Nature's Bonsai

Since following the Living Art of Bonsai I am always looking at the trees on the side of the road. Some will look good as a bonsai and many will not make a good bonsai. Some I promise myself that I'll come back and photograph and then use them as examples for future bonsai styles.

This pine tree that I have photographed I have been looking at for about two years and only recently I took the time to photograph it. It has some promise as a twin trunk style. The location of the foliage is about right and shows that throughout its life it has had some real difficulties to survive and reach this stage in its life.

I have found that by looking around at what grows locally I am able to see what plant material survives and in which bonsai styles it may fit. I am not tempted therefore to go off to a nursery and buy just anything that may take my fancy but I try and see if it is already growing in someone's garden in my local area. This helps to answer the question from newer bonsai enthusiasts, "What trees make good bonsai?". You can answer with, "Look around your neighborhood and see what is growing in the gardens." Then add the rider that the leaves need to be small and the flowers to be in proportion so that the overall effect is in balance.

Happy Bonsai.

Bonsai Bevan.