Robert Steven, 2 Trunks & 3 Moose 9/3/13

A simulation by Robert Steven based on two Siberian larch submitted by Kristin Wood. Robert’s handiwork combined with the rough, richly colored bark, sweet little cones, brilliant moss and just right container, makes for a very attractive naturalistic bonsai.

If you have two trees, neither of which has too much promise as a single bonsai, sometimes the best solution is to combine them. Of course some vision and skill never hurts, but really, with just a little patience and willingness to experiment, you might be surprised at the results.

In this case, the person doing the combining (simulated) has more than just a little vision and skill.

The two Siberian larch photos that were submitted by Kristin.

Robert Steven’s Critique
Bonsai design is all about composition. How to arrange the design elements to suggest a mature and beautiful tree growing in nature. Among the design elements are trunk, branches, foliage and the container.

Although these two trees have similar trunk lines and branching, their differing branch character, in both line and form, suggests two different bonsai styles.

Tree number 1 has a more irregular formed crown and downward sloping branches, which give a more mature feeling to the tree and also lends the illusion of height.

For such a simple tree, you shouldn’t use a deep container because it tends to take over and bias the focal point. Instead, a simple shallow container will fit better and suggest a more natural nuanced feeling. Only minor refinements are needed for the branching.

Tree number 2 has a more symmetrical and shorter form, with a rounder shape and a horizontal branch line that imparts a younger feel to the tree.

Since the two trees have similar features, instead of just making number 2 similar to number 1, I suggest combining the two into one design, as you can see in my simulation above.

I don’t know what the actual size difference is between the two, but you can always play around to make it work. One of the ways to do this, is by cutting the height of the apex and by creating jin. You can also change heights by creating soil contour. For the best effect, the two trees should be over-lapping.

Robert’s General Comments
There is more than one way to design any bonsai and my critiques and recommended solutions might not always fit your taste and personal preferences, but I always try to give my opinion based on artistic and horticultural principles.

To understand my concepts better, please read my books Vision of My Soul and Mission of Transformation which are available at Stone Lantern (individually or by the set).

Your are also welcome to visit my facebook pages and my bonsai blog: http://robert-steven.ofbonsai.org

Kristin sent this along too. Bet you don’t have a moose family meandering through your bonsai.