Looking forward to February Class Lessons

We had no classes in January due to the snow storms. Since then I have not practiced any Ikebana at home. But my mind is not idle either, I’m always thinking about upcoming exhibitions. One is our Sogetsu Main Line Branch’s member exhibition at Brandywine Museum of Art (2/23 - 2/25/2024), and another one is the Philadelphia Flower Show (3/1- 3/10/2024). So, our Sensei would like us practice two arrangements in the February class and she will give critiques and suggestions.

On the February 20, 2024 class lesson, I did two arrangements for the exhibition and got Sensei’s approval. I won’t post here until we’re all set up formally at museum’s exhibition site.

After class, back home, I picked some of the materials to make an impromptu arrangement! (2/20/2024)

Sensei’s upright style moribana demo (2/20/2024)

Snow Storm Round 2

We have had two snow storms within a week, both had the same pattern — short and beautiful, a winter wonderland! It didn’t cause any problems, and it let us enjoy the pure white, gorgeous scenery again. Besides it’s Saturday! (2/17/2024)

Snow storm Becomes a Beautiful Winter Wonderland

When I woke up this morning, I looked out through the window and wow! It’s snowing! Just like the forecast predicted. The big snow flakes are coming down, accumulating a lot of snow from last night, about 3 inches. The tree branches, the roof, and the road are all covered with snow! It looks like a beautiful winter wonderland! But this breathtaking scenery only lasts a short period of time because the temperature is above the freezing point and the sun is peaking out!  (2/13/2023)

Orange Cattleya Orchid

I have had this Cattleya orchid from the Bucks County Orchid Society for a long time. I think it’s easy to grow. No matter what kind of condition, it blooms every winter faithfully! The young division plant also looks good. It’s a big sized orchid plant but has a compact cluster of orange flowers! Unfortunately, I don’t know its name.

1/16/2024

1/22/2024

1/26/2024

2/2/2024

7 small cluster flowers 2/2/2024

2/2/2024

2/2/2024

 

Winter Orchids Bloom - Two Oncidium Orchids

In this midwinter season, my sunroom (or Ikebana room) is showing some colors of orchid plants. There are not only two oncidium orchids in full bloom, but I also see some other orchid spikes too! 😊

1/26/2024

1/21/2024 oncidium

1/21/2024, cattleya

1/21/2024 phalaenopise spike 

Another Yellow Carnation and Purple Stock Arrangement

I made a couple of extra arrangements using left over carnation and stock. Carnations are a long lasting flower, but not the stock which is fading soon! For this arrangement I just added evergreen yew and drift wood. (1/18/2024)

Upright Style Nageire and Upright Style Morebana Variation No.3

The other two lessons are both Basic Upright Style variation No.3. The differences are the containers-- one is Nageire (tall vase), one is Moribana (suiban).  They are the same position of Shin (15 degrees at right), Soe (45 degrees at left), and Hikae (75 degrees at center). The three main stems are slightly forward in the front when you arrange them. We have been repeatedly doing basic style many times! Practice, practice makes perfect! 

Golden maple branch, carnation and nandina leaves 

Yew and rose / ceramic suiban 

1/19/2024 

2024 January Class Lessons Canceled Due to Bad Weather

We had accumulated snow on the ground (3 inches) for the first time in two years. It’s freezing cold with dangerous icy conditions! So, our class called for a cancellation the night before. I just stayed put and did the assigned arrangements at home. (1/16/2024)

The three assigned arrangements were: (1) Colors in Contrast, (2) Upright Style Moribana Variation No3, (3) Upright Style Nageire Variation No3. 

(1) Colors in Contrast: Carnation and Stock / porcelain vase 

Nandina and Ornamental Cabbage

My nandina bushes have a lot of berries this year.  They look very pretty in my backyard garden. Especially since there are no other colors but red from the berries this winter season! Also, I have only ornamental cabbages left. Why not make an arrangement just using them!? (1/6/2024)

 

Happy New Year - Welcome to The Year of 2024

Wishing you all the best- a happier, lovely and healthier new you!