Update from Lee: My new Bonsai trees have arrived from Japan and are now available for sale. Contact Lee directly for more details and to discuss the new trees he now has in stock or visit his website.
LV Bonsai new trees 2020
What Dianne did next… my 12ft air layer
To continue the story of what Dianne did next with the story of her 12ft air layer which is strange but true!
As it was to be our airlayering workshop last week I thought I should tell you about the one I’ve just done. It all began when Graham Simpson sent me a photo of his lovely Cherry Bonsai which was just my kind of tree – flowers AND autumn foliage.
Juniper bonsai just for interest
Just for interest this Juniper (Sargentii – I think) which I bought at the Swindon Club around 20 years ago when we had a member who had a little bonsai sales business. (He moved to York I believe). The tree was then about pencil thickness. There is a long upright back branch which has been treated as a Shari. It can just be seen above the foliage.
Literati Pine development by Michael Partridge
This pine was originally grown as a patio plant in my parents’ garden. When my mother had to move I acquired the pine which impressed me with its small needles. I moved it to a new pot and fed and watered it. I then discovered the small needles were the consequence of lack of watering. It grew and grew.
After a few years I took the tree to a workshop were the demonstrator suggested reducing the foliage leaving two trunks coming from a fork about one third of the way up from the soil level. (Above photo)
My Ent in the making, what Dianne (Bradshaw) did next…
Dianne has kindly shared her Ent journey, even though as she said people perhaps don’t plan Ent trees do they!!!
For those of you who know me know I have a specific way to find my bonsai trees. They’re either full of beautiful blossom or have stunning autumn leaves. I found this Zelkova Elm for sale at a show with super autumn colour on every leaf and knew I had to have it except it was not quite a root over rock but more exposed roots.
Aerial roots
This is a very natural occurrence on some species of trees and more so if the climatic conditions are suitable for the formation of aerial roots. These roots grow above ground and in air only but that air needs to be highly humid to allow the roots to form and grow. They can be used as anchors to fix the plant in place or to a rock providing additional support.
They can be formed as a method of absorbing additional nutrient and moisture. They are referred to as adventitious roots and provide an excellent opportunity for air layering for bonsai if already present. Look forward to the follow up from Derek as too what he did next with this Privet.
Award winners
First and foremost thank you all for coming to this years Swindon Winter Image Show it wouldn’t be the same without you all and it proves it is a thriving bonsai community.
Stourbridge Bonsai Society Annual Show
Stourbridge bonsai society’s show is potentially one of the last bonsai shows of this year on Sunday 17th November 2019. So if you still want to get out and see bonsai then it is well worth a visit and you can also stock up on bonsai pots in preparation for your re-potting or future bonsai display pots as Dragonfly Bonsai pots by Graham Simpson will be there again for the third time now.
LV Bonsai workshop
Today we had a workshop with Lee Verhorevoort of LV Bonsai and it was a great opportunity to get advice on your bonsai trees and work on their development. Lee also brought some trees and bonsai sundries to the workshop and many club members added to their collections.
10th Heathrow Bonsai Show
This year was the 10th Heathrow Bonsai Show and wow what a vibe and great bonsai event and still growing year on year, where everyone is welcome and the atmosphere was alive with bonsai chatter.