Imai’s deciduous bonsai are as interesting as his conifers and include a large number of varieties. Most common among these are small chojubai – the current utility bonsai, or so it seems, among small specimens. Outside, however, were some of the larger trees. Ume – great age Chinese quince – great branches Interesting pot Zelkova […]
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.
Pines in Imai’s garden
Chiharu Imai’s garden featured some great pines. Some of these were far more developed than others. Seeing less developed trees next to more mature specimens made it clear how bonsai can develop and improve over time. The juxtaposition also made it clear that Imai can do great work at both ends of this spectrum. White […]
Where good bonsai come from
One of the benefits of visiting bonsai nurseries in Japan – apart from seeing so many great trees – is getting a better sense of the person who maintains the nursery. Do they like conifers or deciduous trees, a large or small number of varieties, trees in development or well-refined bonsai? How long trees remain […]
More conifers and deciduous trees in Shiino’s garden
In addition to many black and white pines, Kentaro Shiino’s Kanagawa garden featured great examples of a number of varieties, including some beautiful junipers. Chinese juniper Chinese juniper Chinese juniper Chinese juniper One of the junipers was delicate enough to merit a post and zip tie support. To prevent tipping, the pot sat in a custom […]
Kentaro Shiino’s pines
On my last day in Japan this past February, I had the opportunity to visit two bonsai nurseries in Kanagawa prefecture. The first stop was Kentaro Shiino’s. I’d met Shiino, a graduate of Daiju-en, several years earlier at Gomankoku (back row on the left). As is the case with every student at Daiju-en, Shiino had […]