Less is more: Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement

Less is more: Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement

Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangements and part of the Japanese arts of refinement. Deeply influenced by Buddhism, it counts numerous schools, with patterns and styles constantly evolving. I first discovered Ikebana when I trained as a florist and at the time, I thought of it as a sort of mindfulness practice. And I still do.

The opposite of a typical British style of flower arrangement where you “pack” the varieties and as many stems as you can fit in the vase, Ikebana is about “less is more”.

 

It’s about creating a visual impact through balance, proportions and shape, with a limited number of flowers. I particularly like the vertical style of Ikebana arrangements. It gives height and presence to a space and works very well in areas where you are limited with the use of surfaces.

 Our Ikebana influenced arrangements use our faux flowers and plants which are selected for their realism, as well as preserved moss. They last for years to come making a small investment go further!

 

Start by choosing your container. The shape and size are key and will dictate the elements you need for the perfect arrangement. Choose 2 or 3 branches, stems or leaves that will give you different textures. Pick your flowers. Colour is important but not necessarily the focus of your creation. Remember that is all about shape, balance and proportions. Let yourself guided by the shape and size of your container. And I always use moss. Think of your arrangement as a snapshot of a garden.