Juniper deadwood at Elandan Gardens

The bonsai at Elandan Gardens are displayed against the attractive backdrop of Puget Sound and the fantastical background of the gardens themselves. Dan Robinson has adorned the reclaimed land with stones, trees, and even deadwood collected from the mountains in an effort to create an experience that evokes alpine beauty. It’s a great spot to spend an afternoon.

Pond at Elandan Gardens

Elandan gardens

Juniper deadwood at Elandan

Not far from the displayed deadwood one can find live junipers with outstanding deadwood.

Rocky Mountain Juniper – Juniperus scopularum

Discovered near Drummond, MT on a quick reconnoiter up a hill in 1989. Carrying just a crowbar and pruners, I had to sacrifice my shirt to tie up the roots of this beauty after extraction. It was growing in crumbling basalt, so it came out bare-rooted. Its incredible trunk line and profound age make it a favorite.

Deadwood detail

Collected juniper

Rocky Mountain juniper

Deadwood detail

The deadwood at Elandan is testament to Robinson’s eye for good trees. This is no surprise considering that he’s been at it for 50 years – read Dan’s Story at the Elandan Gardens website for details.