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.

Happy New Year - December Orchids " Cattleya"

These four cattleyas are always blooming in December  in time for the
 holidays.

C. percivaliana ' Summit' FCC/AOS. The " Christmas" cattleya.
It was collected in Venezuela over 50 years ago.

Lc. Huge, dramatic flowers on a vigorous plant. I divided
this plant last year, now both are in bloom. Fragrant.

Lc.  This one has the same beautiful flowers, but it's not as big
as the above cattleya, and its lip has no ruffled white line. 

New Year Arrangements

Pine, bamboo and red, white roses are the main materials that I used for this new year arrangement.

The wood base is a gift from my husband's Japanese teacher. I just love it!
(12/14/2012  done in home)
Wishing you the quiet beauty of a peaceful and healthy holiday season.

Vertical or New Year  arrangement. (12/18/2012 in class)

Christmas Arrangements 2

The date 12/12/12 this year is very special and unique. It's my birthday. My husband bought me 12 roses (red and white) for my special day. I am delighted to use them for my Ikebana class.
Here are the two Christmas arrangements: the first one was done at home, the second one was done in class.  I thought that it was an abstract ikebana arrangement and that it was inspired by the Sogetsu master, but my teacher said it is western styled. I am really confused!

Red (rose), green (pine) and white (twig) are the basic
 Christmas colors.
Container: Glass vase (12/17/2012)

Another kind of Christmas arrangement.
Container: Glass wine glass (12/18/2012)

Christmas Arrangement 1

This is my make up Holiday Arrangement for the class I missed (12/4/2012). I wish you an early Merry Christmas!

This arrangement can be viewed all around. No kenzan,
water tube for Poinsettia ( burn the cut stem first).
Material: Poinsettia, Nandina, Holly, silver painted vine,
 bamboo and ball.