Connect with Nature and Discover the Beauty of Imperfection with Ikebana: The Japanese Art of Flower Arranging

Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, is more than placing flowers in a vase; it's a way to reconnect with nature and embrace imperfections.

Ikebana is the Japanese traditional art of flower arrangement. “ike (ikeru 生ける)” means to give life or to arrange and “bana (hana 花, )” means flower. It translates as "giving life to flowers" or "arranging flowers". However, ikebana is more than just placing flowers in a vase. Through the creation of ikebana arrangements, life can be given back to flowers and branches that have been cut or plucked from the earth.

In Japan there are over 1 000 different ikebana schools (Ryu’s) that teach different styles of ikebana. However, no matter which ikebana school you belong to we all follow the same underlying philosophy, that through ikebana we can develop a closer affinity with nature.

My process of creating an ikebana arrangement begins long before I sit down to arrange. I often think of ikebana as a slow, mindful process. It begins with carefully selecting branches and flowers. Long mindful walks in the woods, or a morning stroll with my dog are peaceful moments I use to reflect on nature and the ever-changing seasons. This quiet time for reflection can also result in bursts of creativity. In Autumn, I am drawn to the leaves underfoot, and I always have a bag on hand to collect beautifully coloured leaves for future arrangements.

In our fast-paced, technology-driven, ever-changing world, ikebana provides me with time to be calm, tranquil and to reconnect with the natural world. By studying ikebana, I have been able to fine tune my senses and develop a deep awareness of nature. Being immersed in nature through ikebana provides me with the opportunity for mindfulness, to be grounded in the present and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life. Ikebana has enabled me to focus on the present and enabled me to be aware of not only my influence on nature, but also nature’s influence on me.

Through ikebana I have learned to embrace not only the imperfections of nature but also its impermanence. It has enabled me to appreciate and notice the beauty of small details, such as the gradual discolouration of leaves as summer turns to Autumn.

For me, the most beautiful and intriguing flowers are often those that are imperfect. They are often the flowers discarded by others. I find beauty in twisted and contorted stems, or in leaves partly devoured by insects. These imperfections are the result of nature’s impact on nature.

In my Domestika course “Ikebana: Flower Arrangement for Beginners” we will delve into the traditional art of Japanese flower arranging. I will take you on a journey through the history of this ancient art form, presenting the world of ikebana’s impermanent beauty, and guide you in the creation of two ikebana arrangements.

You don’t need expensive vases or have access to bountiful florist shops to enjoy ikebana. In this course I will show you how everyday items from the kitchen can be transformed into beautiful ikebana vases. Take time out from the hustle and bustle, reconnect with nature, and join me in discovering the beauty of ikebana.

As a gift to you, I have compiled a small glossary of the main ikebana terms to help you on this new creative journey.