[How to Enjoy Branches] Branches bring the seasons. The Power of Plants That Fascinated a Flower Designer

What was your initial impression when you first heard about "Edamono Teikibin"?

When I first heard about it, I honestly thought, "This is an interesting service."

For me, branches are the most seasonal of all plants. Throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter, not only the flowers but also the branching patterns change dramatically.

In spring, flowers and leaves sprout; in summer, the leaves are lush green; in autumn, fruits appear and leaves change color. Even in winter, you can enjoy varieties like pine and holly.

The appeal of branches is that even the same plant tells a story throughout the year.

Long branches are difficult to carry, so it's great that the subscription service delivers them to your home, allowing you to easily enjoy life with branches.

 

What moments bring you joy in your work?

Of course, it's a joy when customers are happy to see the flowers, but I also get excited when I encounter something I've never seen before.

Even after being involved with flowers for so long, I still go to the market and find flowers whose names I don't know or plants I've never seen.

I also enjoy visiting production areas, where I can experience new encounters and learn about the efforts of the growers.

It's fun to see new discoveries emerge the more I learn.

 

Flowers have a profound charm, don't they?

No two flowers are exactly the same throughout the year. While this can be fleeting, the true joy of flowers lies in the feeling of "see you next year" when their season ends.

I believe the importance of feeling the seasons is etched into the Japanese identity.

In Japan, we have a culture of enjoying changes in the air and weather, with terms like "Nijūshi Sekki" (24 solar terms) that represent the seasons, such as Risshun (beginning of spring), Shunbun (spring equinox), and Kokuu (grain rain). The distinct four seasons are also rare worldwide.

From yuzu baths and Setsubun holly to New Year's kadomatsu, Japanese events are actually adorned with plants related to them.

We are a people who have naturally enjoyed and cherished the relationship between the four seasons and plants.

 

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the floral industry?

The demand for decorative flowers at event venues decreased significantly as opportunities for people to gather were greatly reduced.

However, on the other hand, since the beginning of the pandemic, small flower shops in town have become increasingly busy. Everyone started decorating their homes with flowers.

Currently, potted plants and vases seem to be selling globally.

While events are certainly important, I feel that it is a precious thing for the general public to purchase flowers to decorate their homes.

I've been in this industry for many years, and it was a change that made me re-think the power of plants.

 

How do you want people to enjoy "Edamono Teikibin"?

Please enjoy the unique branching patterns of each individual branch. Since branches are natural, you won't receive exactly the same as the sample photo.

Even if you receive something different from what you imagined, I hope you'll see it as a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the branch that arrived at your home, rather than thinking, "Oh, this is different."

I would be delighted if you could engage with the branches in front of you, wondering, "What is this?" or "What an interesting shape."

 

For beginners to branch arrangements, please tell us some care tips.

It's a good idea to create a place for the branches and gradually expand. The absolute prerequisite for placement is that it won't fall over.

Branches are easier to handle than potted plants because they don't need direct sunlight. Avoid placing them where air conditioner drafts directly hit them, as dryness is not good.

Key care tips include changing the water frequently and misting them. It's also good to trim back any parts that have been submerged in water.

It's strange, but if you take proper care of them, they last longer. I feel like plants truly respond when you talk to them and treat them with care, reminding me that they are indeed living things.

For vessels to arrange branches, choose something with weight. I think "EDA VASE" is well-balanced.

The concrete base provides good stability, and the rounded top of the stand makes it harder for branches to fall over. It's logical and beautiful, so I recommend it for beginners to branch arrangements.

 

Mr. Oka, who has also published photo books. What are your tips for photographing branches?

I recommend placing them by a window and turning off the lights to take pictures.

Taking photos with natural sunlight from the window makes the colors in the picture more natural. The light from one side also creates three-dimensional shadows.

Branches last longer than cut flowers, but it's time to change them when the freshness of the flowers and leaves fades.

Branches that you particularly like can be dried and used as interior decor. They can also be used as support when displaying dried flower swags.

 

Finally, what are your future goals?

I want to continue learning about plants. And I want to convey the感動 (kandō - deep emotion/inspiration) I've received from plants to everyone.

With fewer opportunities to go out due to the pandemic, more people have started decorating their homes with flowers. I want to ensure that this wonderful trend doesn't just end as a fad, but takes root as a culture.

For that, the entire industry must make an effort.

It's important what kind of services we create and that we don't deliver inferior products. That's the spirit in which I want to be involved with "Edamono Teikibin."

 

Mr. Oka taught us about the relationship between Japanese people and the seasons, the charm of flowers, and how to enjoy branches. Even after many years of working with various flowers, Mr. Oka still enjoys encountering new plants and making discoveries.

Through "Edamono Teikibin," which allows you to enjoy the changing seasons from the comfort of your home, please experience the power and story of plants.

 

枝もの定期便｜自宅で待つだけ、飾るだけ。

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