Month: May 2010

Developing Ramification on Deciduous Bonsai

These illustrations represent a page from Bonsai Today issue 66 (in stock at Stone Lantern). It’s the first of a five page series on ramification (branching) that we are running over two posts. Ramification equals branch development Ramification literally means branch development, or how branches growing. However, when it comes to the art of bonsai (and especially deciduous bonsai) it has come to mean branch development that displays a couple key features: taper and fine branching. These features are critical when it comes to developing quality deciduous bonsai. Deciduous trees develop rapidly…. … but they also lose their shape rapidly. … Continue reading Developing Ramification on Deciduous Bonsai

It’s Not Too Late!

Our very own Kokufu All you last minute procrastinators are in luck. You can still sign up for the 2nd US National Bonsai Exhibition and enjoy the best of the of US bonsai and be part of the early stages of our very own Kokufu. Really, you’ll be thanking me for reminding you for a long time. The 2008 Album is still available. When it’s gone (and you’ve collected the next ten albums) you’ll kick yourself for waiting.

Dale Cochoy’s Bunjin Pot

“Started electric kiln tonight, and unloading gas kiln in morning and immediately reloading and starting to fire it again. Both kilns being fired at same time Saturday. I guess it will be a good weekend to clean the pond. No bike riding this weekend! Finally rested up from my all night firing ( after all day working) a couple days ago.” From Dale’s wall photos on facebook. Speaking of pots and things We’ll, we don’t sell pots, but we do sell things (books, tools, fertilizers, wire, kenzans, netsuke and more) at whooping big discounts. Really, take a look and you’ll … Continue reading Dale Cochoy’s Bunjin Pot

The Last One: Photo Art Contest #16

Submitted by Cheryl Styles, who writes: “This is obviously not a photo of a whole tree but I found the bark so interesting I decided on that instead. I am easily distracted :)” Judging Stay posted to find out how you can become one of our illustrious judges

NEW! The Japanese Tea Garden

Marc Keane’s latest addition to the wonderful world of Japanese gardens. Hardcover- 10 1/2″ x 8 1.4″ – 284 pages – 117 color photos & illustrations More than just another Japanese garden book Though it features numerous world class Japanese gardens, this beautiful, richly photographed and illustrated volume is much more than just another Japanese garden book. Marc Peter Keane, renowned author and designer takes you on a guided tour of Japanese tea gardens, from ancient times to the modern day. It’s a journey that looks at how social. religious. aesthetic, and philosophical influences combined over hundreds of years to … Continue reading NEW! The Japanese Tea Garden

Photo Art Contest: Entry #15

Greg Madson submitted this photo along with these comments: “This is part of my own study of the geometrics of presentation. It’s a three year old Rosmarinus officinalis, Prostrata cascade 16.5 cm from top to btm (6.5 inches). I love the arc structures of the long branches that this particular variety produces. Creating a presentation that shows off the curves, angles, and depth of a tree is worth the effort.” Fifteen down one to go The contest is closed and all the entries have been posted, save for the very last one (tomorrow!). Judge not (NOT!) Stay posted for information … Continue reading Photo Art Contest: Entry #15

Nothing Compares to Shin-Boku

Shin-Boku Nursery from the air. You can’t tell, but almost every one of the plants in this photo are specimen quality Japanese garden trees. Some are ten or fifteen feet tall, others are potential bonsai. All are old and range from excellent to amazing. Doug doesn’t mince his words Here’s what Doug Roth, the publisher and editor of the Journal of Japanese Gardening has to say: “Shin-Boku Nursery is the finest Japanese garden tree nursery in North America.” Ditto! Yesterday I visited Baker Valley Nursery (see below) for the forth or fifth time. Both Shin-Boku and Baker Valley are owned … Continue reading Nothing Compares to Shin-Boku

Photo Art Contest: Entry #14

Amy Palmer says: “I found and shot this manzanita (Arctostaphylos) clinging to the rocky outcropping in the chaparral biome just before entering Yosemite Valley, while scrambling about and dodging rattlers.”

Photo Art Contest: Entry #13

Don Erickson’s entry. “Found this group or forest while driving Highway 99W north of Eugene, Oregon. I tried several times to count the number of trees but never came up with the same number twice. Isn’t it odd that nature can break the rule of trees lined up behind each other, why can’t we?” What about rules? I don’t think there are any rules for bonsai. There are however, some very helpful guidelines. And of course, plenty of opinions. Tomorrow (Monday) is the last day to enter our $100 Bonsai Art Photo Contest