Using my own flowers in my ikebana work is so rewarding to me. I give my time and care to the plants by planting , feeding and watering them. In return the plants provide beautiful blooms and foliage for me to use. It’a great relationship that I never tire of. Our warm temperatures the last few days (three 80 degree days in a row) have brought so many things into bloom that it’s hard to keep up with it all. I spotted the camellia blooming this evening and just had to use it. So far this is the only camellia plant I have, and I would love to have lots more. I’ve spotted so many in the neighborhood this spring, I didn’t know Brookland had so many varieties of camellias. I can’t wait to get some seeds started and to add some new plants to the garden. So for now enjoy this ikebana with camellia and dried sunflowers(from last summer’s garden).