On a warm, sunny August afternoon, more than 40 people gathered to learn more about the Ichiyo School’s modern approach to the Japanese art of Ikebana. This particular school is widely considered to be one of the more challenging, contemporary forms of Ikebana.

Harpswell Garden Club members and guests learned about this design philosophy from Sandra Leonard, a master flower show judge and chair of the Garden Club Federation of Maine’s Judges Council. Sandra offered a running commentary while assembling several designs in a variety of containers. Her sense of humor came through as she explained the techniques she uses to create the stunning designs.

Sandra adjusts a flower stem in one of the Ikebana designs

Sandra Leonard with an assortment of containers used in her designs, including driftwood

Preparing to use the driftwood for an arrangement