The Northwest Flower and Garden Festival - Ikebana Arrangements

Ikebana (literally Living Flowers) is "a way of arranging flowers that was developed by the Japanese.  It was introduced in Japan in the sixth century by Chinese Buddhist missionaries, who had formalized the ritual of offering flowers to Buddha.  The art is based on the harmony of simple linear constructions and the appreciation fo the subtle beauty of flowers and natural material, such as branches and stems.  There are several major Ikebana schools, with differing histories and theories of artistic style.  In its highest form, this art form is spiritual and philosophical in nature, but in modern Japan, it is more often practiced as a sign of refinement by marriageable young women and older matrons." (Merriam-Webster)

Each year members of  The Seattle Chapter of Ikebana International create arrangements for the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival.  I admire the restraint and artistry of these arrangements.  Come along and enjoy this year's offerings.

Simply elegant. 

These stems were held together by a branch, partly split down the middle and wedged into the vase.  Pretty amazing.

I love the movement of the broom, the tall thin vase.  This was one of my favorites this year.

  Do you have a favorite?  

Can you believe that we've somehow made it to the end of February?   We've lived through the warmest January and coldest February on record.  Hopefully March will be kinder to gardens and gardeners in our part of the world.