Ikebana exhibition at FLORIADE, World Horticultural Expo, Venlo, The Netherlands----August 2012

Floriade takes place every 10 years; it is an opportunity for many countries to show their horticultural products and expertise during a period of 6 months.

Ikebana International was honoured to be a guest of the Japan Booth in August 2012 and 4 schools of Ikebana in the Netherlands were proud to be able to present their arrangements from 27-31 August.

Ikenobo Chapter Nederland was particularly privileged with the use of the teahouse, where three arrangements were exhibited, followed by other arrangements made during demonstrations. The Japanese staff, which managed the booth, was extremely helpful, efficient and friendly. In these 5 days more than 18.000 visitors walked past the arrangements and many questions were asked and answered. We are certain we made many flower-friends and we hope more people will become Ikebana enthusiasts in the near future! Thank you for hosting us, Floriade-Japan!

Our team looking into the teahouse

Rikka shofutai, Shoka shimputai and Jiyuka on their pedestals

                                    

                                                               At times the Japan Booth got very busy

The structure of the hall is like a greenhouse and many flowers (placed under spot lights) wilted rapidly because of the temperatures. As the week progressed, I replaced the Do (mid section) first and later also the Shin and Uke (Agapanthus) of my Rikka.  The Shoka and Jiyuka of my teammates were more heatproof

A counter tracked the number of visitors to the Japan Booth

The space behind the teahouse where other Ikebana was exhibited

Floriade souvenir: thanks Anne-Riet and Jenneke!