Poison Ivy bonsai by Nick Lenz, who, in addition to be one of our most talented bonsai artists, is also a master of the unusual. This photo appears in Nick’s book, Bonsai from the Wild (Stone Lantern Publishing).
Nicknamed OSAMA
Nick Lenz calls his charming looking, but otherwise nasty little bonsai, OSAMA (no explanation needed).
Halloween bonsai
Though you may not take poison ivy bonsai seriously (or take it at all, for that matter), Nick does. Here’s a few of his words (lifted from his book): While poison ivy may be considered a Halloween bonsai, the species has great charm and interest, especially when fruiting. Unfortunately, my most cherished specimen was stolen by a very foolish teenager. Never pass up an outstanding trunk of this species and always pack latex gloves in your collecting kit.
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5 Comments
Very nice but anyone who is very allergic to them might reconsider even with gloves. But I am interested in the pot also. Was it hannd made or purchased? And is it possible to see more pics of it? I was curious to how it doesn’t tip over. Thanks Bob
I’ll forward your questions to Nick. I know he does make his own pots and many of them are quite unique (eccentric?), but as far as I know, none tip over.
Well, Bob, I do wear latex gloves when I work on the terrorist and always wipe my pruning tools with gin.
I made this pot as I make all of mine. It is flat enough on the bottom to stand stable and remain that way except in a high wind when it acts like a weather vane. Somebody foolish bought it and I have not found a good source of superior poison ivy trunks, so nothing new is in the works.
I once exhibited a dandelion in full bloom as a companion plant at a garden show bonsai exhibit. It was the hit of the show. The long tap root makes a great trunk.
I’m getting itchy just looking at this, even though I’m transfixed. But gin, really, Rick? I hope you at least make yourself a G & T as a reward for your bravery.