Our Story

​

Bella Formosa Garten

 

 

​

Bella — Beauty
The Italian word Bella means “beautiful.” It reflects my deep appreciation for elegance, artistry, and harmony — values at the heart of Ikebana.

 

Formosa — A personal connection to Taiwan
Formosa is the historic name for Taiwan.. It was given by Portuguese sailors in the 16th century, meaning “beautiful island.”. It honours my Taiwanese heritage and the island’s rich tradition of craftsmanship and artistry.

 

Garten — A nod to European culture and elegance
Instead of the English “garden,” the idea of my partner Eric was to choose the German Garten, inspired by our love of European culture and design. It lends a touch of old-world sophistication while reflecting our belief that beauty can be cultivated — like a garden — with care, patience, and artistry.​​

​

​

Bella Formosa Garten was established in 2020, amidst Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdowns.What began as a boutique nursery specialising in curated indoor plants and artisan vessels soon expanded to include consultation, interior plant styling, leasing, and ongoing maintenance for private residences, workplaces, and hospitality spaces.​

​​​​

The turning point came with a simple gift: a voucher from my partner Eric for an Ikebana workshop in Melbourne titled “Ikebana for Men”, at Melbourne's Abbotsford Convent, as part of the Melbourne Ikebana Festival in 2022.

​​

With a Master Degree in Accounting and a background in auditing, I bring a discipline of precision, structure, and analytical detail to every pursuit. In discovering Ikebana, I realised these same skills are vital to mastering the art of floral design. The careful placement of each stem, the balance of proportion, and the pursuit of harmony demand the same level of attentiveness as the most complex audit. My practice draws on both worlds — the rigour of professional training and the artistry of Japanese tradition — to create refined, intentional expressions of beauty.​​​​

​

I began formal training in 池坊 (Ikenobō) Ikebana, the oldest and most revered school of Japanese flower arranging, with origins dating back over 550 years to the Rokkaku-dō temple in Kyoto.  Though Ikebana was originally practiced by men, it flourished among women during the Meiji period and today belongs to everyone who values elegance, mindfulness, and creativity. Ikenobō teaches not just technique, but a way of seeing — understanding the essence of each branch, the movement of line, the balance of form, and the fleeting beauty of each season.

 

The Journey of Training becoming an Ikebana artist — and eventually an instructor — requires more than creative talent. It is a disciplined and layered progression, traditionally guided by a qualified sensei. The training involves:

 

Structured Levels of Study — Beginning with Shōka and Freestyle, advancing through Rikka and other formal styles, each with its own history, symbolism, and rules of proportion.

 

Technical Mastery — Learning to cut, position, and angle plant material precisely; understanding the role of the kenzan (needlepoint holder) and vessels; and achieving correct Japan ma 間 (space) and Shin 真 Soe 副 Tai 体  or Shin 真 Soe 副 Hikae 控 balance. 

​

Seasonal & Cultural Knowledge — Studying how flowers, branches, and leaves carry meaning in Japanese culture, and selecting materials that reflect the exact moment in the seasonal calendar.

 

Certification Process — The Ikenobō school offers official certificates at each level, issued in Kyoto, marking progress and authorising the teaching of specific styles.

Each certificate represents not just skill, but also a deeper alignment with the philosophy of Ikebana: harmony, respect, purity, and tranquillity.

​

​

Bella Formosa Garten has evolved into a distinguished practice dedicated to the Japanese art of Ikebana, complemented by an online shop. Our collection includes precision-crafted Ikebana tools, a wide range of traditional and contemporary vessels sourced directly from Japan, and an exclusive selection of handcrafted Japanese ceramics. Every item is curated with discerning care — combining functionality, authenticity, and refined design — to inspire creativity and bring the understated luxury of Ikebana into modern interiors.

​

​

​My Credentials:

 

Over the last 3 years, I have created over 200 Ikebana arrangements and completed several formal courses and earned certifications in Ikenobō Ikebana currently KASHO 華掌 - level 5  Kasho – Teacher’s Assistant and applying JUNKAKYO 准華匡 - level 6 Junkaklyo – Instructor of Ikebana 3rd grade.​​

​

I have participated in advanced workshops and masterclasses, receiving special approval from the Ikenobō Headquarters in Japan to join higher-level training.

​

In September 2024, I was honoured to be among the participants interviewed by the ABC during the Melbourne Ikebana Festival at the Abbotsford Convent.  You can read the full interview here: ABC News – Ikebana: Japan is trying to bring back flower arranging for men

 

 

On Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September 2025, I will be demonstrating my skills publicly as a participant at the Ikebana International Melbourne Annual Exhibition, held at Labassa Mansion, 2 Manor Grove, Caulfield North, VIC 3161. 

Learn more here: Ikebana International Melbourne Annual Exhibition – National Trust

 

 

Gary Liu

​

​