Two Powerful Bonsai & A Point of Distinction

This gnarly old Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora) (completely asleep at the wheel… but thanks to our friend Ryan Bell, we now know that the tree is 2 needle pine rather than a 5 needle… thus a Japanese red or Japanese black pine)is from a Japanese gallery that originally appeared in Bonsai Today* issue 85. It looks a bit like something you might find on Point Lobos (more about that below). Artist unknown. This post originally appeared in January 2010. It was inspired by a visit to Point Lobos on California’s Monterrey Peninsula. Hyperbole aside, it’s one of the most … Continue reading Two Powerful Bonsai & A Point of Distinction

Just Arrived! New Bark Stripping Jin Tool

Here it is, our brand new Bark Stripping Jin Tool. It has two settings, one for thin branches and one for thicker branches, but you can adjust it easily to any size up to almost 2″ (5cm). In the photo below the blades are 1 & 1/2″ (4cm) apart in the center and you can get it to open even more. The overall lenght of the tool is 6 & 5/8″ (approx 17cm). Made in Japan by Koyo tools. It passes with flying colors I just braved the cold and ice and tried mine on three types of branches (oak, … Continue reading Just Arrived! New Bark Stripping Jin Tool

An Excellent New Book & Big Book Sale

This luminous cover shot gives you a pretty good idea of the quality of A Natural History of Conifers. And quality is just the right word. Quality photos, quality drawings, quality text and an abiding love for trees and nature, coupled with a unique and learned point of view is what I’ve found so far. I look forward to spending more time digging in. Meanwhile, if you like books, our 30% to 40% off book sale ends in two days. Outlive your neighbor and take his property Here are some (but by no means all) of the pieces that make … Continue reading An Excellent New Book & Big Book Sale

A Couple Bonsai & A Point of Distinction

This gnarly old Japanese white pine (P. parviflora) is from a Japanese gallery that originally appeared in Bonsai Today issue 85. It looks a bit like something you might find on Point Lobos (more about that below). Artist unknown (to us, at least). Somewhere on the Monterey Peninsula in search of sun and trees of distinction Today a friend and I are going to visit Point Lobos. Hyperbole aside, it’s one of the most mind bendingly wildly beautiful places on this planet. I’ll keep you posted. Meanwhile, here are couple trees plus a taste of what’s in store for the … Continue reading A Couple Bonsai & A Point of Distinction