Bougainvillea Bonsai: Brilliant Or A Little Too Brazen?

You have to use your imagination for the pot, but not much imagination when it comes to color. This photo and the others in this post are from an article on Chinese bougainvillea on Bonsai-Penjing. You be the judge One of the many things I like about southern climes are the colorful bougainvilleas that you often see gracing balconies and draped along buildings and walls. It’s as if bougainvilleas and walls were made for each other. But what about bougainvilleas and bonsai? In some cases the two go together very well. I’ll let you be the judge of the trees … Continue reading Bougainvillea Bonsai: Brilliant Or A Little Too Brazen?

Making a Point with Deadwood

Going down? There’s a lot to love about this old tree: that little piece of wood that hangs over the edge of the pot, the remarkable texture and color of the bark and the way the powerful old trunk seems to cling to the pot. There’s also the fact that the tree is a Southwestern White Pine (Pinus strobiformis), not your everyday bonsai species. And then there’s that remarkable jin that seems to be unconcerned if it fits or doesn’t fit with the rest of the tree. The tree belong to Greg Brenden. The photo is from the 2010 2nd … Continue reading Making a Point with Deadwood

Restyling a Mugo, Offing a Shari, Bonsai Tourists, More Bonsai Rafting & Some Excellent Events

This old beauty is one of hundreds of quality bonsai that was featured at the 2nd U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. It’s a Nikko Satsuki Azalea that belongs to The Kennett Collection. It originally belonged to Kunio Kobayashi who started it by planting smaller trees next to each other. The 3rd U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition takes place June 9th and 10th in Rochester NY. It’s not too late to sign up. Now half price. Order this collector’s set from the first two U.S. National Bonsai Exhibitions and save 50% It’s not a bonsai, but it is a sweet photo. … Continue reading Restyling a Mugo, Offing a Shari, Bonsai Tourists, More Bonsai Rafting & Some Excellent Events

Bonsai Sculpture, a Wonderful Video & Great NEW Tools

Sculpture. What comes to mind when I look at this manicured Buddleja is ‘sculptural bonsai.’ Though I don’t think it would ever be admitted to Kokufu-ten (Japans most famous bonsai exhibition) I do think it has something going for it. I especially like the wavy pot and the fluid split trunk (or is that two trunks?). It’s from Higurashi Jardineria Creativa on facebook. Here’s their website. Take a look. Have you seen this video yet? If you haven’t, or even if you have, take a look. And then sign up for the 3rd U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. Simplicity. Here’s … Continue reading Bonsai Sculpture, a Wonderful Video & Great NEW Tools

Weekly Wire: Bonsai Elegance, Yellow Flowers, Yang Ya & Tiny Assassins

Elegance. I’ve never been to the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, but if the elegance of the display shown in this photo is any indication, maybe I should start saving my yen. Goyomatsu. Japanese white pine from the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum’s gallery. Yellow flowers. You don’t see many bonsai with yellow flowers here in North America. Japan might be another story; Classic Bonsai of Japan features several and this one is from our 2012 Japanese bonsai calendar (sold out). I can’t read the Japanese, but it looks like a Winter hazel (Corylopsis spicata). More mellow yellow. Speaking of, I … Continue reading Weekly Wire: Bonsai Elegance, Yellow Flowers, Yang Ya & Tiny Assassins

Kokufu & the Upcoming 2012 U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition

This Shishigashira Japanese maple was a 2012 Kokufu award winner. A few things stand out about this remarkable tree: the shape, with most of the action on one side is somewhat unusual for a Japanese maple; the wonderful nebari with its smooth spread and the way it stabilizes the top of the tree; and the undulating movement of the branching (from primary branches all the way out to the tips of the twigs). Best in show All the photos in this post are from Bill Valavanis’ 2012 KOKUFU BONSAI EXHIBITION REPORT which appears on the Internet Bonsai Club. You might … Continue reading Kokufu & the Upcoming 2012 U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition

Weekly Wire: Ancient Bones & the Wheel of Bonsai Wisdom

Ancient bones. I like the way the fresh foliage seems to hang from the tree’s ancient bones (though I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a stand so in need of refinishing). This strikingly unique bonsai is one of many excellent trees at Taiwan Bonsai World. Free Advertising! What if you could advertise your bonsai event for free on a Bonsai Blog with over 30,00 visitors a month? Turns out, you can! Right here on Bonsai Bark. Just put your event (with links please) in the comments below and I’ll take from there. Have you seen this issue? Neither have … Continue reading Weekly Wire: Ancient Bones & the Wheel of Bonsai Wisdom

Million Dollar (Plus!) Bonsai in Perspective

I just received this photo from Bill Valavanis. It’s that Million Dollar Japanese white pine we featured a few days ago. Now you can get a little perspective (size-wise at least). Bill’s remarks Here are Bill Valavanis‘ remarks that he sent along with the photo. Hi Wayne, I’ve just returned home from Japan and saw your post on my friend’s bonsai, the Million Dollar specimen. The million dollar bonsai WAS actually sold and at the current exchange rate on the sale day was $1,282,000. The tree is a grafted Miyajima Japanese five-needle pine which has not been on display since … Continue reading Million Dollar (Plus!) Bonsai in Perspective

Thinking Ahead to 2012: The Show & the Books

If you only go to one event every two years, this is the one. Don’t miss it. It’s not far fetched… … to think about an event this important seventeen months in advance. If you don’t, time slips by, your calendar fills up, and the next thing you know you’re kicking yourself for missing it. Limited printings After each Exhibition, Bill Valavanis puts out a world-class album. We still have some from 2008 and 2010 came in not long ago (purchase them both and save). However, if you want to have them all for your collection, don’t wait. A limited … Continue reading Thinking Ahead to 2012: The Show & the Books

Thinking Ahead Two Years

It’s not so far fetched Most of the time we think day to day or even moment to moment. Occasionally, we need to think a little further out (time wise that is). This is especially true if you want to exhibit a bonsai or perhaps become a vendor at the 3rd U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. Or, given the pressures on your schedule, if you just want to attend. Though it may seem far fetched now, if you don’t plan ahead, other obligations might worm their way into you schedule. BTW: The 2nd was a roaring success.