The Evolution of Bonsai

This photo and the others shown here are from a post by Ryan Neil titled, Bald Cypress #1, Evolution I recently found these photos and an eye opening story by Ryan Neil on his Mirai blog. It’s titled Bald Cypress #1 Evolution. Ryan’s story touched on American trees and American bonsai and how they can’t be judged except on their own terms. But rather than me trying to explain, here’s part of what Ryan wrote… “Bald Cypress #1 embodies the diversity of landscape and form Mirai strives to explore through our trees. Its rapid taper, flat-topped foliage, and overall Dr. Seuss-esque form demands … Continue reading The Evolution of Bonsai

Bonsai Wizardry in Portland (again)

Looking up from below. This is a cropped version of a photo taken by Greg Brenden at the opening of American Bonsai Mirai exhibit at the Wieden & Kennedy gallery in Portland Oregon. Greg’s uncropped photo is below. Another Bonsai Mirai groundbreaking public event. Greg Brenden attended the opening of American Bonsai Mirai– Wieden & Kennedy gallery in Portland Oregon and posted these photos. I’ve done a little cropping to bring the trees a little closer. Greg’s original photos are below (plus one from Ryan Neil that gives a unique view of the exhibit). Greg Brenden’s uncropped original. I like … Continue reading Bonsai Wizardry in Portland (again)

Trout Fishing in America (off the Bonsai Mainstream)

I like this full cascade with its flowing lines and unusual perspective. It’s from Ed Trout’s facebook photos as are the other four bonsai photos in this post. I’m going to guess that it’s a Lantana, but my guessing record isn’t all that good. Ed Trout’s bonsai are unique. Distinctive is another word that comes to mind. It’s as though he branched off from the bonsai mainstream (please accept my apologies – twice) years ago and followed his own inclinations and now those inclinations have borne fruit. You might have to see more of his bonsai to get a feel … Continue reading Trout Fishing in America (off the Bonsai Mainstream)

Bonsai Winners, Part Three

The Finest Evergreen Bonsai. San Jose Juniper by Anthony Alario of Providence, Rhode Island. Round three This is our third and final posting of the winners of the 3rd U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition which was held just over two weeks ago. We’ll give it rest after this, until the book comes out later this year. Night and day and just a tad To repeat myself from the last post; “the photos from the 3rd U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition are professional and well done. However, the difference between seeing the splendid power of top quality bonsai up close and personal, and … Continue reading Bonsai Winners, Part Three

Weekly Wire: Iron Men of Naka, Bonsai with Rebar & Sleepless Nights

Sinuous and dynamic. Though this little gem doesn’t exactly look like most trees you find in nature, still its sinuous twists and turns make for a very dynamic little bonsai. It’s from a facebook album by Jordi Ugena. Our favorite bonsai apprentice Peter Tea is at it again. This time with rebar. Don’t miss it! The new U.S. Bonsai Stamps will be offered at the 3rd U.S. Bonsai Exhibition along with perhaps the best bonsai collection ever seen in North America. Don’t miss it. The dates are June 9-10. It’s in Rochester NY. We’ll be there offering rare … Continue reading Weekly Wire: Iron Men of Naka, Bonsai with Rebar & Sleepless Nights

Pushing Bonsai Boundaries Even Further

Has Nick gone too far and ventured beyond what you’d call bonsai with this early spring larch that promises summer shade for a cheap garden ornament? From Bonsai from the Wild by Nick Lenz. Nick Lenz’ fertile imagination Nick Lenz has been pushing bonsai boundaries for a long time. The planting above is just one example of his fertile imagination. However, a friend of mine says that what Nick is up to is just vain eccentricity and has no real meaning as far as bonsai goes. As for me, well, root-over-tank (below) always makes me smile, and maybe that’s good … Continue reading Pushing Bonsai Boundaries Even Further

Weeping Bald Cypress Critique by Robert Steven

Robert Steven’s simulation of a Bald cypress that was submitted by Mac McAtee (see below for Mac’s original). It will cost you absolutely nothing (except maybe a little pride) Email us a photo of your bonsai and we’ll submit it to Robert Steven for a critique. Robert is a world renowned bonsai author, teacher and artist (you could say bonsai master, but I tend to shy away from using the term) and we are delighted to be the recipients of his generous offering of his time and expertise (how’s that for a string of prep phrases?). Normally you would pay … Continue reading Weeping Bald Cypress Critique by Robert Steven