This year, it seems like our ikebana has a very strong connection with books! After an exhibition at the Sackville Public Library, where we used the shelves as ikebana platforms, we found ourselves at the LaHave River Books, a charming bookstore tucked behind the landmark LaHave Bakery on the South Shore of Nova Scotia.
Before anything, we would like to thank the wonderful people at LaHave River Books: Gael, Marion, Andra, Sylvia, Janet, and Charles. We hope we didn’t make too much of a mess. Your warm welcome made everything so much easier!
The bookstore is housed in an historic building, built in 1901 and originally housed a ship’s chandlery, a general merchant, and a fish processing plant. For a time, the building’s top floor was also home to a branch of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. In 1985, the LaHave Bakery was established. Not only did it provide delicious bread and pastries, but it has become a hub for the close-knit community to gather. The bookstore was opened later in 2016, taking over the space of a master boat builder after it closed shop.
Miyako and two of her senior students—Susan and Val—took on the challenge to create arrangements that would blend with this place full of memories of times past whilst showing the uniqueness of ikebana as well.
Arrangements by Susan R.
Arrangement with hyrdangeas using no kenzan, showing the beauty of water while viewed from above.
Arrangement to be viewed from above, placed on a low side table.
Using unconventional material: toilet paper rolls! This arrangement was nestled in books. We just moved the arrangement temporarily to the hallway to get a better photo.
This arrangement was created to fit in this narrow bookshelf, with thin driftwood seemingly trying to stretch itself towards the window, beyond the boundaries. Susan has been saving the driftwood just for an opportunity like this!
Arrangements by Val S
A book of Queen Victoria (whose reign ended in 1901, which incidentally was the year the building was constructed) atop a bookshelf, right beside a piece of whale jawbone. Val made it all come together!
The iconic sign of the old chandlery was set between this seemingly unrelated pair of arrangements to produce a unified whole.
Arrangements by Miyako
Miyako’s arrangements were placed on a long table. It was an original table (circa 1970’s) that sat at the Trinity College library in the University of Toronto! In keeping with the theme, she used old books as platforms for her work.
An arrangement using aloe and chili peppers!
Eggs were used for this one to remind us that it was the Easter weekend; whilst the light blue colour reminded us of the LaHave River waters outside.
Calla Lily, Monstera leaf and Wisteria vine.
The dried elephant ear leaf seemed to float lightly, like the wing of a bird.
Two tall arrangements: one in a bamboo basket and the other in a Sogetsu steel vase.
Live Demonstration by Miyako
We were so happy that the demonstration was very well attended. The community here in LaHave is really special. Thank you very much for coming!
Photo courtesy of Rene Saulnier. Thank you!
And here is a special guest: Becky. She is rumoured to be the real boss of LaHave Bakery.
Added on May 1st, 2025…
We made it to the South Shore Bulletin, Apr 30, 2025 print edition, page 19! Thank you!
