Michael Hagedorn’s Prize Winning Mountain Hemlock

Michael Hagedorn’s Mountain Hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana), winner of the Finest Evergreen Bonsai at the recent 5 U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. You might notice the absence of a pot or even your basic bonsai slab (that’s a thin synthetic sheet of some sort that it’s sitting on). This photo is from Michael’s website (see below for Oscar Jonker’s Exhibition photo). I’m a big fan of Michael Hagedorn’s bonsai. I think this comes from observing Michael at work (a couple years ago I spent five days studying with Michael) and from taking the time to look closely at his trees. If I … Continue reading Michael Hagedorn’s Prize Winning Mountain Hemlock

A Dynamic Masterpiece by a Great Bonsai Artist

Finest Japanese Bonsai display. Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) by Suthin Sukolosovisit. I’m not sure what makes this rugged rock root-on-rock planting a Japanese Bonsai display. I am sure however, that it is a magnificent bonsai by one of our greatest bonsai artists. But then, those of us who have been paying attention, have come to expect masterpieces like this from Suthin.* I borrowed this photo from Oscar at Bonsai Empire.** Today I’d like to show you the winner of the prize for the Finest Japanese Bonsai display at the just completed 5th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. It belongs to … Continue reading A Dynamic Masterpiece by a Great Bonsai Artist

Your Chance to Own Top Tier Tree from the Private Collection of a Famous Bonsai Artist

One of North America’s favorite bonsai artists is adding more bonsai to the public offering of some favorites from his private collection, including this prize winning Japanese maple. In his own words: “I have decided to let go of one of my favorite Japanese Maples. Some of you may recognize it from 3rd U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition 2012* I have enjoyed it for over 20+ years. It’s now time to move into a new home. If you are seriously interested, please call me.” *Ever modest, Suthin doesn’t mention that it won the Finest Deciduous Bonsai award at the Exhibition. This … Continue reading Your Chance to Own Top Tier Tree from the Private Collection of a Famous Bonsai Artist

World Famous Masterpiece Bonsai

I like this tree. It has great movement and wild, wonderful deadwood that runs all the way up the trunk, plays peekaboo in the crown and then finishes with a flourish at the top. If you removed the hanging branch that reaches down almost to the base of the trunk, it would still be an interesting tree (even though the remaining crown would be an inverted bowl)… but with that branch and the aforementioned deadwood, the tree is elevated to bonsai masterpiece. If you don’t believe me, you can check out Takahashi Iura’s facebook page, where it says: “My important … Continue reading World Famous Masterpiece Bonsai