Best Bonsai & Best Bonsai Show – The 6th U.S. National

6winner

Winner of the Finest Bonsai at the 6th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. It's a Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii) that belongs to  Suthin Sukosolvisit. I cropped the original (see below) for a closer look. The photo was taken by Oscar (Bonsai Empire) with a hand held camera and no special lighting. Stay posted for the rest of the winners and other show photos

Back home, exhausted, exhilarated and just a little crazy. If you weren’t there, you’ll have to settle for some photos and a few words. If you were there, you’ll understand the difference between up close and personal, and photographs. And why it’s so important to make the effort to visit the best bonsai exhibitions (more on this below).

Before we go any further, thanks to Bill Valavanis, the driving force behind it all, and to his tireless bonsai warriors (with a special nod to Patrick). The whole experience was magnificent. Even spectacular. If you were there, you understand. If you weren’t… see you in 2020
Continued below…

FALL POTTING SPECIAL

30% OFF LIST ON OUR HIGH IMPACT PLASTIC BONSAI POTS
30% OFF LIST ON BONSAI SOIL & SOIL INGREDIENTS

visit stonelantern.com

 

6-wiineruncropped

The winning tree again. This time as part of the whole display

Thanks also to our friend Oscar (Bonsai Empire) for taking and posting these photos. Oscar is a real pro and his Bonsai Empire is always worth a visit (facebook, youtube). Especially now. Oscar has posted all the winners and much more
Continued below…

 

6-5

This photo and the last two in this post are shots Oscar took while walking around the display area. No names or type trees are given. You'll have to wait for the Album for photos and descriptions of all the trees (stones too)

Continued from above…
Photos never do bonsai justice. In fact, it’s not even close. No fault of Oscar’s (or for that matter no fault of Joe Noga, whose studio shots will show up when the 6th Album comes out). The raw emotional impact and the realization of just how massive many of the trees are and some of the details you almost never see with photos all add up to an experience that can’t really be described and will never be completely captured with photos. The closest in my experience are up close photos that show pieces of trees (art photos), like the on just below

6-vid2I like this type art photo. Sometimes they express something that might be missed with a photo of the whole tree. Beyond just detail. I lifted it from Oscar's show video

 

6-shohin

 

6-2

Stay posted fro the rest of the winners and other show photos

GREAT PRICES FOR 100 GRAM ROLLS TOO


WIRE DISCOUNTS ARE COMPUTED AT CHECK OUT

 

Larches are Coming to Rochester – Green T Bonsai Turntables too!

Green-T-Basic-round-table

ORDER YOUR OWN
GREEN T TURNTABLE NOW

OR PICK ONE UP AT THE
6TH U.S. NATIONAL BONSAI EXPOSITION

CANADIANS – If you want to avoid shipping costs
order yours online before Saturday Morning and we’ll hold it for you
We’ll also remove the shipping charge when we process your order
But be sure to put Rochester in the comments when you check out

Free Shipping for Green Ts in the Continental U.S.
We will also be offering 2 slightly used
Green T Basics at the Exhibition
for only 295.00 (regular discounted price is 345.00)

StoneLantern.com

 

Contrary to what you may have heard,
and with Bill’s enthusiastic go ahead
our Field Grown Larches WILL BE at the
6th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition

 

larch

One of our field grown Larches

 

green-t

Another of our Larches. On a Green T Hydraulic Lift Turntable

Here’s a list of some of the products we’re offering at the 6th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. Almost all at show special prices (and you save the shipping charge):
Tons of Bonsai wire, our famous Roshi Stainless and Carbon Steel Bonsai Tools and some other great tools, including some deeply discounted, one of a kind and slightly used tools; a vast selection of Bonsai Books (including some rare ones), Several Fertilizers, Cut pastes, Lime sulfur, our New Bonsai T-shirtsGreen T Turntables, including two discounted slightly used ones, Tie-Pots and more…
Even if you don’t need anything, drop by and say hello. We look forward to seeing you

Can’t make it? Visit us online
and order any of the items above
(except the larches)
stonelantern.com

*FREE Shipping on Continental U.S. orders 75.00+
only if you select Free Shipping when you check out
*Free Shipping does not apply to
bonsai wire, soil & non hydraulic turntables

Larches ARE Coming to Rochester! Change of Plans

770TiePotwSam

Retraction! Our larches will at the 6th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition this coming weekend (see below). And we will offer a whole range of other goods for your bonsai, including our brand New Tie Pots (we haven't had a new product that we've been this excited about since we introduced our now famous Roshi tools six years ago). You can see them (and purchase them) in real time and space at the Exhibition, or on our website

Bill Valavanis just called and told me not to worry and that we should bring our larches. In his words, give them good strong spray and any remaining mealy eggs or bugs will be knocked off. It’s Bill’s show and if Bill thinks it’s okay then we’ll bring the ones don’t show any more signs of mealy

FALL POTTING SPECIAL

30% OFF LIST ON OUR HIGH IMPACT PLASTIC BONSAI POTS
30% OFF LIST ON BONSAI SOIL & SOIL INGREDIENTS

visit stonelantern.com

 

tie pots single-770

Tie Pots have the potential to revolutionize bonsai growing

 

tie pots 1

 

Here’s a list of some of the products we’re offering at the 6th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. Almost all at show special prices (and you save the shipping charge):
Tons of Bonsai wire, our famous Roshi Stainless and Carbon Steel Bonsai Tools and some other great tools, including some deeply discounted, one of a kind and slightly used tools; a vast selection of Bonsai Books (including some rare ones), Several Fertilizers, Cut pastes, Lime sulfur, our New Bonsai T-shirts, Green T Turntables, including two discounted slightly used ones, Tie-Pots and more…
Even if you don’t need anything, drop by and say hello. We look forward to seeing you

 

GREAT PRICES FOR 100 GRAM ROLLS TOO


WIRE DISCOUNTS ARE COMPUTED AT CHECK OUT

Change of Plans – Larches ARE Coming to the 6th National Bonsai Exhibit

770TiePotwSam

Retraction! Our larches will at the 6th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition this coming weekend (see below). And we will offer a whole range of other goods for your bonsai, including our brand New Tie Pots (we haven't had a new product that we've been this excited about since we introduced our now famous Roshi tools six years ago). You can see them (and purchase them) in real time and space at the Exhibition, or on our website

 

Bill Valavanis just called and told me not to worry and that we should bring our larches. In his words, give them good strong spray and any remaining mealy eggs or bugs will be knocked off. It’s Bill’s show and if Bill thinks it’s okay then we’ll bring the ones don’t show any more signs of mealy

FALL POTTING SPECIAL

30% OFF LIST ON OUR HIGH IMPACT PLASTIC BONSAI POTS
30% OFF LIST ON BONSAI SOIL & SOIL INGREDIENTS

visit stonelantern.com

 

tie pots single-770

Tie Pots have the potential to revolutionize bonsai growing

 

tie pots 1

 

Here’s a list of some of the products we’re offering at the 6th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. Almost all at show special prices (and you save the shipping charge):
Tons of Bonsai wire, our famous Roshi Stainless and Carbon Steel Bonsai Tools and some other great tools, including some deeply discounted, one of a kind and slightly used tools; a vast selection of Bonsai Books (including some rare ones), Several Fertilizers, Cut pastes, Lime sulfur, our New Bonsai T-shirts, Green T Turntables, including two discounted slightly used ones, Tie-Pots and more…
Even if you don’t need anything, drop by and say hello. We look forward to seeing you

 

GREAT PRICES FOR 100 GRAM ROLLS TOO


WIRE DISCOUNTS ARE COMPUTED AT CHECK OUT

American Bonsai – The Kennett Collection

ken

Fantastic tree! It belongs to Doug Paul (Mr. Kennett Collection). This photo is from the famous Kokufu Exhibition in Tokyo. It's a great honor to have a tree accepted to Kokufu; only a handful of North Americans have had that honor

Continuing with our lead up to the 6th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition, today we’ve got a few photos from Doug Paul’s Kennett Collection, no doubt one of the foremost bonsai collections in North America. The collection – with the exception of any trees Doug keeps in Japan -resides in Kennett Square PA.

Our Warehouse will be open this week, but Ric will be on his own and he’ll need to cover customer service as well as packing and shipping, etc, so shipping might be a little slower than usual. Don’t worry though, we’ll catch up the following week. Meanwhile, we’ve got a new Fall Potting special for you…

FALL POTTING SPECIAL

30% off list on our High Impact Plastic Bonsai Pots
30% off list on Bonsai Soil & Soil Ingredients
stonelantern.com

ken7

This impressive exposed-root tree is a Trident maple. The leaves are dead giveaway

If you’d like to learn more about the Kennett Collection, you can visit their facebook timeline or their website. I’m scrambling with final preparations for the 6th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition, so I won’t bother to research the types of trees shown here (the facebook photos don’t say), but I will make some semi-educated guesses

 

ken8

I don't know what this multi trunk beast is, but I'm very impressed by the nebari

 

ken6

This would be an impressive tree even without the brilliant leaves. Speaking of, have you ever seen such bright yellow and red leaves on the same tree at the same time? Some of the sugar maples around here (Vermont) do that in the fall, but maybe not quite as brightly contrasted as these leaves (almost looks shopped a bit)

 

ken5

Japanese maple. Another colorful display

 

ken4

How often do you see a formal upright Azalea? I think the trunk is the result of bundling a bunch of saplings (whips) together

You can pick up your

NEW Unisex Bonsai T-Shirt

at the Exhibition – or you can order it online

TshirtmainOur Brand NEW Bonsai T-Shirt
is a traditional cut for men (and for women)
Available at Stone Lantern and at the upcoming
6th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition

The Bonsai Wagon Is On Its Way!

bmmain

One of several bonsai recently posted by Bonsai Mirai. No varieties were given for any of the trees shown here (on social media*), but we do know that they belong to Ryan Neil. If you'd like to know more about these trees and you have time, you can sort through the Mirai website. Even if you don't find all the ones shown here, you'll see many of the very best American yamadori (collected from the wild) trees. *Bonsai Mirai's fb timeline

Continuing with our lead up to the 6th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition…. If this post looks familiar, it’s  because we originally posted it six weeks ago. We’re pressed for time due to unforeseen circumstances (more about this tomorrow after the dust settles), so we’re going to run it again to save time and just in case you missed it or you need more encouragement to visit the 6th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition
Continued below…

BONSAI FERTILIZER SPECIAL
ENDS TONIGHT

25% OFF LIST PRICES
FOR FERTILIZERS & OTHER CARE PRODUCTS

special ends at 11:59pm tonight, Sunday, Sept 2nd

wagonThe cross country covered wagon full of bonsai is coming soon

 

bmmaincu

Just in case you want a closer look at the tree above (please pardon the fuzz, it's all my doing)

 

bm4

Another Mirai mystery tree that was posted on fb

 

bm3

And another

 

bm2

One more.... a great funky old pot!

 

6th

See you there!

ORDER YOUR OWN
GREEN T 
TURNTABLE NOW

or pick one up at the
6th U.S. National Bonsai Exposition

Green-T-Basic-round-table
Free Shipping for Green Ts in the Continental U.S.
We will also be offering 2 slightly used
Green T Basics at the Exhibition
for only 295.00 (regular discounted price is 345.00)

StoneLantern.com

 

American Bonsai Hero & the 6th U.S. National

alberta

This bonsai could be yours! Bill Valavanis with an Alberta spruce that will be auctioned (just the tree) at the 6th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition

Continuing with our lead up to the 6th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition….  We almost never lead a post with photo of a person, yet this is the 2nd time for Bill’s visage at the top of a post (the first was when he was inducted into the Bonsai Hall of Fame). If anyone deserves it, it’s Bill, our Bonsai star for this moment and similar moments (there are other bonsai heros to be sure, including all the good people who work tirelessly with Bill to make great bonsai events happen). Come to the 6th U.S. National and see for yourself

BONSAI FERTILIZER SPECIAL
ENDS TOMORROW NIGHT

25% OFF LIST PRICES
FOR FERTILIZERS & OTHER CARE PRODUCTS

special ends at 11:59pm tomorrow, Sunday, Sept 2nd

 

BHORNBEAM

Bill has at least two famous Hornbeams. This one's a Korean hornbeam (Carpinus turczaninowii - some sources list it as Carpinus coreana, and I have seen it listed as Carpinus turczaninowii  var Coreana... I'm sure Bill could shed some light)

 

b2016

A shot from the 5th U.S. National Exhibition (2016)

 

large-trident

Another auction tree that could be yours. It's a Trident maple

You can pick up your
NEW Unisex Bonsai T-Shirt
at the Exhibition – or you can order it online
Tshirtmain

Our Brand NEW Bonsai T-Shirt
is a traditional cut for men (and for women)
Available at Stone Lantern and at the upcoming
6th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition

BREDHORN

Bill's other famous hornbeam. He calls it Red leaf hornbeam. We're running behind schedule, so we'll leave the botanical nomenclature to you

 

ficus

This Ficus could also be yours. It's the third auction tree

 

6th

One of Boon's famous trees (speaking of American bonsai heros)
It's not to late to change your plans and show up at the 6th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition next weekend. You'll be blown away by the bonsai , the demonstrations, the vendors sections (we'll be there!), the people and who know what else?

– 

GREAT PRICES FOR 100 GRAM ROlLs too


WIRE DISCOUNTS ARE COMPUTED AT CHECK OUT

 

Eisei-en & Bjorn’s Big Bonsai Weekend

bj2

I found this Shimpaku rock planting in a vast array of Bjorn Bjorholm's online photos. I couldn't find any text with the photo, so it's hard to tell if it's a root-over-rock (if it is, the root must be on the other side) or a on root-on-rock. No matter, it's great tree

Continuing with our North American bonsai series in our lead up to the 6th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition...  Though our goal is encourage you to visit the 6th U.S.,  we’d be remiss if we passed on Bjorn Bjorholm’s Eisei-en grand opening

Here’s a quote from Bjorn about his new nursery and the grand opening…  “After months of planning, preparation and building, we are excited to announce the Grand Opening Event of Eisei-en Bonsai Garden in Mount Juliet, TN on September 1-2, 2018!
Continued below…

TOday IS THE LAST DAY
FOR FREE SHIPPING (IN THE CONTINENTAL U.S.)
FOR BONSAI WIRE, BONSAI SOIL
AND NON HYDRAULIC BONSAI TURNTABLES

details below

 

BE

Bjorn continued from above…
“The event is open to the public from 9am-5pm both days, with free demonstrations by Naoki Maeoka (Japan) and Mauro Stemberger (Italy). All bonsai, yamadori and ceramics will be discounted 10% during the event.

 

bbn

Bjorn's Bird's nest spruce (Picea abies 'Nidiformis)

 

btri

I couldn't find any copy with this one, though it looks like it must be a Trident maple in early spring leaf

 

BONSAI AESTHETICS WIRE SPECIAL
NEW LOWER KILO PRICES

EVERY SIZE & WEIGHT IS IN STOCK…


…but first our new policy on Shipping 

In order to maintain our low prices in the face of new import duties,
beginning September 1st, we will no longer offer Free Shipping
on Wire, Soil & non-hydraulic Turntables
All other items will still qualify for Free Shipping
for Continental U.S. orders 75.00 or more
(but only if you choose Free Shipping when you check out)
we will continue to make sure our shipping prices are very low

GREAT PRICES FOR 100 GRAM ROOLS
100 GRAM ROLLS 3.95 EACH
ONLY 2.95 EACH FOR 10 OR MORE ROLLS

WIRE DISCOUNTS ARE COMPUTED AT CHECK OUT

 

Valentin’s Bonsai Behemoth

 

1sjafter

This is what can happen to an old bonsai behemoth in the hands of the right artist. In this case the hands belong to Valentín Cruz. The tree is a yamadori (collected from the wild) Sierra juniper (Juniperus occidentalis)

Continuing with North American bonsai in our lead up to the 6th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition… It wasn’t long ago I stumbled upon the bonsai of Valentín Cruz, a remarkably skilled young bonsai artist who lives and practices his art in Northern California. Valentín is a student of Jim Gremel, a highly respected bonsai artist and ceramicist, and the proprietor of Deer Meadow Bonsai and  American Bonsai Ceramics
Continued below…

Tomorrow is the last day
for Free Shipping (in the Continental U.S.)
for Bonsai Wire, Bonsai Soil
and Non Hydraulic Bonsai Turntables

see below

 

sjb&acruz

Before and after

It’s not too late to plan your trip to Rochester for the 6th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. If you’ve never been, you owe it to yourself. If you have been, you’ll understand why

 

sjbefore

Before. It never hurts to start with good material

 

Our Striking NEW Men’s & Women’s Bonsai T-Shirt

The illustration* is taken from a famous Robert Steven Bonsai

Tshirt

Don’t be fooled by this photo
Our Brand NEW Bonsai T-Shirt
is a traditional cut for men (and for women)
Unisex in other words
Available at Stone Lantern and at the upcoming
6th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition

*by our own Ric Walter and with Robert’s permission

 

sjcuCropped for a closer look at the shari and nebari

 

Jgremel1

Perfect in its classical design. It's an Atlas ceder (Cedrus atlantica) by Jim Gremel, Valentin's mentor

 

GREAT PRICES FOR 100 GRAM ROOLS
100 GRAM ROLLS 3.95 EACH
ONLY 2.95 EACH FOR 10 OR MORE ROLLS

WIRE DISCOUNTS ARE COMPUTED AT CHECK OUT

FREE Shipping for Continental U.S. orders 75.00 or more*
but only if you choose free shipping when you check out
*In order to maintain our low prices in the face of new import duties,
beginning September 1st, we will no longer offer Free Shipping
on Wire, Soil & non-hydraulic Turntables
However, all other items will still qualify for Free Shipping
and we will make sure to keep our shipping prices very low

Bonsai Boon and His Twenty Super Students

Boon

Boon Manakitivipart's Itoigawa Sargent Juniper that won the Finest Medium Size Bonsai award at the 5th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. From a September, 2016 Bark post

Continuing with North American bonsai in our lead up to the 6th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition

The more I look at the tree above, the more I like it. But rather than go into specifics, I’ll just relate a quick story…. While I was admiring the tree at the 5th U.S. National, Boon walked by. I said something like ‘great tree, but only one?’  His reply was… “Yes, but twenty of my students have trees here.

Boon Manakitivipart (Bonsai Boon) has long been of favorite of ours (and most everyone else). The five photos shown here are almost randomly picked from the dozens of Boon’s trees we’ve featured over the last nine years or so. As you can see, all are exceptional and there are many more where these came from

 

shorepineThe tree is a Shore pine (Pinus contorta) that Boon was getting ready for Bay Island Bonsai’s 19th Annual Exhibit. From a January, Bark 2018 post

 

itoigawaAnother Itoigawa Shimpaku juniper, from a January, 2017 Bark post

 

Tshirt

Our Brand NEW Bonsai T-Shirt. Available at Stone Lantern 
and at the upcoming 6th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition

 

boonking1You can tell this is a genuine Dwarf Kingsville boxwood by the tight tiny leaves. This planting by Boon Manakitivipart was the winner of the Certre Award at the 2010 U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. From a December, 2016 Bark post

 

boonafter-1Boon's transformed Sierra juniper. If you go to Styling on Bonsai Boon you can see how Boon took this tree through an eight year bonsai journey. From an October, 2016 Bark post

GREAT PRICES FOR 100 GRAM ROOLS
100 GRAM ROLLS 3.95 EACH
ONLY 2.95 EACH FOR 10 OR MORE ROLLS

WIRE DISCOUNTS ARE COMPUTED AT CHECK OUT

FREE Shipping for Continental U.S. orders 75.00 or more*
but only if you choose free shipping when you check out
*In order to maintain our low prices in the face of new import duties,
beginning September 1st, we will no longer offer Free Shipping
on Wire, Soil & non-hydraulic Turntables
However, all other items will still qualify for Free Shipping
and we will make sure to keep our shipping prices very low