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INTRODUCTION TO THE
SOGETSU SCHOOL OF IKEBANA

This course is designed to introduce the student to the Sogetsu School of Ikebana, founded in 1927 by Sofu Teshigahara with the motto that Sogetsu Ikebana can be created anytime, anywhere, by anyone in any part of the world, and with any materials. The Sogetsu School, one of the most contemporary schools of Ikebana, follows the core principle that, “Ikebana reflects the person who arranged it”. Flowers no matter how beautiful come from nature and these natural materials are used to create beauty with our feelings. Basic artistic elements of line, color, mass, space, tension, harmony and balance are all used in the creation of Sogetsu Ikebana. In this class, students will create a Basic Upright Style Moribana Arrangement using flower and branch material. Students will learn the proper placement of the kenzan in the container and the placement of 3 main stems along with supporting stems on the kenzan. Students will learn how space creates artistic tension and how to create depth for harmony and balance in the arrangement. This arrangement reflects a key principle in Ikebana, “Less is more” that is characterized by using fewer stems to highlight the natural beauty of each flower and branch.

Fees: Member $50, Non-Member $60

All programs are subject to change. Pre-registration through our website is required.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden strives to be a Garden for all and we are committed to offering diverse adult learning opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all learners. If you would like to request an accommodation to support your participation in an adult learning opportunity at the Garden, please contact Meganc@lewisginter.org or call 804-262-9887 x320 and we will make our best effort to help.

Register Member $50

Register Non-Member $60

Date:
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Time:
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Event Details

All floral materials provided. Please bring clippers and a bucket for carrying materials home, phone for photographing final arrangement, and pad for note taking.

GES: FD, 2, elective*

*This class offers 2 hours of elective credit toward the Garden Education Series: Floral Design Certificate. Non-certificate students are welcome. All levels welcome.

About the Instructor

Libby Haynes began studying Sogetsu Ikebana in 2006 with Etsuko Phillips. She continued her study with Frances Jackson, Beth Gillispie, and Jane Redmon until 2020. She currently studies with Kika Shibata, Riji and West Coast Regional Director of the Sogetsu School. Mrs. Haynes became certified as a teacher in the Sogetsu School in 2012 and currently holds the rank of Jonin Somu. Her practice of Ikebana is an outgrowth of her passion for art and flowers developed at an early age.

Mrs. Haynes is a past President and active member of Ikebana of Richmond. She has served on the Board of Directors since 2008. In 2012, she served as the Ikebana of Richmond Liaison on the Centennial Celebration of the Japanese Garden Committee at Maymont Gardens and currently serves on the Virginia Museum Fine Arts and Flowers Committee. She has exhibited Taisaku arrangements on numerous occasions at Maymont Gardens, the Library of Virginia and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. She has also exhibited arrangements at many Ikebana events.

In 2024, Mrs. Haynes was honored to have two of her arrangements published in the most recent book by Stichting Kunstboek ‘Music Inspires Ikebana’.

Mrs. Haynes is a member of the Sogetsu School, Tokyo, Japan,
Ikebana International Chapter 1 Washington DC and Ikebana International Chapter 71 Philadelphia PA, Sogetsu Branches in Washington DC, Boston, Massachusetts, and San Jose, California. She is also a member of the Sogetsu Brandywine Study Group, Wilmington DE.
When she is not teaching or studying Ikebana, Mrs. Haynes enjoys gardening and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren Evelyn and Ben.

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