Saikei: Creating a Planting with a Deep Ravine

This planting from Toshio Kawamoto’s Saikei classic (see previous post) is quite similar to the planting on the cover (below): same trees (cryptomeria), same (or nearly the same) pot and somewhat similar rocky ravine separating two tree and moss covered areas. The man difference is that this one shows a deep ravine. The rocks that define it represent tall vertical cliffs. How to create a deep ravine saikei The purpose of this section in the original book is to show how to create a deep ravine saikei, just like the one in the photo. In fact, if you look at … Continue reading Saikei: Creating a Planting with a Deep Ravine

A Lost Treasure

I found this old out-of-print classic in Green Apple Books in San Franscisco for ten dollars (minus my family discount – see disclaimer below). It was in near perfect condition after more than forty years (copyright 1967, Kodansha International). The original price was $6.95 (hardcover no less). BTW: Green Apple is one of the best surviving used/new independent bookstores anywhere (disclaimer: my son-in-law is part owner, but this takes away nothing from the fact that it’s a great place and an institution in San Fransisco). I got lucky John Palmer, founder of Bonsai Today and Stone Lantern Publishing mentioned this … Continue reading A Lost Treasure

The Bonsai Artistry of Michael Hagedorn Plus Freeze Dried Roots

We borrowed this magnificent Sierra/Shimpaku juniper from Michael Hagedorn Crataegus Bonsai site. Michael is the author of Post-Dated: The Schooling of an Irreverent Bonsai Monk. Reworking a remarkable Weyerhaeuser Juniper Here’s what Michael has to say about the tree above: “A rangy juniper reworked in a half-day refinement session at the Weyerhaeuser collection in Federal Way, Washington. This 40″ (102cm) tree is a collected Sierra juniper grafted with shimpaku.” You can see the whole post here, which includes the before shot.

Contest: Where in the World Did We Find It?

Win a twenty five dollar gift certificate. Be the first to tell us exactly where we found this weeping literati (bunjin) style pine (I actually don’t remember and would like to know) and you’ll win a $25.00 gift certificate to Stone Lantern. To win, your answer must appear in the comments below.

Portland’s Famous Japanese Garden

This photo shows one key piece of Portland Oregon’s vast and varied Japanese garden. Actually, it’s five distinct gardens combined (see the map/drawing below). Not exactly bonsai, but still… I have a soft spot for Japanese style (and other beautiful) gardens. The same goes for trees in nature. Though neither are bonsai and bonsai is probably why you’re here, still, the connection is obvious (or is it…?). In any case, be sure to visit Portland’s treasure if you are ever in the area. Five gardens in one. This bird’s eye map gives you a pretty good idea of the layout … Continue reading Portland’s Famous Japanese Garden

Green Workshop: Controlling Conifer Growth

These simple tips on trimming and pinching are from an extensive article entitled ‘How to Train Coniferous Bonsai’ from Bonsai Today issue 42. Stay posted for more tips from this article. Books on the subject Two of the best books on training conifers are part of our Masters’ Series: Growing and Styling Juniper Bonsai, and Growing and Styling Japanese White and Black Pines (most of the info is good for other pines).

Bay Island Bonsai Exhibit Coming Up Soon

I picked this photo and the text below off of Bonsai Tonight. The same photo and info appears on Bay Island Bonsai’s site. If you are anywhere near the Bay Area, you might want to check the Exhibit out. Meanwhile, if you know anything about this remarkable tree, please let me know. Bay Island Bonsai Exhibit and Auction at a new location with bigger facility Hall of Commerce, Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Avenue, Pleasanton, 94566. Admission $ 5.00. Free Parking. Same great auction on Saturday, with preview at noon and auction at 1 PM. Guided tours of the exhibit … Continue reading Bay Island Bonsai Exhibit Coming Up Soon

Master’s Gallery: Melba Tucker’s Olive & Suiseki

This dramatic European olive forest on a rooted burl is by Melba Tucker. It’s borrowed from The National Bonsai Foundation‘s 2008 calendar. Though it goes without saying This old gem looks like a forest growing on a rocky ledge somewhere in Spain (or anywhere else olives grow) and, though it goes without saying, I’ll say it anyway: it’s one of the most wonderful, natural looking forest plantings anywhere. If you are ever anywhere near Washington DC, check it (and a whole bunch of other world class bonsai) out. It’s at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum. Melba found this distinctive … Continue reading Master’s Gallery: Melba Tucker’s Olive & Suiseki

Rafting in a Bonsai Pot (or a Box)

This very well rendered drawing by Peter Adams is from his book ‘Bonsai with Japanese Maples.’ It appears in a section called ‘Creating Raft Trees’ and on the back cover of the book. Whether or not this drawing comes from a tree in Peter’s collection or is just from his imagination, we can’t say. But one thing we do know; a pot that big (I imagine it to be at least 40 inches) will most likely set you back several hundred dollars. Rafting in Peter’s own words The raft method… is formed by laying a tree on its side and … Continue reading Rafting in a Bonsai Pot (or a Box)

Backyard Bonsai #5: Wunderbare Gartenkunst

This shot provides a glimpse of one small corner of of Michael Veith’s magical world. His living-in-art approach, is a great way to integrate bonsai, gardening and much of the rest of what makes life interesting. The iceburg’s tip The photos here represent only a small piece of what you’ll find at Michael Veith’s world of bonsai, gardens and art. This shot from a little farther away, places some bonsai in a larger context.