Peter Warren Video – Sabina Juniper

The first of the videos from Peter’s recent visit.

Sep 23 2013

Wirral Display – Part 1

As I published earlier I’d taken the opportunity to take my family to the Wirral Bonsai Show At Gordale’s garden centre.
Once again the club had put on another spectacular display. Lots of new trees to cast an eye over and bask in the atmosphere.Steve Tolley Making his judgement on best in show.
Some of the display trees:
My daughter and I chose this as our favourite accent!

Just to Keep you hanging… Half now half later 😉

Hope you enjoyed my post!!!

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Sep 23 2013

Japan Society of Northern Ireland

I was asked to put on a small display of trees at a meeting of the Japan Society of Northern Ireland on Saturday and do a short talk.

Myself and Stephen went along on the day, getting there early to set up we were able to have a wonder around the Japanese Garden at the venue.

We then set up a few small displays at the entrance and what could pass as a tokonoma in the living area. The extra trees were placed outside in the garden for viewing during the afternoon.

This chap was keeping an eye on us…

After my talk we got stuck into some fabulous food and it was obvious just what a social occasion this meeting was. Great to see the kids enjoying themselves, and so well behaved too.

Sep 22 2013

Video Update

I have updated the video of the big Scots Pine that Phil did the bending on with Ryan Neil back in January. After 6 months the wire had to be removed as it was starting to cut in. However Phil left the guy lines in place to maintain the trunk position. There has been strong growth and there are many signs of back budding. The video is below, if you have already watched the workshop portion and want to skip to the update go to 37.30. I have also included the outtake video of Phil attempting to turn the tree for video. It wasn’t meant to be an out take but Phil in his usual style has managed to make it one. See what we have to put up with !! 🙂

I’m now sitting down to sort through the footage recorded at the Peter Warren weekend. I hope to have these up this week.

Sep 22 2013

Weekend Rewind For Mario

I said back in part one that I would give Mario an update on his trees from the weekend, so here goes.

The main tree discussed and worked on was his Juniper. A big issue was the amount of juvenile foliage but I’m assured that’s not my fault. You’ll just have to wait for the video covering this from the Saturday workshop 🙂

This is his Shohin Japanese White Pine before the workshop

Not a lot of major work needed but Peter did some removal of branches here and there and worked though the bud selection for next year.

This might be a slightly better front.

Gives you an idea of what was coming off.

Just for reference this was it back in July 2011.

The satsuki also got a tidy up with a slight trim. Not much required after the major pruning back in June. Before and after below.

Also had a look at the black pine but I have no photos.

Sep 21 2013

LAST FERTILIZING FOR THE 2013 SEASON

Valavanis Bonsai Blog

Yesterday, September 19, 2013 I fertilized my outdoor winter-hardy bonsai for the last time of the year. They were given a full strength dose of:

Miracle-Gro (24-8-16)

Super Bloom (12-55-6)

Liquid Iron

HB 101

The last application of Mean Green organic fertilizer cakes was put on the bonsai in August and now all cakes will be removed for the winter season. They have worked and are now messy, but not smelly. As the Mean Green organic fertilizer cakes are removed they will be gathered and placed in the garden where stock plants of maples, Chojubai dwarf quince, Yakushima rose and more are cultivated for cuttings.

A few bonsai are beginning to show their bright autumn colors, and perhaps we will have an other glorious show in late October to early November. The maples and other deciduous species which I think will be showy are turned 180 degrees to make certain…

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