Katsuko “Biko” Thielke sensei hosted a beautiful flower show at her home last weekend. Her thirty some students participated, and it was fun to meet many of the exhibitors for the first time. The show’s themes were focused on curved or straight lines, as well as complementary or contrasting colors. …
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 …
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 …
These are ‘Psyche Mix’ cosmos that I grew from seeds. I love their soft, ruffled petals. I arranged them simply in an …
Sunflowers are fast-growing annuals that thrive in full sun with regular watering. This arrangement, inspired by a beach vacation, features two ornamental …
Magnolia grandiflora, or Southern Magnolia, is known for its large, white flowers and pleasant lemon scent. These blooms are arranged in a …
First time growing zinnias from seeds! I ordered the seeds from Floret Flower Farm, expecting the double-petal ‘Precious Metals’ variety, but they …
I learned a new technique for weaving leaves from Katsuko Sensei. This yellow Hybrid Tea Rose called St. Patrick does not bloom …
As a gardener, you witness global warming firsthand every year. Herbaceous peonies need a period of cold winter days to bloom in …
A compote is a perfect vase to showcase a natural-looking arrangement because materials can spread and cascade. These sweet peas (Saltwater Taffy …
