“Keep Calm & Carry On”

Once you get over the fascination with this tree’s gigantic girth – and your reaction (positive, negative or otherwise) – you might notice there’s a lot more going on than simply size. This photo and the others shown here belong to Ignazio Giambrone. European olives and exaggerated trunks are almost synonymous. For some of us, these monsters are worthy of high praise – with their massive girth (and great taper in most cases) – while for others these fat beasts might seem just a tad over the top. Mostly, I count myself in first group. Girth and taper are powerful … Continue reading “Keep Calm & Carry On”

Bonsai Hedge – Something You Don’t See Everyday

‘Joe Selworthy’s’ Cotoneaster hedge planting. Here’s part of what Joe has to say about it. “I can’t remember whether I posted this image before so I’m posting it now. It’s my cotoneaster hedge (grown from seed) with a deshojo maple and a style with sleeping cat. The “accent” is a wee painted bronze wren waiting for the cat to leave so that it can go to its nest in the hedge!!!” Running behind so we’ll borrow from our archives. This one was first posted just eleven months ago, but I like it (even though it’s a little embarrassing) and thought … Continue reading Bonsai Hedge – Something You Don’t See Everyday

Weekly Wire #4

The Adachi Museum Garden is featured the Japan Journey’s Gardens of Japan tour next month (Nov 11-22). Though I’ve never been to the Adachi gardens, judging from the photos, I just might agree with those who say it’s among the world’s most glorious gardens; Japanese or otherwise. Bonsai clubs. Looking for a Bonsai Club near you? Here’s the ABS Bonsai Club Directory. Calendars. Our 2012 Bonsai calendars are coming soon. Stay posted. The Mid-Atlantic 2012 Spring Festival is scheduled for April 20-22. This excellent show has long been a premier East Coast bonsai event. … Continue reading Weekly Wire #4

Rafting in a Bonsai Pot (or a Box)

This very well rendered drawing by Peter Adams is from his book ‘Bonsai with Japanese Maples.’ It appears in a section called ‘Creating Raft Trees’ and on the back cover of the book. Whether or not this drawing comes from a tree in Peter’s collection or is just from his imagination, we can’t say. But one thing we do know; a pot that big (I imagine it to be at least 40 inches) will most likely set you back several hundred dollars. Rafting in Peter’s own words The raft method… is formed by laying a tree on its side and … Continue reading Rafting in a Bonsai Pot (or a Box)