Inspired by Sensei's Arrangement

Two weeks ago in class, our sensei made a pre-arranged ikebana design and showed us how the soft sticks (Midollino sticks, made from bamboo?) can be used. The arrangement was beautiful which inspired me and urged me to give it a try. So I chose a few young soft Forsythia long branches instead. I bent the materials carefully into a round shape without breaking them off.

Material: Hydrangea, Phlox, Liatris, Stokes' aster,  Forsythia (leaves all striped)
and  Liatris.
Container: Ceramic vase

Sensei's arrangement (7/16/2013)

My garden 2

 Butterfly and Cone flower

Black- eyed Susan

Daisy

Toad lily

Phlox

Big tree mushroom grew on a tree stump in my back yard.

Buttrefly and Cone flower

Liatris and butterfly

My garden 1

White Bell flower and purple Stokes' Aster

Five different color of Day lily and Hydrangeas. See above and below

In the month of June, we had so much rain. The water in my pond was full, and my house surroundings looked very luscious, the flowers were blooming beautifully. But this month, we had several rounds of heat wave. It's so hot, humid and dry. My gardens suddenly became like the jungle. The weeds grow so fast beyond our control. Although you see my garden flowers that I post here are picture perfect, the reality is otherwise.

Orchids bloom for July

C. Skinneri Alba "Dabbie"  My only big Cattleya blooming in summer. but  I
checked my post, it bloomed on December 2010 (winter time). I am confused! 

Lctna. Migty titan "parkside". Small compact plant, 2.5" flowers

Philalaenopsis 

Onc. Sharry Baby " Sweet fragrance" AM/AOS
This is my third one blooming.

Dried Giant Allium - Free Style

I got this dried giant Allium seed pod (10 inches in size) from my daughter's garden. To beautify the Allium I sprayed it with silver paint, and I chose the white Prairie gentian flowers, in order to avoid the color of the flowers taking away the special effect of the silver giant Allium.
This is my contemporary / abstract design. (7/16/2013)

One or Two Containers - Free Style

I laid the wood stick transversely on the surface before. I put it upright for my arrangement this time. I arranged it with two containers, but my Sensei pointed out one container was fine too. Either way looks pretty, especially against the background panel, which makes it look more beautiful. (7/16/2013)
Material: Day lily, Hosta and forsythia
Container: Ceramic vase and bowl (nageire and moribana)

Vertical Composition Book 3-1

Our teacher assigned us to practice repeatedly in the Book 3 or 4  in order to polish our skills.

Day lily and Hydrangea leaf  in ceramic container (7/2/2013)
My first arrangement for this title was on 12/7/2010.

Vine Arrangement Book 4-6

Material: Vine( name unknown), Pear fruit tree branch
 and Hydrangea.
Container: Japanese antique bronze vase on the wooden base.