More European Bonsai – Poland this Time

We found this Japanese white pine (Goyomatsu) at Bonsai Warsaw. The other photos shown here are from the Warsaw Bonsai Show. They were posted by Will Baddeley (links for both are below) Polish bonsai anyone? And just in case you think I’m a mole planted here to showcase European bonsai… well, it’s true, I do appreciate what’s going on in the European bonsai community and how rapidly they’ve advanced over the last 20 to 30 years.* But really, anywhere you find quality bonsai is good enough. Here’s your link to Bonsai Warsaw. And here’s Will Baddeley KILO BONSAI WIRE ONLY 16.50 per roll Only 14.85 off with your 150.00+ discount … Continue reading More European Bonsai – Poland this Time

Adding Drama to an Already Dramatic Bonsai

Is this spectacular Juniper in its equally spectacular pot, listing just a tad to the left? Or is it just me? No matter, to my eye at least, the tension set up by this feeling adds a little more drama to an already very dramatic tree Here’s a post from our archives (Novemeber, 2012). It was titled Getting It Right This Time (you can visit the original if you’d like to know what we were getting right). I picked it mostly because I thought you might appreciate the rather spectacular tree above, though the others aren’t half bad either The photos you see here … Continue reading Adding Drama to an Already Dramatic Bonsai

Before & After Bonsai, Artists & Philosophers & the Strangest Cat Video I’ve Ever Seen

Here’s a fairly simple maintenance before and after. I found it on Mariusz Janusz Komsta’s timeline. Here’s Mariusz’s caption… “Taxus Stavrakos – good job Stavros Stavrakis, from now it can be only better – refinement of dead wood, new pot, more density and clean trunk needed … in the near future” Mariusz Komsta’s caption above provides a few answers about this tree and raises at least as many questions. First, as you may know, Taxus Stavrakos is not a Yew species (though the tree is a Yew). More like a little joke on Mariuzs’a part. Second, when I followed the link provided, … Continue reading Before & After Bonsai, Artists & Philosophers & the Strangest Cat Video I’ve Ever Seen

At a loss for something to do over Labor Day weekend?

Looking for something to do over Labor Day? How about bonsai with Bill and friends? – A piece of Bill’s nursery and here’s a little good news from Stone Lantern… time TO STOCK UP ON WIRE Deeply Discounted Bonsai Wire 500 GRAM (1.1 LB) ROLLS ONLY 7.95 Only 7.15 off with our 150.00+ discount plus FREE Shipping in the Continental U.S. for orders 75.00+ (U.S. only – Orders outside the U.S. will be charged shipping)

A Feel for Small Bonsai

It’s not that often you see such a small Bunjin style bonsai (calling this a bunjin is probably a stretch, as it lacks that extra character that only time and rough conditions can bring*). But then, there aren’t that many artists with a feel for small bonsai quite like Haruyosi. I cropped this photo to emphasize just the tree. The uncropped version is below It has been a while since we visited Harayosi, one our favorites. Especially when it comes to small bonsai. Almost all of his trees are mame (lit. bean) and many, if not most, are junipers HERE’S A GOOD REASON TO STOCK UP ON WIRE … Continue reading A Feel for Small Bonsai

Is This Really One Tree in Two Pots?

Is this really one tree in two pots? Or is it a just a bit of tricky photography? This might be settled by more photographs taken from different angles, but this one is all we have and there’s no written explanation. Anyway, I’m inclined to believe that it is what it appears to be… but then we’ve been fooled before. It was posted by Trang Jira. His only caption is the word Diospyios* We don’t usually feature novelty bonsai (with the possible exception of halloween specials- see below). Still, and though one tree in two pots is a novelty, it is a decent … Continue reading Is This Really One Tree in Two Pots?

Coming Soon… Fall Potting Season

A freshly transplanted Black pine. From our Masters’ Series Pine book. When it comes to transplanting, timing depends on your climate. Here in northern Vermont seasons can change rapidly and winters are very cold, so fall transplanting season starts and ends early (more on this below) If you live in a warmer climate fall comes later for you and there is more margin for error. One advantage to transplanting in the early fall is when the spring season starts, little or no growing time is lost. Roots grow in the fall when the soil is still warm and after diminished … Continue reading Coming Soon… Fall Potting Season

Sold! That Compact Muscular Look

I really like this sturdy little jewell. Not only is a Larch, a favorite in this part of the world – with that aged bark that adds a genuine bonafide to any bonsai – but it also has that compact muscular look that I’m often attracted to. But not to just any compact muscular bonsai, rather one like this, that shows a certain skill in the art of styling and refining bonsai. The species is European larch (Larix decidua). The skilled artist is Will Baddeley. BTW, Will recently sold this little gem Here’s what Will Baddeley wrote about this tree in answer to my inquiry… “Ok. … Continue reading Sold! That Compact Muscular Look

Culture & Local Bonsai Styles

This venerable, naturally dwarfed Ponderosa pine belongs to American/British bonsai artist and teacher, Colin Lewis. Colin lives on the coast of Maine. Ponderosa pines grow in the inland mountains of the western U.S.; two distinctively different environments This post originally appeared here in June, 2011. It was titled Local Bonsai Styles 2: Growing Conditions, Native Species & Culture. I’ve done a little editing and rewriting If you get a chance, take a look at the comments from the last post (from June, 2011). They provide insight into what started as a simple post with a single idea: the effects of human culture … Continue reading Culture & Local Bonsai Styles

Shopping for Bonsai in Japan

I’ve always had a soft spot for three fingered Shohin bonsai (bonsai that are easily held with three fingers). Particularly ones from Japan, where most of the good ones seem to show up… at least in photos. This one looks like a Shimpaku juniper. It’s from Bonsái Pavía, as are all the photos in this post. Today must be my lucky day. Not only did I discover a new bonsai company (new to us at least), I also discover a never before used theme for Bonsai Bark… shopping for bonsai in Japan. The new company is Bonsái Pavía in Madrid, Spain. They’re the ones doing … Continue reading Shopping for Bonsai in Japan