PHS Philadelphia Flower Show 2020 - Orchids (4)

There were so many beautiful and brilliant Cattleyas, Cymbidiums... and their alliance was displayed in the orchids section. See below for just a few of them:

PHS Philadelphia Flower Show 2020 - (3)

When I was in the convention center to take down my arrangement or to do my duty as hostess in the Ikebana section, I only had a little time to see the whole show briefly. There were a lot of different kinds of displays. But here I would only show you a few that caught my eye, and the blue ribbon awarded pieces.

Below: Dresses designed using all natural plant materials and pictures of pressed flowers and plants.

PHS Philadelphia Flower Show 2020 - (2)

Each year, a new theme energizes participants and visitors. The theme for 2020, Philadelphia Flower Show was "Riviera Holiday." It celebrated the coastal region of Europe with Mediterranean - inspired designs featuring roses, citrus, lavender, Rosemary and more. The displays and presentation were meant to take you away by showcasing native plants and flowers as well as color, scent and textures from the Mediterranean region. Part of the show was also dedicated to Monaco and HRH Princess Grace Kelly, a Philadelphia native who loved roses. The PHS replicated her Rose Garden in Monaco for the show.

2020 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show (PFS) - My Ikebana Display - (1)

I am so happy and honored that my Ikebana arrangement will be displayed again this year at the Philadelphia Flower Show. My platform size is 2' x 2' x 2', and it will be on the 1st rotation (three rotations for the sake of freshness of materials), which are 5 days in total from the set up date to the take down night (2/28 to 3/2). I am concerned about the flowers' freshness, so I chose Trifoliate Orange, Pin cushion protea, Craspedia (Billy ball) and Alstroemerias for their long lasting nature.  With a tall Japanese ceramic vase, here is my finished arrangement.  I set up on 2/28. The show will run from 2/29 to 3/8/2020 at the Philadelphia Convention Center.

 

I've posted my arrangement for you to see first! I would really appreciate your comments.

February Lessons with Hata Sensei - Making Ikebana from The Heart

This last two weeks, my mind has been wondering and thinking about the Philadelphia Flower Show- my Ikebana design, besides the regular monthly class lesson. It's been quite busy!

Three Lesson for February (2/17/2020)
1) Making Ikebana from the heart - Book 3 p.59
I picked this ceramic container, because I like its color and shape. And it happened, I had the yellowish lichened branches to match the container's partial gold spot. Together I made a simple beautiful Ikebana. Whatever the lesson is, I always put my heart into my arrangement and it is reflected in my Ikebana design. So it gradually become my own style!

Sensei's demo 

my arrangement using Alstroemeria, pine and lichened branches

2) Basic Upright Style -  Nageire book 1-5 tate-no-soegi-dome (vertical type structure)

my arrangement / Japanese quince, mum and pine

Sensei's demo arrangement

Marcia's arrangement

3) Dried, Bleached, or Colored Materials - book 4 - 13

Sensei's arrangement

tried at home 1

tried at home 2

my arrangement in the class

classmate's arrangement

my arrangement at home 3

Orange Cattleya Orchid

Since last November, my home always has one or two orchids blooming. Cattleyas usually last three to five weeks depending on species. I have only one Cattleya blooming now and my cymbidium has been blooming since last December.

smaller flowers and compact plant 

Cymbidium still blooming