The Negros Occidental Garden Club held its March General Assembly recently at the Acacia Hotel, Bacolod City, hosted by the Cadena de Amor Group under chair Wilma Nakhai.
The highlight of the gathering was a special lecture by Bacolod-based garden designer, floral articulturist and artist Doreen Dofitas, who introduced members to the philosophy and practice of Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement.
In her talk, Ikebana Reflections, Dofitas emphasized that Ikebana is more than arranging flowers — it is a disciplined art form that expresses harmony between nature, space and the human spirit. She guided members through its origins and evolution, explaining how different schools and styles have shaped the practice over centuries.
Key principles such as minimalism, asymmetry and the Japanese concept of “ma” (space) were explored, showing how balance, emptiness and natural irregularity contribute meaning and focus to each composition. She also demonstrated how everyday materials — recycled containers, branches, paper and other found objects — can be transformed into artistic elements, underscoring creativity and sustainability in modern Ikebana.
The lecture resonated deeply with the club, reflecting a broader trend: Ikebana is gaining a dedicated following in the Philippines, where active chapters of major Japanese schools and local enthusiasts have embraced its meditative and minimalist approach.
Globally, Ikebana is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, valued not only as a cultural tradition but also as a modern practice for stress relief, creative expression and bringing nature into interior spaces.
For the Negros Occidental Garden Club, the lecture was more than an introduction to a foreign art form — it was an invitation to see beauty in unexpected places and to cultivate harmony in everyday surroundings.
The event reinforced the club’s commitment to continuous learning and appreciation of diverse horticultural traditions, while celebrating the artistry and innovation of its members.*
[sibwp_form id=1]