Orchids in October and Congratulations

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

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 "

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)