Mar 12 2012

British Shohin Association Annual Show 2012 photos and movie

I have just returned home for the BSA Show at Willowbog…Willowbog is in the wilds of Northern England 5 mile along a single track road off the main road network. It took me a total of seven hours travelling to get to the show and what a show. The Quality of display and the excellence of the trees is the best we have ever seen in one show in the UK.

The BSA has really come into its own with the group producing a wonderful event with a great friendly atmosphere. John Armitage and Peter Warren were on hand to offer advice and they gave a ‘trade secrets’ demo/talk in the afternoon. Andy Hardman (who was celebrating his 50th Birthday) gave talk on Accent plants, the room was so full I could not get in! I also managed to interview two more potter for my potters showcase series.

Scroll to bottom for Movie

Feb 17 2012

Mr. Tickle as you have never seen him before

In the UK there is a cartoon character called Mr. Tickle I use this as my Avatar on facebook, Twitter and various other social media applications, The image above has been floating around the web in various guises, here is my take on it!

If you have the time you can watch the video below:

Feb 17 2012

A Visit to Angel Mota’s Garden and Europe’s Best Olive Bonsai Collection

I was holidaying with Carolyn on the Island of Majorca, just off the coast of Spain. Angel Mota invited me visit his garden and take a look at the spectacular Olive bonsai that he works. His house and garden is in the Capital Palma and we spent a few hours discussing ideas and swapping Yamadori hunting stories. Angel was very generous with his time and his hospitality unmatched.

It was nearly 40 degrees Centigrade when we visited! BTW… I am the VERY white guy

Note: Angel won the very First Ginkgo Award in 1997 with an Olive and the very last Ginkgo Award with his fine display of Olive Bonsai.

Feb 17 2012

Repotting and Styling a large Sabina Juniper

I purchased this Sabina Juniper at the Noelanders Trophy in 2009, a year later I repotted the tree into the final planting position I wanted ready for styling. When the tree was collected it ‘appeared’ to lend itself as a semi or full cascade, however I was sure that it would make a very good ‘upright’ tree. The repotting was done exactly 12 months prior to styling. I worked the tree with Enrico Savini as a demo at the Best of British 2011 Bonsai exhibition in Birmingham UK.

Feb 14 2012

Creating a Shohin Juniper from mass produced imported material.

Japan, Korea and China produces these small junipers by the thousands, they can be purchased relatively cheaply and in some cases can be transformed into exception bonsai. If you are considering purchasing one, look for compact trees that do not have too many twists and turns and little character… it’s better to have a tree that displays good taper, pleasing movement and healthy branches ready for styling.

One of my students is preparing for the UK heat of the EBA New Talent Competition in 2013 (getting a good start) Mikey is styling as many small Junipers as possible leading up to the event next year. I supplied this little tree for him to work with. Mikey is still very much rough around the edges with his bonsai styling but he does have an excellent eye for detail. He tasked with styling AT LEAST one tree a week (funds permitting) and between styling he is pouring over every Bonsai book in my library.