Outstanding Japanese (Korean?) Red Pine Bonsai

Cork bark Japanese Red pine? I found this remarkably corked-up pine on the Art of Bonsai Project. It’s by Enrico Savini. I’ve never heard of a Cork bark Red pine (Cork bark Japanese black pines are fairly common), but that’s what AoB says. Whatever it is, there’s no denying that it’s an exceptional tree. According to Wikipedia, Japanese red pines (Pinus densiflora) should probably be called Korean red pines. “For Korean people, even today, it is considered to represent Korean spirit and mentioned in South Korean national anthem, Aegukga. Since it was introduced to the West by Japanese scholars during … Continue reading Outstanding Japanese (Korean?) Red Pine Bonsai

Scots & Scotch

Great tree, great pot. This powerful old Scot’s pine by Enrico Savini was an overall winner in a contest that was held at the Art of Bonsai Project way back in 2005. The pot is by Isabelia. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) is another in our bonsai species series. I used to think they were Scotch pine (some people say Scotch pine is incorrect and others say it’s an acceptable variation) and had the notion that you could enjoy a sip of Scotch while working on you Scotch pine (oh well…). No matter what you call them, Scots pine make excellent … Continue reading Scots & Scotch

Bonsai Hot Bed & Bonsai Winners

First place 2011 Certre International Online Bonsai Awards. Taxus Bacata by Stefano Frisoni of Italy. This photo was taken at the Bonsai in the Bluegrass Symposium in Louisville KY. Italian sweep Is it surprising that the last three year’s winners of the Certre International Online Bonsai Awards have been from Italy and that Certre is an Italian company? Maybe, but these are great trees nevertheless and Italy is a hot bed of top tier bonsai. And BTW,  the previous two years winners (2008 and 2007) weren’t Italian.   First place 2010 Certre International Online Bonsai Awards. Juniperus Phoenicea by Enrico … Continue reading Bonsai Hot Bed & Bonsai Winners