During the convention this year I had a little personal set back, and started to reflect on what got me into Bonsai, and why I enjoy this art so much.  I’ve been doing bonsai for over 14 years now and have made some progress.  However I needed take a step back and remember my journey thus far and decide where I need to go. 

To do this I couldn’t think of a better place for me personally than to go back to where it all began for me.  The National Arboretum in Washington D.C.  So this past week end I hopped a plane to the nation’s capital to view the trees that inspired me so long ago…

This picture is a picture of me taking photos of the trees at the arboretum the very first time I saw them. It was 1996 and remember it like yesterday. The amazing feeling when I saw these perfect little trees was incredible and still haven’t lost that when I see a well done bonsai. It when then that I realized how special these trees are and how much emotion can be brought out from those viewing them. This is why I do bonsai.

This is a picture of me from this past week. My photo equipment has certainly become more expensive.  However my passion for these trees have never been so strong.  I know I have a long way to go, and the trees at the arboretum are a reminder to me of what can be accomplished over time.  I need to stay focused and remind myself of why I constantly work on my trees to improve their health, develop the branching, and bring out the emotions of those that will see them.

I may never create anything as spectacular as John Naka’s Goshen, but I think I’m okay with that.  We can’t all be the best, but we can certainly try and have fun along the way.  Just hang in there…

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The annual Bonsai Societies of Florida convention is taking place all week end. The exhibit opened today and I have my very own crape myrtle on display.

If you get a chance stop by to check it out. You will not be disappointed. It is at the Ramada near I-4 and Rt192 in Kissimmee

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The last time I did any work on this tree was January 21, 2007!  

So here we are 3 1/2 years later , and boy has this tree changed.

What happened?  Well I found out that Too Littles not neccesarily like to be bonsai.  Their leaves are small and the trees pop out new growth everywhere.  However their branches have a tendency to continually move upright after the styling wires have been removed. Which meant that it was a high maintenance job keeping the tree styled as I had it. So I took it to a nursery for the past 3 years to let it grow and to thicken up even more.

Another problem with the tree was a very odd one sided surface root, that had always bothered me.

After a bit of thinking and a lot of heavy pruning I began to find a new tree under a mass of branches and leaves. Best of all a maintainable style. I plan to keep the branches short and dense, so I won’t have any problems with branches bending back.  Just look how massive the trunk looks compared to the styling from years ago

My new tree front was the old back, and the long surface root has been reduced and now shows on the right side of the trunk. I am so happy with this tree now, it is quickly becoming one of my favorites!!

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I’ve only had this tree for about a year now, but the changed are drastic.  Even without the foliage this tree has great strength and presence.  Additionally this type of ficus is so easy to work with, and it perfect for bonsai because of its small leaves.  A rewarding tree at any level of experience.

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