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IKEBANA
FOR EARLY SUMMER

Join us for a peaceful and inspiring floral design experience exploring the ancient Japanese art of Ikebana. This month we are honored to feature the Kado Sensho Ikenobo School, a distinguished tradition known for its deep respect for Ikebana’s rich history and its emphasis on simple, elegant designs that allow each designer to express their individuality. Participants will learn about the philosophy and traditions of the Ikenobo style while practicing how to create harmonious, balanced arrangements using exclusively natural materials. The demonstration theme, “Early Summer Rain,” reflects the quiet beauty of flowers after a summer storm—petals softened and bent by the rain, imperfect yet still deeply beautiful. Inspired by this moment in nature, participants will explore how simplicity, balance, and natural form can express both resilience and creativity, letting the flowers themselves guide the design process.

Fees: Member $51, Non-Member $64

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 [email protected] or call 804-262-9887 x328 and we will make our best effort to help.

Register Member $51

Register Non-Member $64

Date:
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Time:
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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Event Details

All materials are provided. Bring your favorite clippers/garden shears.

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

Kado Sensho Ikenobo was founded in 1930 by Yudo Moroizumi, the great-grandfather of current Iemoto, Yoriko Moroizumi. Sensho Ikenobo supports a quick and simple ikebana that fits the modern lifestyle, and that evolves flexibly with the times. Designs use only natural plant materials, thus enhancing their beauty.

Elizabeth Biddle began her practice of Kado Sensho Ikenobo in Okinawa, Japan under Keiko Nakajima Robins, Head of the Okinawa Seika Branch of Sensho Ikenobo, earning a teaching certification. Once home in the USA, she taught ikebana at a local time-share in Alexandria, Virginia, until she moved overseas; this time to Italy. On moving once again to Virginia, she was unable to locate a Sensei to continue her practice in Sensho, and so began the practice of Ikenobo with Sensei Elizabeth Berry. She has since returned to Kado Sensho Ikenobo to continue her practice and further certification with Sensei Margy Metzler. She is a founding member of the Kei-Ran Chapter in the USA.

Elizabeth is currently a member of Ikebana of Richmond and I.I. Washington, D.C., Chapter #1, where she has served as President and Secretary. During her time in Okinawa, she was a member of I.I. Okinawa Chapter #10, where she served as President of the Foreign Side. 2019–2024 she served as I.I. NCAR Advocate for the East Area. Since 2023, she has been working to establish Ikebana as part of the Anime Conventions. In addition, she is a Navy Arlington Volunteer, serving monthly at Arlington National Cemetery in support of Navy families, on behalf of the Chief of Naval Operations. She is widowed and parent to Service Dog, Sophie.