Article: How to display "edamono" (branches for decoration) | Professional tips for stylish arrangements and techniques

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2025年4月9日

How to display "edamono" (branches for decoration) | Professional tips for stylish arrangements and techniques

Even a casually arranged branch looks beautiful. But sometimes, it just doesn't quite feel right, does it?

We asked Hiroyuki Oka, a florist who has been with us since the launch of our branch subscription service, for techniques that you can immediately incorporate and use for a lifetime.

① The basic balance is "vase 1 : branch 1.5-2 or more"

To begin, the recommended basic balance for any vase and branch is "vase 1 : branch 1.5-2 or more." For example, if you use a 30cm tall vase, arranging branches of 75-90cm or more will result in a graceful and impactful display.

② Odd numbers are more pleasing than even numbers

When arranging branches, odd numbers tend to create a more pleasing and harmonious arrangement than even numbers.

By aiming for an asymmetrical "triangle" shape, you can easily find a pleasing sense of balance.

If you only have two branches, it can sometimes look better to boldly cluster them to one side.

③ Deliberately break the rules for a pleasing arrangement

When you have plenty of shorter branches, tilting them using the mouth of the vase instead of just dropping them straight to the bottom adds a dynamic spread.

Since the cut ends will float, be sure to confirm they are submerged in water.

④ Recreate their natural appearance in the wild

In their natural environment, trees extend their branches towards the sunlight, and the side exposed to the sun darkens. The side facing the sun is the "front," which can be identified by the color of the leaves and the direction of the branches.

If arranged facing backward, it can look unnatural, so when arranging them at home, try to recreate their natural appearance.

⑤ With the EDA VASE, try taking some branches out of the ring

When arranging multiple branches in the dedicated branch vase "EDA VASE," try taking some of the branches out of the ring to create a softer, more expansive look. The key is to decide which side will be the front and arrange them with a triangular shape in mind.

Arrangement techniques using the EDA VASE are also introduced in the following article.

【Dedicated Branch Vase】
EDA VASE Design and Arrangement

⑥ Small tools can expand your arrangement possibilities

Even unique arrangements like ikebana can be achieved effortlessly with just a few small tools.

Small twigs and old branches cut from pruning can be used for flexible branch placement.

They can support branches in delicate vases or be wedged into the vase like a tension rod, allowing you to position branches precisely using the "Ichimonji-dome" technique.

When using delicate vessels, be careful not to apply too much force.

Here's a more ethereal way to arrange them. By placing a mini kenzan or coiled wire inside a low vase, even a single branch can stand tall.

Mr. Oka's arrangement techniques are also introduced in the following article.

【Branch Subscription Event】
Gathering of Seasonal Branches 〈Early Spring 2024 - Cherry Blossom Viewing〉

PROFILE | Hiroyuki Oka

After working at a flower shop in Hiroshima, he studied abroad in Denmark for six months. Upon returning to Japan, he worked at a flower school and a flower wholesaler before becoming a freelance florist.
In July 2013, his first solo anthology, "HiroyukiOka MONOGRAPH," published by Stiching Kunstboek in Belgium, was featured in many European media outlets and highly acclaimed both domestically and internationally.