In the summer, we get the bright yellow-orange berries of the Mountain Ash and sunflowers! We combine them with some pruned branches from our wisteria vine.
I hope you like it. —Miyako
My Ikebana: One Gerbera
An arrangement using only 1 gerbera flower that matched the flower container’s colour.
I hope you like it. —Miyako
My Ikebana: Coat Hanger
“#32 Green bamboo tubes and simple rustic jars also make the best containers.
青竹の筒やタネ壺も最高の花器。
The combination of materials and a container is one of the basic aspects of ikebana. This principle indicates the importance of developing an eye for discoveries and ideas for containers. Ordinary items that we rarely notice may suddenly appeal to us with gleaming possibilities. Look around to find unconventional containers in the diversity of common, everyday items and tools as well as wood, stones, and iron.”
It's summer and the coat hanger is standing bare with no coats. So why not use it as a flower fixture? We carefully nestled an otoshi container to hold the flowers and water!
I hope you like it. —Miyako
My Ikebana: Dried Hosta
The contrast between dried and green material makes for an interesting arrangement! The dried leaves are hosta. The green ones are Solomon’s Seals. And you can see a bit of Dianthus Green Trick peeking from the back!
I hope you like it. —Miyako
My Ikebana: Backyard Weigela
The weigela growing in our backyard was in full bloom.
We thought we’d share some of its pretty branches in this simple arrangement at the shop!
I hope you like it. —Miyako
My Ikebana: Looping Lily Grass
Lily Grass wrapped around the container!
I hope you like it. —Miyako
My Ikebana: Apple Blossoms
The apple trees are blooming! Here is an arrangement with only apple branches.
I hope you like it. —Miyako
My Ikebana: Swaying In The Wind
Here is a simple arrangement that shows motion, as if the branches are being swayed by a strong gust of wind.
I hope you like it. —Miyako
Spring Blooms In Japan
Spring time is a wonderful time to be in Japan. Apart from the sakura, there are many more beautiful blooms coming out. Let us show you two places we visited this year.
The Baby Blue Eyes (Nemophila) field at the Musashi Kyuryo Shinrin National Park (国営武蔵丘陵森林公園) or just “Shinrin Koen” as the locals would normally refer to it. Of course, the Nemophila field at the Hitachi Seaside Park (Ibaraki Prefecture) is bigger and more famous; but still, the one at Shinrin Koen is also a glorious sight!
The wisteria of Tamashiki Shrine (玉敷神社). The shrine was founded in 703. The wisteria dates back about 400 years!
The Ohara Ikebana Exhibition Apr-2024
The wonderful thing about being in Japan is that there are many ikebana-related events happening year-round.
We were fortunate to be in Tokyo when the Ohara Ikebana exhibition was happening at the Takashimaya Shinjuku department store (Apr 11-16, 2024).
Please enjoy some of the exquisite works at the exhibition!
