Esoteric pots

dan_barton_DSCF1672_1S

Dan and Cecilia Barton make wonderful unique pots of all shapes and sizes and no two pots are alike or the same which is fabulous. They have developed various techniques to produce some stunning accent pots with superb glazes making them quite eye catching to say the least and amazing styles and shapes too. Here is a selection of their work and for more details visit their website. Plus they will be a trader at the Swindon Winter Image Show on Sunday 22nd February 2015 so if you come along you can buy then there.

Read More

Autumn workshop

IMG_0069

This month we held an autumn workshop to discuss the interesting transitional period between active and dormant. This year has produced mixed results for autumn foliage in the UK, largely down to climatic influences more than anything. I believe the Americans call looking at autumnal colour ‘leaf peeping’ which I think is a nice sentiment. It was good to see both Terry Hayward and Terry Adams back on form and joining us for the workshop. Terry Adams was busy working on his Japanese White Pine, needle plucking before wiring in preparation for our show already! There was a bit of trading going on and Mike decided to impress us all with a full on Mame display for tree of the month.

IMG_0066
My Japanese Black Pine was in for a bit of needle plucking also

Japanese Black Pine also in for a bit of needle plucking

Mark & Ritta on Japan

Mark Cooper

Mark Cooper

Mark & Ritta Cooper have spent a great deal of time immersed in japanese culture over time. Tonight they wanted to share their exploits. They talked about the country, bonsai, koi and everything in between. Like a lot of bonsai enthusiasts it all started with koi fish and a pond, they also talked about their passion for shohin, the pros and cons of the smaller tree and some insight into what makes it all tick.

Dragon Bonsai Auction

IMG_3371.JPG

The auction is really hotting up here at Dragon Bonsai in Wales. A great chance to pick up all sorts of stuff. There is quite a buzz in the air as some great trees have come up for sale and mini bidding wars have commenced – but in an amicable way and ably handled by Chris Thomas, an auctioneer extraordinaire. There is over two hundred and fifty lots to go through and despite the blazing sunshine in the afternoon

Read More