
For several years (decades, now) I have been saying, “Ikebana is better than therapy.” The first time those words escaped my lips I was in a lesson with several others who agreed wholeheartedly. Since that time, I have wanted to write a book, or at least an essay, about the therapeutic benefits of Ikebana. Now, I know that it is a worthy topic; maybe my book will be at least twice as long.
In a final offering here, the container is not from the Ichiyo School, but it is unique in that it can be placed on the bottom for a low or flat moribana arrangement or on the side for a taller, upright arrangement.


A leafy green nageire arrangement with a
modified Ti leaf, braided aspidistra, and
kale. The yellow line of the Dracaena leaf
adds a subtle stream of color.
modified Ti leaf, braided aspidistra, and
kale. The yellow line of the Dracaena leaf
adds a subtle stream of color.
Leaves abound, even at the green grocer and the farmer’s market. Napa cabbage leaves form the base of this arrangement with one yucca leaf serving as the main line material. Shades of green in a simple bowl are so tranquil.
NB: The yucca plant is the New Mexico state flower. It grows wild, but is often used in xeric landscaping throughout the Southwestern region of the United States. http://www.netstate.com/states/symb/flowers/nm_yucca_flower.htm
NB: The yucca plant is the New Mexico state flower. It grows wild, but is often used in xeric landscaping throughout the Southwestern region of the United States. http://www.netstate.com/states/symb/flowers/nm_yucca_flower.htm