The phalaenopsis and lady's slippers usually last much longer than the cattleyas. They last at least two months.

In May, my backyard garden was in full bloom. I used some of these flowers for my ikebana designs.

Basic Upright Style Nageire (Reversed)

Ikebana design, form, and layout fall into two basic categories based on the containers: moribana, or shallow basin form, and Nageire, a tall upright form.

Slanting Style Moribana Variation #2

Shin and Soe are placed wildly apart in the front. Peony bud Hikae at the back, the other pink and white peony buds are neatly fill the space. ( Peony usually are big so I choose the buds).

orchids: March to June

This one got first place in the phalaenopsis group in May's B.C.O.S. meeting. [Bucks County Orchid Society].

In May's meeting I also got first place in this paphiopedilum's [lady's slipper] group. Its name is Don Wimber. It is very easy to grow, faithfully blooming every year and lasts for three+ months. That's because new buds keep coming.



These three Cattleyas are beautiful! Right?They need a lot of bright light. As a windowsill grower, I am proud of myself.

curved and straight lines

The first picture is from way back in March when daffodils were in bloom.
This past May I picked a beautiful peony from my garden. I wanted to use it in my ikebana design. The purple flowers were catnip also from my garden.

one or two?

Assignment: curve line
I first tried using two mums, but my teacher said to use only one. What do you think?
Usually in ikebana less is more.