Bonsai

lefty · Apr 29, 2009

Originally Posted by username79

I have seen that before. It is truly beautiful in every way.

If you own something like that, and you forget to water it, and it dies, what do you do?

Enjoy a winter view. Forever.

Originally Posted by Huntsman

Truly incredible, lefty. Bonsai has been for me one of those things that always makes me pause in the moment to apprehend it.

May I ask how is it that the leaves become miniaturized to match the trees? I've never understood that.

~ H

I am an utter novice, but while there is some miniaturization that happens through the severe pruning and wiring of roots/branches/trunk a Bonzai tree endures before being potted, in many cases they are simply trees with smaller leaves. Conifers will also have their needles shortened prior to a show.

Here's a stunner:

lefty

lefty · Apr 29, 2009

Huntsman, I looked into it further. Here's the opening paragraph from an article on leaf size by well-known grower:

Reducing the size of leaves and the distance between them (the internodes) is the primary focus of the final training of bonsai. This comes after years of developing the trunk, the nebari, and the branches. I have been studying this phenomenon for many years. This is what I have concluded thus far:

The size of leaves, the length of internodes, and the thickness of twigs are related to the:

* Balance of the canopy to the root mass,
* Age and density of the roots,
* Level of fertility,
* Presence or absence of hormones,
* Level of light.

Of these five factors the first and second have the greatest importance for bonsai, but the other three also play a role.

Article

Be still my heart:

lefty

robin · Apr 29, 2009

The Japanese Imperial Palace supposedly has a legendary bonsai garden. National Geographic had a few shots of some trees that were giants in an old issue.

Weyerhaeuser in Federal Way, WA also has an impressive collection. They recently closed the display to the public though, to cut back on costs.

username79 · Apr 30, 2009

Originally Posted by nootje

I highly doubt it, a couple of examples are probably second generation property, or more...

Some of the examples in this thread are worth several hundred thousand dollars.

appolyon · May 1, 2009

Lefty, what type of tree is that?

Originally Posted by lefty

lefty · May 1, 2009

Some type of Japanese Maple I imagine. There are many that tend to small leaves and brilliant red colour.

Another:

Nice grove:

Not in colour:

lefty

appolyon · May 2, 2009

They're stunning. Have often thought of taking it up, but have always been afraid I'd very quickly kill one off.

ryoneo · May 2, 2009

That is incredible. What is the price range that Bonsais go for? And is it that difficult to take care of them?

Dragon · May 2, 2009

Originally Posted by username79

Some of the examples in this thread are worth several hundred thousand dollars.

yeah, and probably took several hundred years to get to that point. I would love to try, but don`t know if I can stick to it for decades to get a decent result.

Casual · May 2, 2009

Absolutely beautiful. My wife and I were unsuccessful at our first try

lefty · May 2, 2009

Originally Posted by Casual

Absolutely beautiful. My wife and I were unsuccessful at our first try

It helps to start with decent stock, but the key is proper watering. Don't let them dry out or the roots will die; don't over water or the roots will rot.

If you're in Brooklyn the botanical gardens has a nice selection in one of their greenhouses.

I'm off this weekend to a state park where for the price of a few hours hard labour moving a stone wall they will allow a few of us to harvest some trees for bonsai.

lefty

IndianBoyz · Jul 20, 2010

Beautiful. I just started out with a small Boxwood tree, I pruned it nicely and all.

IndianBoyz · Jul 20, 2010

Zen!

IndianBoyz · Jul 20, 2010

Sick. I could go on for hours.

zjpj83 · Jul 21, 2010

Gorgeous stuff. Looking at it makes me happy. Seems so serene. You look at them and forget about all the chaos in the world.

Bonsai

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