This photo of what can only be described as a massive Sabina juniper was taken at Bonsaisense in Mallorca Spain, after two days of skillful transformation by Bjorn Bjorholm (and algunos amigos).
Flashback. When I first glimpsed the tree above, I thought we were back at the Artisans Cup. I think this connection has a lot to do with this tree’s size and spread and just how many impressively large trees there were at the Cup.
In case you wondering, the size of a bonsai isn’t what makes it worthy or not worthy. Still, size does add dramatic effect. Especially up close and in person. Which is a way of saying, you’ll never get the full effect from a photo.
In fact, it’s not even close. You have to make the effort to get yourself to a bonsai show from time to time, or at least once in your lifetime (stay posted for an announcement on this year’s U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition).
The two Sabina images (above and below) are from Bjorn’s facebook feed.
This Prostrata juniper is different from the Sabina above in many respects, but still, when it comes to size, spread and dramatic effect, it's a not too distant cousin. Here's our caption from a post about this tree and the Artisans Cup: Michael Levin's 'Hatanaka' Prostrata juniper, 2014 June 2015. Even though the foliage hasn't filled out yet, this shot clearly shows the structure (the bones) of the tree and seems like a good place to start.
When you realize that Rafael Torres is over seven feet tall (just kidding) you get a pretty good idea just how massive this tree is.
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