Another highlight from the Green Club in 2014 – Black pine. Black pine To say this tree has a massive trunk is an understatement. It’s like someone dreamed of a tree with near excessive taper and it suddenly appeared. The bark is good, not great, and the branches are young. Filling in the silhouette with […]
Excursions
Excursion posts feature visits to bonsai gardens in the U.S. and in Japan, visits to the Kyoto's Most Renown Gardens, and trips into the mountains to see junipers and pines in their natural setting.
Highlights from the Green Club – Japanese beech
Another highlight from the Green Club in 2014 – Japanese beech. Japanese Beech This beech is massive. It’s close to 3′ tall and has amazing ramification. The base of the trunks is unconventional and interesting. The silhouette is great.
Highlights from the Green Club – white pine
The Green Club is the sales area that accompanies Kokufu – the world’s premier bonsai exhibit held annually in Tokyo. Some of the trees on offer here are pretty amazing. In lieu of taking a break this summer, I’ll share some highlights from a visit the Green Club in 2014. Regular posts will return mid-October. […]
Portland Japanese Garden
On a recent trip to Oregon I had a chance to visit the Portland Japanese Garden. Set in the hills overlooking Portland – not far from the museum hosting next month’s Artisans Cup – the garden is well worth a visit. On the day I visited the weather was perfect. Sunlight through Japanese maple foliage Designed in 1963, […]
Matt Reel workshop
I recently had the opportunity to work on some trees with Matt Reel. Matt hails from Portland, Oregon, and is a member of the Portland Bonsai Village. For eight years, he apprenticed with Shinji Suzuki. These days he can be found working on client trees, teaching classes and leading demonstrations across the country. I met Matt in […]




