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Sep 7 2018

Mirai: Slice of Heaven

I’m sharing a link to Mirai’s latest blog post which shows how the property came into existence. But I wanted to add my own thoughts on this if I may.

Having been to Mirai, I mention that from time to time around here 🙂 , I can say that it’s not a property, it’s one of those special places that you come across that is good for the soul. I’ve found a few over the years, many not bonsai related, such as Crater Lake in Oregon, Hornhead in Donegal, Kinbane Head in Antrim, Tookalup Lookout in Western Australia, among the Redwoods in Kings Canyon National Park in California to name a few. But I’ve been to a few bonsai related ones too. Willowbog Bonsai in the North of England has a special feel to it that I always enjoy. Peter Warren’s garden in London and Michael Hagedorn’s place in Portland both have a great vibe about them as well, but Mirai for me is as special as they come. I truly can’t wait to get back.

Click on the image below to read the blogpost.

https://soundcloud.com/asymmetry-podcast/asymmetry-inaugural-podcast

Sep 4 2018

Peter Warren Weekend @ Munster Bonsai Club

Last weekend I was invited as a guest of Munster Bonsai Club to attend the Peter Warren two day workshop hosted by the Cuan Mhuire Garden Centre in Bruree. I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to watch and listen to Peter at work so popped down to road to Limerick to see the action. Peter flies under the radar in the bonsai world, a self confessed self deprecating personality with a unique but practical approach to bonsai cultivation and design, always putting the tree first over the owner. A true tree lover, you could almost call it Budan love 😉

We had two glorious days in the Limerick sunshine and even had to move outside to stop melting at one point. With 6-7 participants each day and a few added observers we had a pretty full house. It was great to meet up with a few people who to date I’d only texted with prior. More bonsai friendship in action, what it’s all about and makes for a fun weekend.

Congratulations to Munster Bonsai, especially Mark and Michael for organising and hosting the weekend. Your club continues to push bonsai learning and September marks 5 years from the point where we started this journey together in a Hurling Club in Cork. A long way in a short time.

Below is a gallery of some of the photos taken included before and after pics for the overly curious and many shots capturing the days activity. Some are a little out of order but you’ll figure it out.

Sep 2 2018

Kusamono Workshop @ Bud

When I was in County Clare on my travels I did a Kusamono workshop in partnership with Ray at Bud Garden Centre. Being a bit of a passion for me and also catching on fast with the folk down there we thought we’d give it a whirl with limited numbers due to space available. We even had sign ups from people outside of bonsai which was great. Here are a few photos of the planting created on the day.

This was A first Bud/Eejit collaboration and watch this space for future events in the Bunratty area.

Sep 1 2018

Summer Walks

A gallery of photos taken on some of my walks this summer nearly all in the North Down area. Portaferry, Crawfordsburn, Mountstewart areas. I’ll say it before you do, I have a thing for old graveyards 😉

Aug 31 2018

Munster Roadtrip

Back in the Heatwave, remember those days lol, I was on my travels in Munster province of Ireland working with some of the bonsai folk in that area. I did a school day with the Munster Bonsai Club one of the days and then toured around a few gardens working on trees. Here’s a gallery of a few of the trees and gardens visited. Agreat 9 days on the road but I was glad to get home and see my dogs and unwind. A big thank you to all the guys Munster group for continuing to support my road trips. See you again in November.

Aug 30 2018

about Peter Warren

Looking forward to this weekends Workshop and a big thank you to the guys in the Munster Bonsai Club for inviting me down.

Ray's avatarMunster Bonsai Club

We’re looking forward to our workshop with Peter Warren this weekend. If you want to know more about him follow the links below;

peter warrenPeter Warren Bonsai artist Interview by Shinichi Adachi films [2017]

Peter’s own website;  Saruyama.co.uk

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Jun 5 2018

Gathering About Bonsai – Western Australia

I’m delighted to be working with the Bonsai Society of Western Australia this September. I’m returning to the area after my visit last year were I was truly inspired by the Aussie native species and I’m honoured to be able to help promote bonsai in Bunbury and the surrounding area.

All the details of the weekend are shown below. If you are in WA and are interested, please jump onboard and book your spot and come and enjoy the craic 🙂

Jun 1 2018

New Addition

I recently added a tree to my own collection. The Acer Palmatum below is a welcome sight in my garden.

May 30 2018

Inspiration Walks

Always looking for inspiration from nature both for bonsai and for accents. Here’s a few pics from recent walks near my home.

May 26 2018

Catch Up

As I haven’t posted much over the last few months I’m playing catch up with some of my photos. Here’s a few trees that have passed my way or are in my garden.