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Elizabeth demonstrating how to arrange gladioli in a tall ceramic vase
We met for our first workshop in 2025 on Sunday February 9 in the Khandallah Presbyterian Church, 33 Ganges Road.
Elizabeth lead our first workshop demonstrating three ways to arrange gladioli in our ikebana. Members were asked to think of ways to showcase these majestic flowers and use either moribana or nageire containers to do so.
Takako demonstrating flowers for New Year
Our last workshop for the year was held in the Khandallah Presbyterian Church Hall on Sunday, December 1st. The workshop was taken by Takako Oshima on Celebration Flowers. There are several textbook arrangements for celebrations as often we arrange ikebana when guests are coming. A Christmas or New Year arrangement is appropriate for this time of year, or maybe a wedding celebration or Christening this summer.
Takako provided special notes about Ikebana for New Year:
In Japan, New Year's arrangement is the most popular arrangements for celebrations. New Year’s arrangements typically include auspicious items such as pine, sacred berries like senryou (Christmas berry), and nanten (nandina), along with kiku (chrysanthemums), which are believed to have medicinal properties promoting longevity. As you select the materials and vase for your arrangement, I hope you will consider what occasion or celebration the flowers will represent, reflecting on the meaning and significance behind the choice.
Book 5 tells us “Make an arrangement to express the wholehearted feeling of celebration”. And “Never forget that arrangements for celebrations are made primarily for showing your congratulatory feelings to the recipients”
Book 5, lesson 11 Arrangements for Celebrations
Book 4, lesson 19 Specific Scenes, Occasions or Spaces
Book 1, lesson 20 and Book 2, lesson 20 Special Materials and Arrangements for Festive Occasions.
Helen arranged a sunflower in a tall vase and delphiniums in a contrasting low container
Our November workshop was held on Sunday 10th November in the Hall at Khandallah Presbyterian Church. Helen lead an interesting workshop demonstrating, One arrangement using Two or more Containers. She guided members with the following suggestions:
There are several textbook arrangements using 2 or more containers: Book 2, lessons 17, 18 and 19 and Book 3, lesson 4.
We usually look for containers that match in shape or size for this, but challenge yourself to use containers of different shapes and sizes, or perhaps use one of the containers as a sculptural element rather than a vase for flowers. The material in each container can be used to co-ordinate or contrast the containers.
