Tamarix Bonsai – An Unusual Tree

I can think of at least three reasons to be impressed by the tree. First, it’s a Tamarix tenuissima* (a type of Salt cedar), an usual genus and a very unusual species, when it comes bonsai at least. Second, it’s a beautiful, well-balanced, dynamic bonsai. And third, wiring every single little branch down, is a true labor of love. My only complaint is the fuzzy photo and that’s on me (I blew it up to fit our format). It’s Monday morning and I’m already way behind schedule, so we’ll keep it short and simple; one tree, a variety of Salt cedar,* … Continue reading Tamarix Bonsai – An Unusual Tree

Time for Some Serious Bonsai Training

Tamarisk (Tamarix) from Ryan Neil’s International Bonsai Mirai gallery. Aside from the fact that this is an exceptional bonsai, there is much that can be said and learned about Tamarix; as an invasive foreigner and a worthy subject for bonsai. The excellent description on Bonsai Mirai is well worth a look, as is what Wikipedia has to say about this intriguing plant. Go west middle aged man (woman) and anyone else While we’re on the subject, check out Ryan’s Defining Concept Courses. If you’re the ambitious type and you can create the time, you could head out to Portland and … Continue reading Time for Some Serious Bonsai Training

Antes y Despues (Before & After)

Before & after (antes y depues) Shimpaku juniper by Salvador de los Reyes. You can find all the photos in this post on facebook and on Salvador’s blog. The bonsai of Salvador de los Reyes Thanks to facebook I recently discovered the bonsai of Salvador de los Reyes. I count this as good fortune, especially given that Salvador doesn’t just post on facebook, he also has an excellent bonsai blog (not too many bonsai artists are also successful bloggers). The upside There are at least four things you might like about what Salvador de los Reyes is doing: 1. his … Continue reading Antes y Despues (Before & After)

Bonsai for You

Close up of a Tamarix bonsai by Harry Harrington (bonsai4me.com). This tree started as a taperless stump (see below). Four pretty good reasons I can think of at least four reasons why I enjoy visiting Harry Harrington’s bonsai4me.com. First, his style is distinctive; I’m pretty sure I could pick Harry’s trees out of selection of random bonsai. Second, Harry uses a wider range of species for bonsai than almost anyone and many of these are seldom seen in quality bonsai galleries (Spirea, Downy birch, Fuchsia, Tamarix, Little leaf linden…). Third, Harry’s choice of pots is excellent (all of the pots … Continue reading Bonsai for You