Flowers as Art

A very dear long-time friend has reached teacher level in  "Ikebana, " Japanese flower arranging.

For the past 30 years, she has faithfully taken classes in Western Massachusetts. They are taught by a Japanese native who helps students turn flower arrangements into art.

Lucky for our household, my friend often comes by after class and leaves the arrangements she's created. She said she's learned so much more than just arranging flowers. The classes teach how to have an eye for beauty, color combinations, the relationship of space to flower, patience, and so forth.

In the Western style arrangement she brought this week, bright yellow spider mums resemble Fourth of July fireworks!  They literally burst with beauty. 

In addition to greenery, she also added deep pink "Alstroeneria."  They are lush and exotic looking. The stamens inside the flowers look like elongated trumpets, delicate and unique.

Placed in a crystal vase, the Ikebana Western arrangement is giving a great deal of joy and adding a touch of flower art to our kitchen counter.

HAVE YOU HEARD OF IKEBANA?