It is now only 5 days before our Winter Image Show this Sunday and Paul B gave an update on the final preparations and we discussed the last remaining arrangements and set up times. This was then followed by a talk firstly from Terry Adams on how to prepare your bonsai trees for a show and then a further talk by Bob Bailey on setting up a Shohin or Mame display / Tokamnoma.
This was our sixth visit to HOKA-EN Bonsai studio also known as Lodders in Holland and once again we were stunned at the superb quality and choice of Bonsai trees for sale. It takes considerable time just to assess the range of Bonsai trees on offer and to pick read more
After a trip down to Folkestone, an overnight stay and an early morning, [even Paul H didn't manage to get his cooked breakfast] it was onto the train and in about 30 mins we were in France. Unfortunately, the weather decided to turn very wet and with the other traffic on the E40 you could only just see the front of the car bonnet. Into Belgium and by then Paul’s stomach was making funny noises so it was a quick pit stop and then onto the venue.
Everything was in full swing when we got there so it was a case of placing out the Swindon trees and then trying to get them photographed, the traders were buzzing around like bees round honey. What a place and some of those trees, would give you a hernia trying to lift them.
The next day was very wet but didn’t stop a big crowd from viewing the trees, it was difficult to find an area where you could photograph them. The traders areas were even worse, and by the time you had made your way to the end, you couldn’t get back again. Still it didn’t stop sales being made. The trouble was excactly what do you buy first.
Luckily in the afternoon it thinned out a bit so that we could manage to see the trees, trouble was that I was so busy trying to get a good picture I couldn’t remember looking at the trees themselves. read more
Ritta is well known for her accent plantings and Kusamono.
Ritta giving a previous presentation
An example of Kusamono
During the show she will be making a presentation which will cover everything you need to know on the subject.
Ritta attended the Swindon Club in Aug 2011 and gave an interesting talk, after which, club members constructed some of their own. For a copy of the report see http://swindon-bonsai.co.uk/2011/08/09/kusamono-and-shitakusa-by-ritta-cooper/#more-2321
One not to miss for ideas, especially in the run up to the Magical Bonsai Accents show on Sunday the 27th May 2012, at Failand Village Hall, Nr Bristol
http://magicalbonsaiaccents.wordpress.com/2011/06/30/hello-world/
Ritta, together with her husband Mark, have a lovely collection of bonsai and some of them will be on display in the main display hall.
For a number of years, John has kindly conducted a workshop and demonstration of his trees, at the Swindon ‘Winter Image’ show.
John working on his little tree at last years show
At the next show on Sunday, the 19th Feb 2012, he is also doing a tree clinic for anyone who wants to discuss their trees or any problems they are having. He will also be working on some of his little trees.
John has been interested in bonsai since a young age and in 2007 he trained in Japan. He has collected many awards for his trees and is well known for his lovely shohin.
More is explained on his blog at http://johnarmitagebonsai.wordpress.com/ read more
Stolen Korean Hornbeam Back in September of this year.
I brought you the sad news of a Bonsai tree Stolen from John Trott … aka, Mendip Bonsai
The theft occurred in September whilst it was being exhibited at the Royal Bath & West show.
During the last week, this once beautiful Bonsai has been recovered. Sadly, not as it once was when owned by John. The tree was successfully recovered in the Manchester area of the Country.
The hugely important fact, is that due to concerted effort by many to circulate this information as quickly as possible, has undoubtedly been instrumental in said recovery. Had this information not been circulated as much as it had, then it is likely John would never have been contacted … regarding HIS tree!
Thank you to everyone who did all they could to make people aware of this theft. It has on this occasion paid dividends.
I am unable to go into further details at this time.
This is one area of Kew gardens I have not been to before, and it is set out behind the new Alpine House in a quiet corner of Kew gardens near the School of Horticulture. It is a modest collection on display but this forms part of Kew’s wider bonsai tree collection.
We recently received an email from Bonsai Techno, based out of Tokyo looking to expand their network. They are mostly concerned with constructing modern bonsai. Having looked at the site I could not simply leave it at placing a URL on our Links page as the site is both beautifully crafted and contains some fantastic articles on making mini bonsai. I particularly enjoyed ‘How to make mini bonsai beech’ and ‘How to make a moss garden’
You’ll find them at http://www.bonsai-techo.jp/ read more
We had a change in programme tonight from the scheduled event, Malcolm Hughes, now postponed to next month, brought July’s workshop early and we quickly got down to business. The evening consisted mostly of pruning, tea and medals (Chelsea gold) stopping for the Tree of Month competition. read more
Home