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ivanandtomoko, Page 2

Happy Halloween 2024

Eucalyptus is a versatile material, especially during dry weather when blooms are scarce. With Halloween just around the corner, this arrangement highlights the seasonal charm of eucalyptus by using its bark, fruits, and foliage. It is a fun way to bring nature indoors for the spooky season. Materials: Eucalyptus (Blue …

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 of Japanese anemones danced in the light rain. I chatted with a Rockefeller Center gardener while he was meticulously deadheading flowers in planter boxes. It is always inspiring …

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 …

St. Patrick with Leaf Weaving

I learned a new technique for weaving leaves from Katsuko Sensei. This yellow Hybrid Tea Rose called St. Patrick does not bloom …