Of all the garden designs, arrangements and pollinators we study, our Wednesday, May 14, meeting of the Plantation Garden Club checked all my favorite boxes.
Meeting at Malvina Anderson’s home, our lovely hostess invited us into a sunlit room for our program, “From Japan, with Love.”
You may have guessed that our program topic was ikebana.
Prior to the program, Cindy Pennington treated us to an informative pollinator study on butterflies. I couldn’t help but remember how we watched the Monarch spread their wings just two years prior as we watched them in our hands before they took their first flight.
Cindy reminded us which plants to attract and feed our beauties that seemed so fitting to the graceful style of our ikebana program given by ikebana Master Julie Wilson from Memphis.
We were briefly instructed on the importance of line and “Ma,” the open space left between plant life in design, and the importance of simplicity, asymmetry and balance.
Julie had three arrangements for examples emphasizing these principles.
Next we took a tour of the Anderson backyard which features one of Sumner’s gems of serenity and spirituality, an authentic Japanese teahouse and garden.
Desaix Anderson, a Sumner native, built the tea house and garden bringing his love and eastern experience home. Desaix served four years as deputy chief of mission in Tokyo under Ambassador Mike Mansfield. Prior to his death in 2021, Desaix was actively working with others to bring the love of art to our community. His family continues to honor his loving, kind and giving spirit.
To continue with the Japanese theme, cohostesses Lyn Gates and Julia Turnipseed served cheesecake, a favorite of the Japanese. We were treated to a magnificent salmon with cucumber as well as cucumber sandwiches and, of course, we had tea.
Certificates were shared showing Deep South first place yearbook award for clubs with 20-29 members. With planning from President Lyn Gates and other committee members, just taking this one meeting as an example, shows how each element of the program blends with the whole, illustrating their commitment to excellence. It was a nice reward to end the year.
