Malcom Hughes gave a very informative talk for our club night and I managed to gleen 10 pages of notes from the talk and here is a summary of the main points that were discussed regarding maples.
Malcom Hughes talks on Maples
Swanborough Conifers
If you want nursery stock conifers for bonsai, particularly unusual and rare varieties then the place to go is Swanborough Conifers in Woodborough near Pewsey. It is owned and run by Mark Harvey who is a master of grafting
Grand bonsai event at Capel Manor
With a total of 12 traders & bonsai displays including demonstrations it was a very successful event
Baobab tree as bonsai
I have recently come across yet another fascinating book by Thomas Pakenham on the most remarkable Baobab tree and for all those who have an interest in trees, this is one very special tree. It is a living monument,
Propping trees
Propped red pine
The Japanese approach to nature is awe inspiring particularly in the way that they manage and prune trees. It allows for the creation of visual imagery that is unsurpassed in designed western landscapes today. One of the most intriguing techniques observed during a trip to Japan,
Bonsai in New York
Japanese Hill and Pond Garden at the Brooklyn Botanical gardens in New York
I have just returned from a brief holiday to New York and was fortunate enough to visit the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens whilst I was there.
Stunning Styrax japonica
Viewing Styrax flowers
This is a great tree for bonsai and it is fantastic currently as the flowers have opened early and we are rewarded with a great display of white delicate flowers. This is one of a few of this species of tree that we have bought as bonsai in the last few years and have recently been working on training some larger nursery stock that we bought with good success so far.
April 2011 club night
Bob Bailey working on the shari of Pauls Yew tree
This months club night was a general workshop and it was well attended with many club members bringing in all sorts of trees to work on in various ways. Some were re-potting, some were pruning, styling and others designing, whilst some were happy to watch and learn.
Best of British Bonsai show April 2011
Well what a fabulous venue, the Birmingham Botanical gardens and a glorious day, brilliant sunshine setting a great atmosphere to a full day or weekend for some to admire bonsai at the Best of British Bonsai show.
Fun with tree critiques
Terry Adams discussing his English Elm (Ulmus procera)
During the evening meeting there was a critique of club members’ trees for anyone who wanted guidance and to share their thoughts on the development of their trees and the first to share their thoughts was Terry Adams as he discussed his new project, a recently purchased English Elm (Ulmus procera). Terry put forward his ideas on how he planned to develop the tree and perhaps remove the top branch that veers to the right as it has a deep undercut. He talked about whether he would air layer it as well as develop the other elements of the tree that formed a natural raft. He also proposed to drill through the cavity and develop a central crown on the main trunk and subsidiary crowns on the side trunks to the right.