Zurich Chapter ＃214　Switzerland

April 4th, 2025
Demonstration　 Workshop
On this beautiful and mild spring day, 12 Ikebana enthusiasts found their way to the Zurich-Enge parish hall and were warmly welcomed by Carmen Rothmayr.
The workshop theme was ‘Creative play with roots,’ and participants were treated to a fantastic selection of roots in all shapes and sizes (all collected by Carmen herself in Ticino) as well as a colorful variety of flowers and leaves.
However, before we got started, Carmen explained and demonstrated helpful tips for the different ways of fixing roots in the arrangement: securing it with a kenzan / clamping technique without a kenzan, placing or hanging it directly on the container and so on.
In order to fix a root using a kenzan and bring it into the desired angle/direction, a wooden pin or wire is often needed and attached to the root. Carmen also brought along various drills for this purpose and demonstrated the best way to attach wire or pins.
After a brief review of the general principles of ikebana and the ‘key points’ of a freestyle arrangement, it was time to select the materials. The participants asked themselves the following questions:
Which root best suits my vase? How do I secure it? What do I want to represent/express? What kind of flowers and/or leaves complement the arrangement?
And then we got started, working diligently and with concentration, drilling and fixing, in emergencies with Carmen’s help.
12 wonderful, very different freestyle arrangements were created, which were examined and commented on before being photographed.
It was a very interesting workshop. Participants thoroughly enjoyed the design process, learned a lot about fixing, balances, and focus, and went home satisfied and happy. Many thanks, dear Carmen!
Due to the high level of interest, Carmen agreed to offer an additional workshop at her studio in Küsnacht on April 5th, where four more people had a chance to participate.

October 10th, 2025
Demonstration　 Workshop
On this beautiful autumn day, ten people gathered to immerse themselves in the theme of autumn. Martha Bachmann and Dominique Landolt from the Kagei Adachi Ryu Ikebana School and workshop leaders, brought along various beautiful materials for us to use in two very different autumn arrangements.
First, Dominique explained and demonstrated the ‘Autumn and Fruit’ arrangement. In this arrangement, the branches should display berries and can be without foliage (e.g. rosehip, hawthorn, or privet with black berries). Flowers (e.g. dahlias) are added. The main line/main feature of the arrangement, which in this case consists of three branches, stands out particularly well. One of the branches is cut so that a side shoot forms a triangle/window with another branch. The cut can be shown explicitly here.
Martha then presented the arrangement ‘Autumn Wind’. Unusual for Adachi, up to five different materials were used here. The arrangement is intended to ‘capture’ the south-westerly wind that often occurs in Japan in autumn. The main branches are kept rather low, with a beautiful bend to the side and forward to show movement and convey the feeling of the wind blowing through the arrangement. With great enthusiasm and joy the participants created their autumn Ikebana according to either of above-mentioned topics.
Once all participants had completed their arrangements, the workshop leaders evaluated each arrangement. Once this was done, all the arrangement were photographed and will be presented on our website.
After tidying up, there was time for a chat, to celebrate friendship through flowers and to enjoy the drinks and snacks provided.
A big thank you to Martha and Dominique for this great workshop!