Orchids in Ikebana

I could not find any fresh flowers outside in my garden, so I used blooming orchids inside my house instead. I feel a bit reluctant to use them, but they are fading away. Why not cut them and arrange them into Ikebana to prolong their beauty for a while?!

Orchid in Ikebana

At the SEPOS orchid show, I met a member from another society who has many beautiful orchids on display. He said that he grows his orchids in the green house. He snapped a stem of spider orchid and gave it to me at the end of the show without hesitation! I used it with philodendron leaves to arrange a contemporary style. Both materials can last a long period of time.

 Does it look like spiders crawling on the leaves?

Focusing on the Water Arrangement

My Cymbidium orchid has been blooming for months. It's going to fade soon. So, I cut a stem of  flower combined with a bamboo branch, I carefully arranged in the crystal clear container. That's one of  today's class assignment. Very elegant, my Sensei commented. (2/25/2014)

Orchid in Ikebana Arrangement

It has been brutally cold, the coldest days in two decades. More than half of the nation were frozen. The temperature was 0 degrees (F) last night. I feel so lucky that I can stay home, warm and cozy, making Ikebana arrangements. I have all the materials I need: a left over pine branch, a cut Catttleya flower and a silver spread allium, all arranged in a ceramic vase.

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.

Basket Arrangement for Fundraising

These arrangements consist of Phalaenopsis orchids. I want to arrange them individually in two baskets with ikebana style.These baskets of flower arrangement were originally for the purpose of my garden club's gala night (11/ 2/2012) fundraising. But, unfortunately, the gala was canceled due to the super-storm Sandy.