Next stop was Kinbane Castle for a snack Lunch and a view from the North Coast looking towards Rathlin Island. The mist was blowing in and out along the coast and the view changed every few minutes. Due to a rock slide we couldn’t get down to the Castle.
Next stop was Sharon’s sunny garden. I posted from here a few weeks ago but as it was on our way to the North Coast, I asked Sharon if I could call with Peter for a look around. Here are a few snaps on the day. My wife and Sharon’s Husband can be seen chatting in the background about what a waste of space bonsai display benches are!! 🙂
Our second stop was Belfast, a few quick messages to be done and just enough time for Peter to get a look at the City Hall, Minus the flag, and the view from the top of Victoria Square.
After a great day at the Saturday Bonsai School, a few bottles that night and a great Indian meal, the Sunday Workshop loomed large.
As usual Peter starts off with at least one tree from each student getting a run through. A great way to start and a great learning experience.
As all good workshops should be, this one isn’t about getting tree styled start to finish, but about knowledge, learning and what’s best for the tree. Here’s some snaps of the workshop and some of the trees worked on during the day.
Well, that’s the long weekend over. Had a great time but am exhausted!
Bonsai School on Saturday, Workshop on Sunday and a Whirlwind Tour of Northern Ireland on Monday. I have heaps of photos to share and you’ll get drip fed over the next few days as I try and squeeze posts in around my real work and the fast approaching Phil and Suse Wedding.
To start, here are some general shots from Saturday’s Bonsai School.
Sunday’s Willowbog Workshop with Peter started with the usual ‘sit down and discuss ‘ of all the main trees to be worked on during the day. We had six participants on the day plus our junior member Jamie, was was there to observe and assist as needed. He worked pretty hard on the day as it turned out and there was me thinking all teenagers were lazy!
The initial chat about the trees is a great way for everyone to learn a little more, even if it’s not their tree. It is a popular segment for members.
As the day progressed we saw a lot of repotting taking place. Two maples a Chamaecyparis and an Elm featured strongly. Towards the end of the day the carving tools came out and the sawdust was flying.
I’m only getting time now to have a look at what photos I have taken over the weekend. It’s been a hectic but rewarding last 5 days both in my bonsai life and in my work life, however a little sleep would be nice about now 
I have already reblogged a few related blogs from friends who were there, but now it’s my turn.
Peter arrived on Friday and it was good to have a catch up and a glass of vino before the hordes descended on the Saturday morning. We decided to leave unpacking the van until the morning. As we walked out the door at 7am to get started, the snow started to fall.Must be a Willowbog left over 🙂 It didn’t amount to much but I was glad we had made a few additions to the heating of the garage for this school.
We got the trees out in record time and Roy B was first to arrive for the pre-school browse. Others soon arrived and pots seemed to be in demand as expected.
The school got underway and and Peter talked though the events of the last months, namely the Noelanders Trophy and then the Ryan Neil weekend. During the day we covered topics such as wiring, Larch bonsai, seasonal tasks, a repotting recap, and much more besides.
The day was a great success, with the only problem being the lock on my back door breaking and everyone being locked out! Photos can be seen HERE on Michael’s blog.
It’s our Clubs first Bonsai School Session of 2013 this weekend and some preparation was required in my garage. Peter Snart of Willowbog Bonsai will be over to get 2013 off to a good start.
It’s to be cold but hopefully dry and we have taken a few steps tio make the garage a little warmer this time around. A new heater has been purchased. The roof space area has been closed off and we even managed to get a bit of carpet to help keep the wee feet warm 🙂 Should be a good weekend. We are expecting more than 5 but we still have to get the rest of the chairs 🙂
Part of our trip to Willowbog wasn’t about bonsai, but the friendship and craic [fun] we had during the weekend. What better way to capture this than to have a video as a reminder. Not original in bonsai circles I know with others such as Andrew Sellman and Sebastijan Sandev already covering this. But this is for me and anyone else who was there to help relive good times…
Apologies to any German viewers, You are the only country that copyright has blocked viewing due to the music.
Part 4 is now available to view on Youtube. For ease of use, I have added all 4 parts here.
Be sure to read the credits, my thanks to those listed there, but also to everyone who attended the workshop that made it such a good day. My bill for pushing you out of the snow is in the post 🙂
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