How nature blessed us this year
Only 6 days left this year. It’s time to reflect on the whole year and prepare myself to welcome the new year.
I looked through photos of Ikebana arrangements I created this year and selected my favorite 10. I’ve been practicing Ikebana for over 20 years, but this is the first time I looked back at my arrangements like this.
Nature has blessed us with a variety of colors, shapes, and textures. Let’s give nature our deepest gratitude and hope for the best in 2023!
The first one is forsythia. I planted it in the backyard several years ago, and now it’s growing wild. It’s always a delight to see the bright yellow very early in the spring.
Forsythia, Spirea, Lisianthus: Photo by Author Akemi Sagawa
Tulips are hard to arrange because the stems move around even after they are cut. I wanted to capture their free spirit as if they were dancing.
Tulips and baby breath: Photo by Author Akemi Sagawa
This type of magnolia blooms way before leaves come out. The graceful branches with light pink flowers looked as if they wanted to fly.
Magnolia and Ranunculus: Photo by Author Akemi Sagawa
Rhododendron is the flower of Washington State.
Rhododendron: Photo by Author Akemi Sagawa
Different shades of green are beautiful enough.
Monstera, Horsetail: Photo by Author Akemi Sagawa
Gorgeous peony as a focal point of the horizontally spreading arrangement
Peony, Bellflower, Mustard, Spirea: Photo by Author Akemi Sagawa
Less is more.
Sun Flower: Photo by Author Akemi Sagawa
The autumn has arrived.
Chinese Lantern, Panpus Grass, Mums: Photo by Author Akemi Sagawa
Celebrate Color of Diversity: Photo by Author Akemi Sagawa
Dried leaves get a second life with gold spray paint
Palm leaves, Hypericum, Carnation: Photo by Author Akemi Sagawa