Noëlla
Plasman - Jones
Teacher of The Ohara School of Ikebana
The Japanese Art of Flower Arranging
It all started with a deep love of flowers. Having been brought up on the Belgian/Dutch borders, flowers were all around. I loved going to the flower market, whatever the time of year. The fragrance, colours and shapes always brought a smile to my face and I continued to have flowers around the house, where ever I lived.
So, what is Ikebana?
The Japanese Art of Flower Arranging
Ikebana, meaning 'making flowers come alive', is the ancient art form of Japanese Flower Arranging. In short, its origins go back to the introduction of Buddhism during the Asuka period (552 AD - 710 AD). Religious offerings of flowers were left at the temples and the monks started to arrange them. These apparently simple designs are the forerunners of the arrangements taught in the many Ikebana Schools in Japan. The three main schools being IKENOBO, OHARA and SOGETSU.
But, Ikebana is so much more. As a true art form, it transports you into a world of self-discovery and creativity. It teaches you to observe and appreciate nature. Ikebana is the start of a new chapter in your life.
If you would like to find out whether Ikebana is for you, then the Residential Introductory Course is the perfect starting point. Find out more on the 'Classes and Courses' page.
'Foam - Free'
Flower arranging!
As opposed to Western or traditional flower arranging, Ikebana designs do not use wet foam. To hold the flower stems into position, a Kenzan (metal pinholder) is used. The Kenzan provides stability to both soft and hard woody stems. The many sharp steel pins are attached to a heavy metal base which in turn ensures the arrangement remains balanced.
In the absence of wet foam, this type of flower arranging is environmentally friendly and fits in well in today’s living.
Working in harmony with the Seasons and Nature!
A very important aspect of Ikebana, and in particular the Ikebana of the Ohara School, is that most plant materials used, are in season. Many of the designs also reflect the way plants and flowers grow in nature.
Classes & Courses
I offer morning and day classes and also Residential Introductory Courses, held in Herefordshire. Classes can be for leisure or you can build skill and knowledge to become an Ikebana Teacher. When you join a class, you will start from the very beginning of the Curriculum of the Ohara School.
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MORNING AND DAY CLASSES:
These classes offer the opportunity to learn Ikebana in a small group, at every time of the year. The seasonality provides diversity in the arrangements and new techniques are introduced. This is the best way to explore and progress within the art of Ikebana.
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Morning classes run from 10am to 12 noon and cost £30 + £5 for flowers
Day classes run from 10.30am to 3pm and cost £50 + £10 for flowers
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Coffee/tea and biscuits are provided but bring your own lunch if you attend a day class.
Containers and Kenzans are available for your use during the class.
Dates for 2026 are as follows:
Thursday, 22nd January
Wednesday, 18th February
Thursday, 9th April
Thursday 14th May
Thursday, 20th August
Wednesday,16th September
Thursday, 15th October
Thursday, 10th December
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Residential Introductory Course
A day and a half of total immersion in the wonderful art of Japanese Flower Arranging.
After a short introduction, practical work will cover all the arrangements of the introductory course (following to the Ohara Curriculum).
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Accommodation can be found locally amongst a range of hotels and B&Bs in the area.
The first day starts at 10.30am to 3.30pm and includes tea/coffee and biscuits
and lunch. The second (half) day starts at 10am to about 12.30pm
Price per person is £125 (does not include accommodation)
Flowers and the use of authentic Japanese containers and kenzans are included.
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Remaining dates in 2025:
Friday 21st November and Saturday 22nd November
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Dates for 2026 are as follows:
Friday 20th March and Saturday 21st March
Friday 24th July and Saturday 25th July
Friday 20th November and Saturday 21st November
Please note price increase as of 1st January 2026
NEW PRICE £150pp
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GIFT VOUCHERS
The perfect gift for any special occasion. Please be aware that any Gift Vouchers
for a Residential Introductory Course purchased by 31st December 2025 will be charged at the current price of £125. After that date, the new price is £150pp.
You may have
some questions
I have no experience of flower arranging. How can I learn Ikebana?
No previous experience is required. Ikebana is there for anyone wanting to escape the humdrum and stresses in today’s world. The courses are designed and suitable for those wanting to learn this ancient art form.
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Do I need to buy expensive tools?
All containers and Kenzan(metal pin holder)
are provided for the duration of the course or class. Flowers are included for the Residential Introductory Course. You will need to bring a good pair of secateurs and scissors, pen and paper and a camera to capture your arrangements.
Where are the classes and courses held?
All classes/courses are held in Herefordshire. For those travelling from afar and wishing to stay overnight, Herefordshire offers a wide range of accommodation.
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Can I buy a GIFT VOUCHER for my friend?
Ikebana isn't for everyone. However, if you know someone who might have an interest in this wonderful art, a Gift Voucher is a good idea. It can be used either for classes or a course, or for a certain amount which can be spent at the lucky person's discretion.
Testimonials
THOMAS
Dear Noella,
Just a quick note to thank you for a fantastic and inspiring day when myself and Mary came to attend your taster ikebana day course... It was great to work with such lovely materials and in such a relaxed environment…. we really enjoyed the background information you provided at the start which could've been very detailed but which I think was enough and just right for beginners…. It was lovely to practice four variations of ikebana and in doing so to understand how the rules add to creating aesthetically pleasing arrangements... Both Mary and I enjoyed the activity of looking with attention, picking and carefully considering materials and appraising our creations as we went along with your expert guidance...
We both loved the idea of of using seasonal materials from the garden bringing the outside in and being in touch with the natural world…. I will certainly go forward and look up your reading recommendations…
ANGELA
Hi Noella,
I just wanted to thank you for such an amazing day, I was thrilled that I actually managed to put together some lovely arrangements! And that was due to your expert and patient guidance.
A fabulous experience.
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ELISSON
Dear Noella,
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We had excellent feedback on the workshop, everyone said how much they enjoyed everything and specially being able to do hands on with good guidance and support.
Your excellent instruction was described as mindful and beautifully taught. No 'buts' or negative comments at all.
Many thanks again for supporting our gardening club.
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Best wishes,
E.B.
MARJORIE
Dear Noella,
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Just a little note saying how much my daughter and I enjoyed your course last Monday and Tuesday.
I did enjoy the simplicity of the arrangements and have used these skills this week using stuff from the garden. The lunch was delicious too...​
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JANE
Hi Noella
Thanks for a really lovely course,
I throughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to working with different plant life.
Thanks,
J.W
WENDY
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Dear Noella,
On behalf of the members of Whitchurch Floral Society, I would like to thank you for the fascinating talk and demonstration you gave us yesterday. I think you could tell everyone thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. It was interesting to see a different and very beautiful form of flower arranging for a change. The combination of sunflowers and grasses was particularly well received, as was the beautiful moon container arrangement. Thank you for introducing us to the art of Ikebana.
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Chairman – Whitchurch Floral Society
Contact me
During the daytime between 9am and 6pm.
I will endeavour to answer your enquiry within 24 hours.
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If you do not receive a reply after 48 hours,
please ring and leave a message.
+44(0)7379499984
discovering.ikebana@gmail.com