It feels like forever since I have posted on Orlando Bonsai. I have been creating instructional bonsai videos and it has pretty much taken all of my free time to do. However I want to get get back to updating my site with still pictures of my trees so that I can capture the progression of their development. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks aI can get my trees cleaned up enough to do some nice shots.
The following video shows the steps I take to redefine my trees and get them better looking every year.
I started working on this tree in 2002, and it has improved every year. Today as I photographed it I really took a good look at it. Just a beautiful tree, with great movement and deadwood.
I have been working on this tree for over 7 years now, and frankly have become rather bored with it. I seemed top heavy most of the deadwood was covered. So this weekend I had the opportunity to partcipate in a Mary Madison workshop Since she is the person I bought the tree from in the first place I couldn’t think of a better source for changing the tree style.
Mary Madison
I didn’t think the tree could be changed all that much because it had been pretty developed in the shape that is was for years. However I would have let Mary do whatever she wanted to my tree, she’s not called the Buttonwood Queen for nothing.
Mary Madison styling
After a quick history of my tree Mary was actually able to recall collecting the tree years ago. She didn’t waste anytime making suggestions and pointing out positive aspects of the tree.
Buttonwood after styling
At times the slightest of changes can make a big difference. removing the first left branch did everything that I wanted the tree to be. It now does not look top heavy, more deadwood shows and the entire look of the tree looks better.
So the Flower and Garden Festival starts this Wednesday and I am rushing to get my tree at its best for display. Mother Nature hasn’t been too cooperative and we had a very cold winter. However my tree has produced tons of flowers, but it is taking a while to put out the leaves as well. I placed the tree outside my screen patio to get additional sunlight to get the leaves to fill in.
Bouganvillea Ready for Epcot
However with that issue taken care of, The Bonsai Societies of Florida Convention starts Thursday and I am to display two trees there. The problem again are the leaves. In this case, there aren’t really any to speak of.
Waiting for leaves to appear
I hope this peek of Spring helps many of you to get inspired to start working on your trees. This is certainly one of my favorite times of the year.
