Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | NXg | Friday Review | Cinema Plus | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

Ikebana delight: The predominant materials are bamboo sticks, coloured bamboo, Dressina leaves and Asia lilies in a colourful mixture.

In the arrangement being considered here, the predominant material are bamboo sticks, coloured bamboo, Dressina leaves and Asia lilies in a terracotta pot.

The theme ikebana enthusiast Ambika Chandrasekar had in mind was ‘colours of India,’ and consequently, the colour composition — green, gold and orange. “I tried to complement the earthy terracotta pot with the brown of the bamboo”, Ambika says. “When I made the arrangement, the bamboos were up straight, and not leaning to one side as they are in the image. Also, the yellow Asia lilies were placed at varying heights, to give a three-dimensional effect,” Ambika says. The bamboo sticks were wired around (with thin metal wires available at hardware shops) and placed snug into the terracotta pot.

Tall vases carry large arrangements well. One can also do a more horizontal interpretation with the same materials, by exploring alternative sizes and positioning, and perhaps, introducing a few new flower varieties.

“The strong lines of the bamboo are softened by the elegant curves of the Dressina, and the Asia lily flowers add an element of drama and focus to the composition,” Ambika says. While Ambika has used variegated Dressina here, brown and green Dressina varieties are also available. Dressina is grown commonly in gardens, while the yellow and orange Asia lilies may be obtained from the florist.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail