Two styles: rising form (vertical) and inclining form (slanting), using flowering branches (forced ahead of time)

Learn how to do two classic Ikebana arrangements with introduction to other styles of arrangements

Date: April 18th, 2026 Time: 1:30 pm until 3:30 pm

Location: St Timothy’s Presbyterian Church, 2400 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa

Cost: $50. To be paid by e-transfer to oharaottawa@gmail.com

Deadline to register or cancel registration: April 7th, 2026

Maximum number of participants: 12 persons

Please bring garden shears, a container 18 to 30 cm in diameter if round, or similar size if rectangular or square, and about 3 to 5 cm. deep.

If you have a Kenzan (also known as ‘frog’), please bring it. We will provide kenzan and/or container and scissors if needed.

Bring a plastic bag to protect your flowers and flowering branches when leaving.

To register or for information, call Marie-Eve at 819 592 6174 or email: laurence_place@hotmail.com

Our website: oharaottawa.com

This can be viewed by going to the Galleries in the menu, or clicking on https://oharaottawa.com/ohara-exhibition-japanese-embassy-october-4-5-2025/

Date: Saturday, November 29th at 2:00 PM

Location: St. Timothy’s Presbyterian Church,  2400 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, K1H 7N1

Cost: 25$ 

• For adults and children 8 years and up
• Maximum number of participants: 12 persons
• All materials and containers will be supplied
• Workshop will last about one and a half hours
• Please arrive at 1:45pm to start at 2pm 

For questions, call Marie-Eve: 819-592-6174 laurence_place@hotmail.com

To pay: e-transfer to oharaottawa@gmail.com

This year’s 41^st Annual Orchid Show, Orchidophilia, by the Ottawa Orchid Society was held at Algonquin College on April 26-27, 2025. Several members of the Ohara School of Ikebana, Ottawa Chapter exhibited, and their arrangements appear below. Terry Hodgins was important in organizing this event. We thank all who participated in this lavish event.

Visit the gallery of many of Lorian Roberts arrangements in the Gallery

Elizabeth Juri Armstrong, President, H.E Ambassador Yamanouchi, Wendy Juka Batson, Marie-Eve Fuki Coupal, Helen Jukai Westington

On the weekend of September 9-10, an Exhibition and workshop were organized by Cliff Shinju Byrnes and Gananoque members. Exhibitors set up at the O’Connor Gallery, 130 King Street, Gananoque, on Saturday afternoon. Six members from Ottawa made the trip from Ottawa. The arrangements were designed to complement works of artist Jana Traversy that were featured in the gallery.

After setting up, the exhibitors went to the nearby Anglican Parish Hall, 35 Princess Street for a potluck supper followed by a Kokedama workshop, which was interesting and a lot of fun! The workshop was a fundraiser for the Chapter.

The Ikebana and Shunga Exhibition and the Vernissage of the artist was held from 1:00-4:00 on September 10^th.  It was well attended and attracted a lot of interest.

The weekend was very enjoyable for all.

Notes:

Website of O’Connor Gallery is https://all-opening-hours.ca/04239073/O%E2%80%99Connor_Gallery

Website of Jana Traversy: https://janatraversy.com/

Note on Kokedama: Kokedama literally translates from “koke” meaning moss and “dama” meaning ball. This moss ball has experienced a resurgence as a modern art form useful for uniquely presented plants and flowers. It is a form of Japanese garden art that is centuries old and tied into the practice of bonsai. It is an accent to that mode of plant display where a moss ball is the focal and supporting point for a sculpted tree or plant. The moss ball is fixed to a platform or suspended from string with the plant growing out from the sphere. Read more at Gardening Know How: What Is A Kokedama: Tips On Making Kokedama Moss Balls https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/making-kokedama-moss-balls.htm

On July 28, Ambassador Yamanouchi conferred upon Ms. Grace Tomiko Furuya the decoration of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays at a ceremony held at the official residence of the Ambassador.
 
Ms. Grace Tomiko Furuya contributed to promoting Ikebana in Canada, having founded the Ikebana International Ottawa Centennial Chapter in 1967, served as President of the Ikebana International Ottawa Centennial Chapter from 1974 to 1975, and established the Ohara School of Ikebana Ottawa Chapter. Furthermore, she dedicated herself to friendly relations between Japan and Canada.
 
At the ceremony, Ambassador Yamanouchi delivered a congratulatory address before conferring the certificate of award and decoration to Ms. Grace Tomiko Furuya, which was followed by Ms. Furuya’s acceptance speech. Full text and pictures can be seen at https://www.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/Conferment_Grace_Furuya.html