Chrysanthemum festival in the Japanese Garden Hasselt

One of the more remarkable events to celebrate 20 years of the Japanese Garden Hasselt, was the 菊まつり or chrysanthemum festival held last weekend between October 19 and 21, where renowned floral designer Daniel Ost exhibited unique flower arrangements.

As last Friday the weather was unusually mild for this time of year, took the opportunity to go visit the Japanese Garden and see the various chrysanthemum flower arrangements on display.

Flower arrangement or 生け花 is a true art form in Japan, Daniel Ost is said to be even more famous there than elsewhere in the world so it is quite fitting that this Belgian floral designer contributed to 20 years of the Japanese Garden in Hasselt with his flower arrangements, bridging both countries.

What struck me most about the flower arrangements next to their strong emphasis on lines, shapes and flowing forms, was how well they all fit into the garden’s existing landscape.

Although each of the flower arrangements created by Daniel Ost was well visible, with lively colors and smooth lines, they never contradicted or drowned out the surrounding landscape and classic Japanese architecture, but most often naturally flowed with it.

While the weather was excellent, it’s a shame there was a lot of cloud cover, obscuring most of the sky. A clear blue sky with only a few white cumulus clouds scattered in it would have been perfect for more idyllic landscape captures.

Even the various rooms of the ceremonial house with its classic Japanese look were decorated with chrysanthemum flower arrangements.

If I were to lament anything about my kikumatsuri visit to the Japanese Garden Hasselt would be the large crowd which made it difficult to get photos without people in them, as well as my own limitations in properly capturing the beauty of autumn and the displayed flower arrangements.

Due to the large crowd, did not use my tripod as it would undoubtedly have hindered the other visitors, especially on some of the smaller paths throughout the garden.

For another look at the chrysanthemum festival you can check out some stunning captures on Flickr by photographer Kris Van de Sande.

You can always see more of my photography on Flickr.