In nature, animals, insects, rocks, wind, snow and self-sacrifice expose heartwood to the elements creating the oftentimes beautiful shapes and patterns we recognize as “deadwood” in bonsai. Deadwood always suggests a story – the cause of the trauma to a tree that killed part of it off. Some of these stories are more compelling than […]
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Foxtail pine
I had the good fortune to walk up Mt. Whitney earlier this month. On the way back down I passed through one of the few stands of Foxtail pines in the world. Foxtail pine (Pinus balfouriana subsp. austrina) is a beautiful variety of white or five-needle pine that grows near treeline in the Sierra Nevada […]
Summer Fruit
One of the nicest features about summer bonsai shows is that they provide ample opportunity for showing off summer fruit. Here are a few more pics from REBS’ 26th Annual Show. Most you’ll recognize at a glance – others may be trickier. These “berries” are actually pomes Local specialty – the show, after all, is […]
Judging bonsai at REBS
The most intriguing new feature of REBS’ 26th Annual Show was its endeavor to teach visitors about judging bonsai. I get excited about educational efforts in this area because I believe they can lead, ultimately, to better trees. Teaching bonsai evaluation is analogous to teaching art or music appreciation – it’s a vehicle for conveying […]
REBS 26th Annual Show
The Redwood Empire Bonsai Society held their annual show on August 29 and 30th in Santa Rosa, CA. The show is the biggest in Northern California and among the best in the state. The trees, demonstrations and vendor areas are always a late summer treat. Korean Hornbeam Over the years Frank Bardella, and more recently […]