apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

The National Japanese American Museum in downtown LA offers classes on Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arrangement, periodically. They currently have an exhibit on Ikebana as well. Here's the link:

http://www.janm.org/exhibits/livingflowers/

Paula Pryke (British floral designer) has some amazing books, with techniques, for the novice and advanced alike. Here is a link to her books:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=paula pryke

Visit flower shops, study the books, and start experimenting! Classes would be great, but I learned by watching and doing. The various farmer's markets around LA are a great place to get cheap flowers. Another great place if you're near WeHo is the flower shop on Santa Monica @ Crescent Heights, Wholesale Flowers. Great selection, decent prices.

sorry, let's try the link again:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=paula pryke

There was a floral shop on Abbot Kinney that taught classes but it was expensive ( I think $130 for a class...yikes). Any referral for a class that is affordable and informative would be great!

Try your city's (try neighborning cities, too) park and recreation department. I've seen flower arranging classes offered by the Cities of Long Beach and Lakewood.

Check out City Colleges also, under non-credit classes.

Check out community college adult courses, Beverly Hills High School adult courses, Learning Annex. A Google search of flower arranging classes Los Angeles turned up a few things, including activities at Flower Duet.

Descanso Gardens hosts a class given by Mount San Antonio's horticulture department. It's on a school calendar basis (fall and winter), community college prices, and for credit. Call Descanso Gardens, it's a lovely place to take a class.