Martha Plowden Neese; Flower Arranging Expert

Martha Plowden Neese, 82, expert on Ikebana flower arranging. Born in Atlanta, Neese was married to a Navy officer and lived for many years in Japan, where she studied the art and served as editor of Ikebana International magazine. She was elected president of the international society and traveled extensively around the world, lecturing on flower arranging and philosophy. She also wrote a book, “Fun With Flowers,” introducing beginners to the Japanese art form. Later, as a resident of South Carolina, Neese organized an area chapter of the Ohara School of Ikebana International, served as advisor and taught classes and seminars. On Monday in Hurst, Texas.