Garden Club hosts Japanese flower arranging demo

The Garden Club of Austin will host a presentation by Gregory Gaiser on “Ikebana,” a Japanese art of flower arranging on Feb. 28, at 7 p.m., at the Zilker Botanical Gardens Auditorium, 2220 Barton Springs Road. The presentation is free and open to the public. 

Gaiser will demonstrate how to create several Ikebana arrangements following  the ancient Japanese art that incorporates principles of line, movement, open space, and focal point. Also known as Kado, the tradition dates back to the seventh century when floral arrangements were made for alters. Later, the same floral arrangements were placed in a built-in recessed spaces, called a toko, in private homes.

“The main objective of making ikebana floral arrangements is not to create decorations,” Sher Neely, of the Garden Club of Austin said. “but rather a period of reflection, during which time seems to stand still for the artist. The spiritual aspect, is the most important element of Ikebana.”

Light refreshments will be served, and we will have social time from seven to seven-thirty,” Neely said. “All are welcome—gardening newbies to seasoned gardeners alike. And if you are new to Central Texas, this club is a great place to get helpful information on what to successfully plant and grow in your yard or on your patio or balcony.”

The Garden Club of Austin is also making plans for its annual Plant/Flower Show & Sale on June 1 and 2 at the Zilker Botanical Garden Auditorium. “We hope to have some beautiful Ikebana on display on those days,” Neely said.

For more information on membership and The Garden Club of Austin, visit: TheGardenClubofAustin.org.