BSA Videos – Last Two

Jun 19 2014

Rick’s Reworking

Back in July 2011 while on a family holiday I had the pleasure of visiting Rick’s garden in Florida. See here for a post from my visit.

You’ll see from the original post that I commented about a Ficus that Rick had on his Bench. This is the tree as I saw it.

Rick and I discussed a few options for the tree. Now I’d just like to point out that I don’t visit folk for the first time and start telling them what to do with their trees, especially species I don’t know a lot about. However Rick asked, so I offered a little design advice with this one. I really liked the nebari at the back of this tree and suggested this to Rick. The long straight section was also an issue for me and seeing just how quickly Ficus respond to hard pruning, I suggested a chop as an option. Never did I think that he’s actually take me at my word and carry out the work!

Well, yesterday Rick Facebook messaged me and I quote,’ Ian, when did you visit my garden? You suggested I turn this Ficus around. I chopped it off and did just that…..you are the man!’

Again I’d like to point out that yes I am ‘a ‘ man, but most definitely nor ‘the’ man 🙂

Attached was this photo of the tree now.

It’s easy to offer advice, the hard part is putting it into action. Rick has done a great job over only three years and created a squat powerful image which will mature nicely.

Here are few older photos of the tree and the chop in progress.

Now Rick, I want to see this Bougie 3 years on and what have you done with the Holly? 🙂

Jun 18 2014

New spin on slabs-

Michael Hagedorn

A couple years ago I tried a nylon cooking board as a slab for a twin-trunk Mountain Hemlock.

Last year we had some fun here making a Vine Maple Tower, using an internal nylon board framework.

And earlier this spring we took a new spin on that idea, using this time a countertop material called Corian. Here are a few photos of a large Mountain Hemlock that I’ve yet to feature here (eventually…) being placed on a Corian slab:

Konnor (solids) and Bobby (stripes) bringing the Mountain Hemlock into the studio. It’s been on this plywood board since designing it a couple years back, and this year it was in danger of simply rotting away.

After sliding it onto the Corian board, Konnor traces the shape of the soil mass.

Bobby trying out a new idea, cutting the board at a 45% angle.

Glueing on the feet, just…

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Jun 18 2014

The Two Sisyrinchium I missed!

I posted the flower shots from the Sisyrinchium varieties I have a few days ago. I missed out the yellow one and I have since found that I have a light blue one as well! No idea where I got it from, I thought it was a ‘Californicum’ up until the flower opened! I have swapped that many plants this last year I have lost track lol.