This American larch (Larix laricina) was sent to us by John Romano. It was selected as 1 of 100 in JAL World Bonsai Photo contest 2004. It was purchased as raw collected stock from American larch hero Nick Lenz. John Romano has been devoted to teaching bonsai for the past ten years and has developed Kaikou School of Bonsai (a two year program at at New England Bonsai). Kaikou is a somewhat archaic Japanese term that means ‘unexpected encounter’ or ‘crossing paths’.
Your turn
Our Fearless Bonsai Warrior program is about you and your bonsai. In other words, I want you to send us photos. It’s easy, just attach them to an email to wayne@stonelantern.com. You don’t have to be a professional or a bonsai teacher (like John Romano), just someone with a bonsai and a camera.
Don’t worry about rejection
Don’t worry about rejection or ridicule. I like all attempts at bonsai, even the ones I don’t like. If we like yours enough, we’ll feature it here. If not, I’ll send you a kind and gentle letter explaining what I think you need to do to improve your tree. Not that what I think will necessarily be helpful, but there’s always a chance, however remote.
Another of John Romano’s bonsai. This Dwarf Japanese garden juniper (Juniperus procumbens ‘nana’) was purchased at New England Bonsai in 2003. My guess is that it originally came from the Los Angeles area, as I don’t think you will ever see a trunk that thick on a procumbens nana that was grown in New England or anywhere else in the temperate zone. Though I like this tree, I can see a couple things that might be improved. Anyone have any ideas?
If I can humbly reply to you Wayne. This photo was actually taken a year after it was exhibited and has become quite ‘shaggy’. The foliage pads were more defined at exhibition. Also the tree was in a different pot. I DO welcome other comments though!
thanks for posting these Wayne,
john romano