Jan 7 2014

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Shohin Larch

I posted about this Larch recently. It’s the latest addition to my collection. Originally a landscape with a rock in the pot, I removed the rock and have now wired the tree into it’s new shape. Next step will be a repot. I can see a few problems with the roots and fitting them into an appropriately sized pot. I think I have one for the job but time will tell.

This is the before shot

Rock removed

This is it after wiring and shaping. I have removed a heavy front branch that was blocking some of the real character exhibited in the trunk line. A small jin created but this may be removed soon. I’ve just left it for now to consider.A lot of thinning out done and many smaller but overly heavy branches removed.

A slightly different angle that shows the trunk line a little better.

Jan 6 2014

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Escallonia Winter Work

I did a little tidy up on some late shoots on my Escallonia. This is it before the trim and shows the old front.

After a trim

The new front.

The back showing another live vein

Jan 4 2014

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Kennet Collection Reduction Sale

I’ve been asked to share this with you all, makes sense as I have a lot of hits from the USA. This sale looks amazing! It took me quite a while flicking through the photos and checking prices to see what was on offer. If you live near or even can travel for a day, this is well worth a visit. Some great trees for sale, mostly Japanese Import too. Prices range from £20 to $14,000 and everywhere in between. They are obviously priced to sell!

Jan 3 2014

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Virtuel Bonsai Blog

Had to share Vev’s blog with you, absolutely stunning drawings of bonsai. Click on the image to visit.

Here’s an example of what I’m talking about!

Permanent link on my bonsai friends list in my sidebar.

Jan 3 2014

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Tidal Surge

The last few weeks have been grim here weather wise. Every other day seems to bring in a storm front with high winds. I lost my greenhouse door a few weeks back and have had other minor damage done around the garden, thankfully my trees are ok.

Today I was working near Newcastle in County Down, a coastal town. High winds and a Spring Tide combined to create a tidal surge. I took my camera along on the off change and got a few snaps. I wasn’t getting any closer as a few folk got a cold shower for their efforts while I was watching. A wee video too.

Dec 23 2013

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Winter Walk

Low Winter sun over Strangford Lough on Sunday.

Trees down in the recent high winds. The Park chaps did a quick job of finishing them off. I think this was 5 mature beech down.

Dec 12 2013

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Beech Autumn to Winter

Back

Front

Half way strip

Back

Front

Dec 11 2013

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Cork Bark Elm

This cork bark has just about finished dropping leaves. Some adjustments required now I can see what’s been going on all year. Watch this space.

Dec 10 2013

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Step One

Step one on this little Larch was an easy one. The removal of the rock. I can now get a better look at what’s on offer and make a few decisions about future options.