Water-Elm #53

by | Sep 9, 2018 | Care, Elms, Water Elm

Planera aquatica

Collect dates: 8/11/18, 8/11/18, 8/25/18

Trunk bases: 2″, 2″, 1.5″

Heights: 9″, 12″, 13.5″

Estimated ages: 25-30 years

Years in training: 0

Estimated release date: 5/1/20

Video #1

Here’s a great example of the principle that sometimes the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Each of these Water-elms has tremendous character and would work as an individual bonsai. But I think I see a composition that will be much better than those individuals trees. Next summer I plan to slip-pot these guys into a shallow tray, to make a three-tree forest out of them. I’m betting I’ll have a winner.

I’d love to know what you think. Leave me a comment below.

The Bonsai South Collection – A Preview Of What’s To Come

by | Aug 30, 2018 | Care, Collecting, Elms, Water Elm

Recently I emailed you with news about the changes coming to Bonsai South, and specifically mentioned the Bonsai South Collection. In this post, I want to give you a preview of what’s to come when work on the collection begins in earnest. Perhaps the biggest change is in our plan to document the development of each tree, meaning, we’re going to be producing a lot of videos. I love photographic progressions, and I’m sure you do too. But imagine seeing the trees take shape by way of a video log (vlog).

This first video was created on 8/26/18. The subject is Water-elm #39.

Water-elm #39 was collected on August 4th. Here’s what the tree looked like when it was collected. It’s a really nice specimen, as you can see. The trunk base is 2″ across, and it’s chopped at 18″.

This initial short video is simply to introduce the tree and describe some of its features. When the time comes to begin its training, a series of more detailed videos will be posted to our Members’ section. These videos will take us from bare trunk to developed bonsai, showing all of the steps along the way. Very exciting!

I’d love any feedback you care to share. Leave a comment below.

Water-Elm Collecting Trip 6 – Show And Tell

by | Aug 25, 2018 | Care, Collecting, Elms, Water Elm

Today our Water-elm collecting season for 2018 came to a close. We got a few more really nice specimens. Check ’em out below.

Here’s a very nice single-trunk specimen featuring great trunk movement and taper. The base is 2.5″ and it’s 16″ to the chop.

Here’s the big one of the day. The base on this tree is 3.5″ above the root crown, and it’s 19″ to the chop. Isn’t the trunk character just awesome! I left some branches on the tree, but whether they’ll remain or not when I start working on it isn’t for sure at this time. I’ll have to see how the tree buds, and if I can use what’s already there.

I’m thinking this is the star of the day. It’s relatively small, with a trunk base of only 1.5″, but isn’t the trunk movement, taper and character just tremendous? Not to mention that amazing uro at the base. I’m looking forward to seeing how this one turns out.

Leave me a comment below and let me know what you think. We’ve had a really good haul of Water-elms this year. I expect we’ll be able to start releasing a few from the collection in a couple of years, so stay tuned. We’re planning progression series for Bonsai South collection trees, so you’ll be able to follow their progress from the point of collection to show-ready bonsai.

Water-Elm Collecting Trip 5

by | Aug 19, 2018 | Care, Collecting, Elms, Potting, Water Elm

The Water-elm collecting season is winding down. Here are a few specimens from yesterday’s trip.

Here’s a nice single-trunk specimen with great movement, character and taper. There are two natural uros from this front view. I’m looking forward to styling this tree.

And another single-trunk specimen. This one is just a bit taller to the chop (14″ vs 13″ for the one above). Once again, very nice character, movement and taper.

There’s a lot to be said for this specimen. The trunk base is a lot broader than those above, and the twisting movement really makes a statement. Another one I can’t wait to work on.

This is the special tree we found yesterday. Why is it special? Well, it’s reminiscent to me of a tree I collected some years ago but unfortunately lost in the ice storm of 2014. The gallery photo is below. Definitely some similarities in structure.

If I can end up with something like this, it’ll just be awesome. Assuming the specimen above recovers, I’ll keep you posted on the progress.

Let me know what you think of our latest finds!

Water-Elm Collecting Trip 4

by | Aug 11, 2018 | Care, Collecting, Elms, Water Elm

Here are some more wonderful specimens I’ll be working on in the future.

Here’s a terrific clump style with a 3″ base. I was simplifying it (it was a real thick bush), and pretty much stopped when I got to this point. Are all of the trunks suited to the final design? Time will tell.

Here’s a single-trunk specimen. It’s a little different that what you usually see, but that’s what nature will often do for you. This another specimen with a 3″ base, and it’s currently 21″ tall. I can see it ending up at that height.

Either this specimen or the next one win the prize for the best tree of the day. Isn’t the shari on this one fantastic! The trunk base is 2.5″, and it’s 15″ tall. I literally can’t wait to see how it turns out.

So is it the one above or this one? I’m torn at this point, but I suspect as they develop a favorite will emerge. The base on this tree is 3″, and it’s 21″ to the tip of the tallest trunk.

I’d love to hear what you think about today’s haul. Leave me a comment below.