Three robust Shimpaku junipers on a rock. From the Omiya Bonsai Museum via Empire Bonsai.
We’re on a bonsai forest binge these days, so let’s keep going. Though it’s questionable if you’d call these rock plantings forests, they do share the multiple tree and the landscape features with more conventional bonsai forests.
That's Ryan Neil's hand posing for a professional photo with a one of the largest root-on-rock plantings you'll ever see. Here's his caption: "In the studio today with @hornbecker shooting for the Artisans Cup promotional material." He doesn't say what the tree's are. If you'd like to see the uncropped original with more Ryan, it's here.
Great planting, great rock, great pot. Empire Bonsai's caption says "Buxifolio Bonsai forest, planted on a rock, by Luisa Alfaro." The Buxifolio part is a bit of a mystery. Buxifolia (with an a) is a species name, but without the genus, it could be any number of things. The leaves look tiny, so we'll try Neea buxifolia.
Juniper penjing
I borrowed this photo from a Bonsai Tonight post on Penjing. As usual, I'm impressed with the choice of material and the quality of photos on Bonsai Tonight and this one is no exception. For more detail, there are several very good closeups just a click away.
Where can you find rocks like these? Especially in the juniper penjing picture?
I don’t know what the buxifolia is, but I don’t think its a Neea. Can’t be sure though.
Donna has asked my question — aside from mixed size, buy by the box quantities of lace rock pieces for aquarium users I haven’t been able to find any source info for rocks this size and suitable for planting. Also it would be great to have information on how the planting rocks that arch above the tray get secured. Nice forests!
Hi Donna and Kristin,
I don’t have a source for the rocks in question. Some day I’ll track them down. I do know that some people make their own.
The way to fasten is to use super glue or something like that and glue wire to the rock or whatever it is. This also begs the same question about the soil. The key is muck.