Ponderosa pine deadwood

For good reason, horticultural endeavors don’t often focus on death. Bonsai is an exception. Exposed deadwood on old trees can reveal hardship and character that defines a tree better than any other feature.

One of the best places to appreciate deadwood on bonsai is Elandan Gardens in Bremerton, Washington. Elandan is an amazing expression of Dan Robinson’s imagination – a bonsai museum and nursery on reclaimed land along the shores of Puget Sound. I think the best way to introduce the museum is by appreciating a great example of natural deadwood found on a Ponderosa pine whose character and age is well expressed in the scaly fissures of its weather-beaten trunk.

Ponderosa pine deadwood

Wonderful curves and scales and splinters

Unmistakable signs of age

The tree is over three feet tall – a winding specimen with sparse foliage atop curves that tighten as the trunk nears its apex.

Ponderosa pine at Elandan Gardens

As you can see by the setting, Robinson has created an environment for his trees that retains elements of the mountains from which these trees were collected. It’s a nice touch, and a great way to focus his visitors’ attention on the details in which he takes such great interest – the deadwood.