Mr. Fukunaga has been growing bonsai for a long time. He gave most of the trees in his garden their start which is really something considering how far along they are. His deciduous collection features a number of different varieties including hornbeam and trident maple as well as some of the less common varieties like styrax.
Styrax japonica
Trident maple
Most of his deciduous trees are Japanese maples, and I have yet to find a garden with more fun maple projects.
Maples
One interesting fact about Fukunaga’s maples – almost all were made from the same parent tree over 30 years ago. The parent has good bark and small leaves so he made lots of cuttings and now has quite a collection of the trees in a variety of styles.
Japanese maple
Trunk detail
Japanese maple
Japanese maple
Multi-trunk maple
Multi-trunk maple
From the side
Raft-style maple
I made particular note of the roots on these trees. As you can see from the photos, the roots exhibit quite different characteristics
Maple roots
Maple trunk and roots
Maple trunk
Maple trunk – fun project
And finally, one of the smaller maples in Fukunaga’s collection.
Japanese maple
Up next, a visit to Mr. Honda’s garden.
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Shah says
Some great trees with wonderful nebari
Zack Clayton says
Did he give you any indication on how the different nebari configurations were achieved, or did they just happen that way? It would be interesting to know if he influenced them, and if so, how.
Patrick says
Jonas, I think we need to crowdfund you to stay with this guy for a year–and blog about his methods! What an awesome collection from scratch. Im still shocked.
Dave Martin says
An excellent post, Jonas.
Jonas Dupuich says
Hi Zack, good question – we didn’t talk about the differences in roots much though my guess is that it’s mostly attributable to care, especially during repotting. That and the trees that haven’t been repotted lately with no moss on top show a lot more of the smaller roots.
nelibonsai says
Thank You! I love your blog.
Scott Roxburgh says
Another great post Jonas. The information/inspiration that you provide is second to none.
Is Mr. Fukunaga the JBP grower that you mentioned when I visited? Was this a recent visit to Japan?
Jonas Dupuich says
Thanks Scott – I was just there a few weeks ago, but this is not the grower I’d mentioned previously. I’ll have posts from that garden soon!