Chrysanthemum and Horsetail

This is from a wiring technique workshop by Joan “Yusui” Suzuki and Ron “Kodo” Brown, which is organized by the Sogetsu San Francisco Bay Area Branch. Using thick-gauge floral wires, chrysanthemum, horsetail, and hand-torn birds of paradise foliage are bent. It took some serious elbow grease 💪 Materials: Chrysanthemum (Baltazar …

Bamboo & Washi

This bamboo structure was made during a Sogetsu class.  It’s a signature craft taught by Katsuko Sensei, where we glue washi (Japanese rice paper) to midollino (rattan sticks) and assemble them into irregular triangles. Watching her split bamboo into sixths with a traditional bamboo splitter was fascinating.  Floral materials are …

Drizzling Rain in Manhattan

I was pleasantly surprised by the beautifully maintained plants all over Manhattan during my work trip this week. At Washington Square, hundreds …

Kofuji Wisteria and Cosmos

These are ‘Psyche Mix’ cosmos that I grew from seeds.  I love their soft, ruffled petals. I arranged them simply in an …

Sunflowers and Palm Sheaths

Sunflowers are fast-growing annuals that thrive in full sun with regular watering. This arrangement, inspired by a beach vacation, features two ornamental …

Magnolia in Okura Toen Tsubo

Magnolia grandiflora, or Southern Magnolia, is known for its large, white flowers and pleasant lemon scent. These blooms are arranged in a …

Zinnas from Floret Flower Farm

First time growing zinnias from seeds!  I ordered the seeds from Floret Flower Farm, expecting the double-petal ‘Precious Metals’ variety, but they …

Sunflower

Sunflowers grow quickly from seeds if you water them frequently and plant them in full sun. scientific name: Helianthus annuus cultivar:  Autumn …

Bouquets to Art 2024

I attended Patricia Gillespie’s presentation at Bouquets to Art this year. She is renowned for her botanical sculptures of all sizes. It …