Oh So Close, But We Have A Winner!

Richard Warner’s Southern beech (with mountains) was the inspiration for the contest and, as it turns out, the winner with 28 points. Though just barely. Richard’s take is a $60 gift certificate to Stone Lantern, and world fame, of course. Thanks to all who entered and congrats to the winners! Email wayne@stonelantern.com and I’ll tell you what to do get your gift certificate. And to the Judges too Thanks to all of you who sent in your choices (21 people in all). Unfortunately, none of you picked all three winners, let alone picked them in order of finish, so we … Continue reading Oh So Close, But We Have A Winner!

Only Two More Days!

Our most popular and successful sale to date… …is about to end. Somewhere around 9am Eastern Daylight Time (U.S.) Monday morning (June 28th), we will pull the plug on our long running, ever accelerating sale. This means, that until Monday morning, you can take advantage of some of the sweetest discounts we’ve ever offered.

Branching tips (& Six More Days)

Branching tips from Bonsai Today issue 107. It’s about Pomegranates, but is applicable to any plant with opposite leaves (as opposed to alternate leaves – Wikipedia has a good description of leaf arrangement).

Judging from the Digital Bench

You could win… …or maybe just enjoy yourself in the process. So far eighteen people have put on their judges robes. Join them and and enjoy some great photos and maybe, just maybe, win a gift certificate to Stone Lantern. 17th century Spanish judge in full gowns, by Velázquez.

Near Perfect in Every Regard…

We get so used to looking at exception bonsai that sometimes we stop really looking. For me, this bunjin style Japanese while pine (seven tree clump) on a slab, is near perfect in every regard. If you just look for a while, free from ideas about what it is or should be, then it has the power to transport you to someplace natural and free. From the cover of Bonsai Today issue 25. I doubt if these shears have the same power to transport you as the bonsai above, but they will help you style your own trees. Now on … Continue reading Near Perfect in Every Regard…

Bonsai No Satori

From the cover of Bonsai No Satori, Chase and Solita Rosade’s new newsletter. Send us your news We are happy to post bonsai news from around the world. We get around sixteen thousand visits a month from pretty much everywhere. Some of these just might be interested in what you are doing. Send your info to: wayne@stonelantern.com Our news (mostly larches) I’m still digging larches (Larix laricina) and a few Northern white cedars (Thuja occidentalis). A friend of mine has a swampy area on his land that is full of larches. Nothing too old (the swamp was cleared about fifteen … Continue reading Bonsai No Satori

Rock Plantings

This Trident maple root-over-rock is from Bonsai Today issue 24 (a special issue devoted to rock planting). Root-over vs root-on Root-over-rock is where the roots grow over the rock and down into soil below. Root-on-rock is where the roots grow in a soil pocket (or soil pockets) in the rock (see below). A Black pine in the root-on-rock style. The way the tree is growing to the right serves to balance the part of the rock that thrusts out to the left. From Bonsai Today issue 24 (all of the photos in this post are from issue 24). Issue 24, … Continue reading Rock Plantings

Tree + Pot = Bonsai

This sinuous shimpaku by Boon Manakitivipart (Bonsai Boon) is an excellent example of how to harmonize a tree with a pot. Not only does the rusty orange/tan (what is that color called?) pot color highlight the cinnamon colored bark, but the soft curves of pot enhance the trunk’s soft curves as well as the overall soft roundness of the foliage. As an added touch, the high shine on the pot helps bring out the bark’s almost glowing quality. Altogether a very sweet effect. What do you think? I’m not an expert and my opinion is just my opinion (opinions are … Continue reading Tree + Pot = Bonsai

Another Bon-Tat?

Scott Tice’s shoulder, fully adorned. Nice flowers. Are we heading in the wrong direction? I’m not sure about these bon-tats anymore, though the flowers on Scott’s are very good. Are we heading in the wrong direction with these? Or should be continue posting them? Any thoughts? Disclaimer I don’t have any tattoos, and if I did, it probably wouldn’t be a bonsai (maybe a Mahakala). Most people in my generation don’t have tattoos, and when they do, it’s usually just one, and often that one is hidden. Still, I am not opposed to the culture of prolific tattoos that mark … Continue reading Another Bon-Tat?

Judges Wanted!

Time to judge Some of you have sent in your choices for our $100 Bonsai Photo Art Contest, but we still need more. Don’t hesitate, just do it! You’ll help keep things rolling along and you might win a gift certificate to Stone Lantern.