• Saturday, February 21st, 2009
I have had this tree for years, and knew that there were things about it that bothered me. However I just never did anything about them, and over time I got used to it. Recently I took this tree to my local club for a critique. If you haven’t done this, you’re missing out. They are a great opportunity to get opinions from other members on how to improve your collection.
As I put the tree in the front of the membership I pointed out the large root in the back of the trunk and the low left branch. Before I knew it, Mike Rogers had grabbed a saw and removed them in full agreement. It changed the look of the tree immediately for the better.
Here is the tree after the branch and root had been removed. You can see the hole it left in the canapy to the right of the trunk, but the lower left branch is not even missed.
The trunk line is now more simple, and the scars will cover quickly. In fact in a couple Florida months this tree’s canopy will be filled in once again.
I wired a few branches in order to move them into the open space so that they can begin to fill in. It won’t be long before I can post an updated shot of this much improved tree.
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• Saturday, February 14th, 2009
Well for a person that doesn’t do small trees, I sure have been doing a lot of small trees lately. However I couldn’t pass this one up. Great price and absolutely perfect. I’m not sure how I actual got it out without a struggle. So many people we looking at this tree and once it was styled there were jaws dropping left and right.
Inital styling
Examining the roots
These roots were in perfect condition and loaded with mychorrhizae. It is just the most healthy tree I think I have ever worked with.
mychorrhizae
As I slowly raked the roots I noticed even more mychorrhizae. The roots had great drainage and were very condensed, feeder roots. I just can’t get over how amazing these roots were.
Repotted
Well here it is in its bonsai pot, all 5 inches of it! Amazing how much power a little tree like this can project. I’ll keep you posted as its begins to fill in.
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• Monday, January 26th, 2009
At the KAWA Bonsai, Joy of Bonsai I noticed the accent plants that were displayed along with the bonsai. Many times they are over looked, but they add so much to a great display. The are normally only a few inches tall. Here are a few examples.
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• Tuesday, January 20th, 2009
Over the past weekend I entered my miniature tokonama at the Joy of Bonsai, sponsored by the KAWA Bonsai club. If you haven’t been to it or even heard of it, you are missing out. This small club puts on a world class bonsai convention, display, and demonstration every year, and it just keeps getting better.
Miniature Tokonama
I am really happy with the way it turned out, and I think my composition was simple and balanced. However there was good competition.
Tokonama Contest Entries
When you see close ups of these little tokonama it is hard to judge how small they are. I hope this photo gives a good idea of just how miniature everything is.
Tokonama Competition 3rd place
Although I didn’t win the competition, I did still manage to take home 3rd place. Not bad I guess. I just need to start working on small trees so that next time I will hopefully do better. All in all I really enjoyed the experience
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