GENERAL MEETING MAY 14TH

At the general meeting on Tuesday 14th May Jo Tanaka-King gave a fascinating talk about Japanese crafts, focusing especially on the history of ceramics, bamboo basketry and lacquer ware. Jo leads tours to Japan on a regular basis.

Some members created beautiful autumnal arrangements, with many using favorite containers from Japan.

(The eleven photographs in this post are by courtesy of Christopher James, and are covered by copyright).

SUMMER 2013

Summer was the theme for our meeting on 12th February. 

Aiko Nakada did a beautifully tranquil landscape arrangement, typical of the Ohara school, featuring water lilies.

Melbourne Ikebana will be participating at .......

The preparations for the upcoming Family Day at Como Gardens to be held on the 17th February at their beautiful grounds in The Basin, is well under way.

Melbourne Ikebana will be participating with demonstrations and a display.   Many visitors are expected and this gives Melbourne Ikebana a wonderful opportunity to display this art to people who may be new to the concept of Ikebana.

Rainy Day Books at the roundabout in the Basin has already set up their window display featuring an Ikebana flower arrangement surrounded by books dealing with the subject.

(Photographs are covered by Copyright, R-PB)

Coming Events

Our first meeting for 2013 will be at 10.30 am on Tuesday 12th February at Toorak Uniting Church Hall, 603 Toorak Road, Toorak.  Visitors welcome.

There will also be an opportunity to hear Rosemary Parry-Brock explain the Ikebana Melbourne Blog on this day - what it's aim is and how to navigate it without hassle.  Rosemary will answer any of your questions.  If you have any suggestions you would like to offer as to how we can make our blog a glowing showcase for our activities and work, then take advantage of this opportunity.    It's YOUR blog, so your creative suggestions will enhance it's presence on the internet.

Please bring a summer arrangement.

In Christopher James' arrangement below he has used material sparingly (as befits our depleted gardens at this time of year) and water is a feature.  (The photo attached comes with Chris' permission).

Christmas Arrangements

Emily Karanikolopoulos' striking arrangement for Christmas  uses the traditional combination of red, green and white materials. Green pine needles are also used in Japan to give an auspicious touch to New Year celebrations.

Celebrating the Season!

Over the next few weeks there will be many beautiful arrangements created by members to celebrate the season.

Why not send a photo of your piece for inclusion on the blog?

Recently, Lara Telford ( Sogetsu school) helped a group of Japanese children, aged between 4 and 10 years, with arrangements of pine, snapdragons and misty to herald the New Year.

Programme for 2013

Our first meeting will be on Tuesday, February 12, 2013.   This will include summer arrangements featuring water.  

Rosemary Parry-Brock will also be discussing the Ikebana Melbourne blog.   If you have any questions or suggestions regarding the blog, please take advantage of the opportunity of bringing these to the meeting.

Fund Raising Day on February Sunday 17th at Como Gardens, The Basin.   Keep tuned for more information about this great event.

NATIONAL RHODODENDRON GARDENS

The recent Ikebana displays and demonstrations at the National Rhododendron Gardens in Olinda on the 23rd September were spectacular.

Ferny Creek Flower Show - September 2012

Here are some of the beautiful Ikebana arrangements at the recent Ferny Creek Flower Show. These arrangements were by members of the Ikebana International Sogetsu school.

The Large Cart (shown below) was arranged by Pat Hetrel and Joy Manie.