Would You Like to See the Best Bonsai in Japan Up Close & Personal?

This powerful pine resides at the Shunka-em Bonsai Museum in Tokyo. Photo By Bill Valavanis (on his cell phone!) from his recent trip to Japan As long as we’ve got this shot (above) by Bill Valavanis from his latest Japanese bonsai expedition (stay posted for more tomorrow), here’s an expedition with an invitation just for you… Looking for a bonsai adventure this winter? Here’s your link to more information, and here’s a link to Bill’s International Bonsai website Or, maybe you’re just looking for bonsai essentials at great prices? STONE LANTERN’S 20% OFF SITE WIDE SALE IS BACK! 20% OFF SITE WIDE SALE Includes Items … Continue reading Would You Like to See the Best Bonsai in Japan Up Close & Personal?

“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”

In Training Since 1795

Here it is. It’s a Pinus densiflora (Japanese Red Pine) that was donated to the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum by The Imperial Household of Japan. It has been in training since 1795. The Japanese Collection It’s right here in North America and it’s one of the best collections of bonsai anywhere. Here’s an excerpt from the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum’s website: “The Japanese Collection began with the gift of 53 bonsai from Japan on the occasion of the American Bicentennial in 1976. The trees, which were from private collections, were selected by the Nippon Bonsai Association with financial … Continue reading In Training Since 1795