Careful!

This sweet to look at, but otherwise nasty little bonsai is from Yorozu Shohin Bonsai Nursery in Japan. It caught my wary eye recently on a post by John Romano on Bonsai Study Group Forum. I’m going to assume that it’s an Asian Poison ivy (see text below). We’re busy with the Holiday rush amping up, so we’ll take the easy way out. This one originally appeared almost four years ago. It was titled “You Can Look but You Better Not Touch.” One genus, several species What follows is for those of us who get excited when we see Latin … Continue reading Careful!

You Can Look But You Better Not Touch

This sweet to look at, but otherwise nasty little bonsai is from Yorozu Shohin Bonsai Nursery in Japan. It caught my wary eye recently on a post by John Romano on Bonsai Study Group Forum. I’m going to assume that it’s an Asian Poison ivy (see text below). One genus, several species What follows is for those of us who get excited when we see Latin names. If you don’t fall into that unique subset of above average humans, you can skip this part and just enjoy the photos. The genus is Toxicodendron (previously Rhus). I don’t know how many … Continue reading You Can Look But You Better Not Touch

A Very Short Apprenticeship with Mr Fukano

There are few flowers in the world as pure as the quince flower. This one is from Mr. Shigero Fukano’s bonsai nursery (Yorozu-en) in Kawaguchi Japan. This photo, and the next photo are by Michelle Dougherty. Michelle’s most excellent week I just stumbled upon a great post by Michelle at Bunjin Journal. It’s about her one week visit (not what you would call a full apprenticeship, but still…) with Shigero Fukano at his nursery in Japan in February, 2009 . Michelle’s story is both personal and highly informative, but rather than bore you with my take on her take, I’ll … Continue reading A Very Short Apprenticeship with Mr Fukano