Aug 31 2013

Guest Appearance

I have always said here that if any of you are in the area on holiday, feel free to give me a shout and pop in for a visit and a chat. Well Nathaniel did just that. Born here in Belfast , and moved to Canada when he was ten, he was back to attend a wedding and catch up with family. As usual with these family holidays, time flies in and he just managed to squeeze in a quick trip to my place.

Nat is a big lover of the videos I post on Youtube and when he saw the club sign in my garage, he was keen to get a snap. He’s a recent addition to the Toronto Bonsai Society himself.

Checking out the benches.

Safe home mate, good to chat.

Aug 30 2013

Garage Night

Tonight for my first garage night in ages. Haven’t been able to manage one with work of late. We had a great night playing with trees and chatting.

They actually all look busy, no chat at all!

Michael on his knees!

Ian hard at it

Shaz and the White Pine

Caleb at his first garage night, will he come back? Ben getting stuck in.

Aug 27 2013

Another ID Please

Yet another unknown one that appeared in a pot given to me. I thought I was being given the little saxifrage but this other spiked leaf succulent appeared and has now flowered.

Any ideas?

Aug 26 2013

Mame Rowan

Autumn colours already appearing on this little Rowan.

Rooting into gravel tray, only way to keep these smaller ones healthy this year.

Aug 25 2013

Walking with My Bro’s

A few snaps from my walk this morning with my two brothers. Thanks to Stephen for taking a few snaps for us. You count as a bro too 😉

Rowan full of berries with Scrabo Tower peeking out in the background

Tower view over Strangford Lough

The good the bad and the ugly, take your pick 🙂

Aug 24 2013

Collection For Sale

The observant among you will have noticed a new page tab at the top of the page titled Collection For Sale. A friend has decided to get out of bonsai and is selling his collection of 26 trees, either singularly or multiple trees. If you are interested click on the image below or just just click the tab above for a full run down. No prices listed but offers welcome.

Aug 19 2013

Stephen’s Raft Maple

Leaf size coming down nicely after another defoliation this year. Pictured front and back.

Aug 18 2013

Stormont Estate

I took a short walk around part of the Stormont Estate this morning in Belfast. This is the home of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Some great views, a bit of history and lovely gardens.

Storm In a Teacup Bistro

Sight seeing in Belfast

Getting our bearings

Planters

Parliament Buildings

Front and centre

Allie reading up on her History

Driveway

Carson

Signing of the Covenant

From the roof photo

Interesting point about tree planting

Who is Carson?

Statue on top of Parliament

Happy Stroll

Statue donated by Coventry, same statue also in places named on stones

Leafy paths everywhere

Smell the Roses, ‘Governors House’

‘Blue Moon’

Sunflower with radial bees

Aug 17 2013

Cotoneaster Tweaked a Little

A few minor tweaks to this Cotoneaster just to fill out the area top right. Not a big difference now but as the newly wired branches fill out it will make for a better image.