A Juniper, Two Pines & an Unusual Flowering Tree

This stately (and sturdy) Shimpaku belongs to Suthin Sukosolvisit. Looks like the lime sulfur is fairly fresh and the bark was recently brushed, so I’m going to guess Suthin was preparing for a show when this picture was taken. He still has to dress up the soil surface and oil the pot, though I’d bet these were next on his list. It’s our old friend Suthin today. I’d feel remiss if we didn’t feature his trees every few weeks. There’s no particular theme to this collection (a juniper, two pines and an uncommon flowering tree). Except maybe that they are … Continue reading A Juniper, Two Pines & an Unusual Flowering Tree

Alien Bonsai or Just Some Unusual Tropical Trees?

I’ve never seen a bonsai quite like this. It would be unusual even without that long joining root and those stubby trees in the back. With these almost alien features, it stands alone as an one-of-a-kind bonsai. It is also the only photo in this group (from bonsai4me) to give the artist’s name (Richard R Gomez) and the type tree (Strebulus asper). Yesterday I woke up in Vermont. Today it’s Colorado. I could call it a vacation, but here I am working again. I’ll make it easy on myself though, by resurrecting a post from August, 2015 (Stumbling Upon Some … Continue reading Alien Bonsai or Just Some Unusual Tropical Trees?

Meandering Lines

This Myrtle (Myrtus communis) belongs to Andrea Albergo. The pot is by Greg Ceramics and the photo is by Harry Harrington. I chose it for the lead tree for several reasons; I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a Myrtle with such a massive trunk, deadwood on most non-conifers isn’t all that common (though becoming more common) and I like the loose abstract meandering lines of the deadwood and living veins. I can’t stop showing you Harry Harrington’s photos from the recent European Bonsai San Show in Saulieu, Burgundy, France. Short of Kokufu (and maybe one or two others) I can’t … Continue reading Meandering Lines

Dramatic Bonsai & Mixed Media Presentations from Lithuania

Though there are ample shots of unusual bonsai and mixed media presentations from the recent 2016 Lithuania – International Black Scissors Bonsai Convention, this wonderfully eccentric bonsai jumped out at me. I cropped the photo to bring us in a little closer. The original photo is below. The photos shown here are from the recent 2016 Lithuania – International Black Scissors Bonsai Convention that was held in Alytus, Lithuania September 2-4. It was presented in collaboration with the 5th Japanese Culture Festival. Thanks to our old friend and business associate, Robert Steven for providing the link and encouragement to visit … Continue reading Dramatic Bonsai & Mixed Media Presentations from Lithuania

Wild & Wonderful Bonsai, but No Tanuki Please

A couple things qualify this bonsai as unusual. First, as you can see, it’s got all kind of lines looping and jutting in an almost chaotic fashion. But there’s a method to the madness. All the loops and juts not only add interest and excitement, but they come together in a way that creates both balance and tension. Second is the fact that it’s a Procumbens juniper. A species that you don’t see that often as specimen level bonsai. You do see a lot of dwarf Procumbens as little beginners’ trees here in north America, but that’s another story. Yesterday’s … Continue reading Wild & Wonderful Bonsai, but No Tanuki Please

Not So Common Privet Bonsai

One of Harry Harrington’s latest Privet bonsai. This one has highly refined delicate carving with abundant sabamiki, which is something I’ve noticed in Harry’s bonsai lately. Height 16″ (39 cm). Pot by Erin Bonsai Pottery. I’ve been following Harry Harrington since Bark’s earliest days (2009). He has a thing for Common privets (Ligustrum ovalifolium) and they’ve long interested me too, though you just don’t see that many Privet bonsai. Except if you follow Harry. This one was collected from a 70 year old hedge row in 2012, though you can bet it didn’t look like this then. Height 13″ … Continue reading Not So Common Privet Bonsai

Living on the Edge

My best guess is that most of you will appreciate the inventiveness and the humor expressed in this mixed-media bonsai creation, though perhaps a few purists will take offense. It’s by Miyazato Rintaro (thanks to Colin Lewis for sharing it). Two of the photos in this post are new to us. The others, including the one above are from December 2014 post titled Bonsai on Broomstick Bicycle. I have soft spot for the outer edges of the art of bonsai. As long as the edges don’t slide over into novelty for novelties sake. In the photo above, the quality of … Continue reading Living on the Edge

Mugo Pines & Bonsai Pirates

This wild and wonderful mugo pine was posted by Sandro Segneri of the Bonsai Creativo School and Academy. Still too busy, so we’ll dip down into our archives again. Most of what you see here originally appeared here in February, 2010. The exceptions are the tree at the bottom (from a Feb, 2011 post) and comments added today. There are at least two things that come to mind when I look at the wild Mugo pine above. First, it represents a break with traditional bonsai styles, particularly traditional Japanese bonsai. It just doesn’t look like what bonsai looked like not … Continue reading Mugo Pines & Bonsai Pirates

Kimura Rocks

The mature look. It helps to start with well developed trees. I think most of us would be happy to have trees like these Shimpaku as single bonsai, let alone as parts of group plantings. It’s hot here in Vermont, my bonsai need water and so do I. Once again it’s time to dig into our archives and vacate this office. This post originally appeared summer before last and again last summer. A question about watering came up when this was originally posted. I’ll preempt this time with my answer: “My guess is the hinoki plantings are kept in shade … Continue reading Kimura Rocks

Master Bonsai Magician

This powerful and famous Yew by is by Bonsai Master Masahiko Kimura. It’s from The Magician (below). It also appears in Bonsai Today issue 56. Archives plus today. Most of this post originally appeared in February 2010 and again last year. It was originally titled ‘Eccentric Bonsai: Fearless Master Kimura Again’. I’ve added some copy and killed some of the original copy in an attempt to reduce the wince factor. I’ve also added another photo for your enjoyment. Same species but very different tree. Though it’s not as powerful as many other Kimura trees (see above and below), nor … Continue reading Master Bonsai Magician