Project Bonsai - Paul’s Yamadori Red Pine
This is how the Project Bonsai class was first introduced when it started in January 2006.
PROJECT BONSAI-In the West bonsai enthusiasts are impatient, we want everything now…today…it is our general way of life. When we create bonsai we want an instant finished image. This criteria has set the trend for demonstrations and workshops. This is not the Japanese way. Their approach is simplified, perhaps less dramatic, but has total respect for the tree, and is ultimately more effective. I have experienced this first-hand in my classes with Japanese Bonsai Master Takeo Kawabe. Project Bonsai is for 8-10 students who want to start a new tree. This needs to be an impressive piece of material that we can take to a high level using the Japanese approach. Each tree should be significant so that the learning experience for the group as a whole will be both exciting and rewarding.
This is a series of articles to give you an insight into how some of the trees are progressing.
Paul’s Yamadori Red Pine
This is a magnificent yamadori Red Pine (Pinus Densiflora). The old bark is deeply fissured. The heavy trunk has amazing curves in such a confined space but this is not shown to good effect due to the straight horizontal and vertical lines in the existing trunk line. At some point the planting angle will have to be changed.
The tree after some initial wiring and raffia work.
The tree has been repotted and the new angle is much more dramatic emphasizing the bold curves in such a powerful thick trunk.
The tree appears to have suffered some frost damage and the brown needles are clearly visible.
The damaged needles had been removed and the tree is now recovering well with an abundance of new shoots which in turn enabled us to remove some unwanted branches.
The tree has had a good year. Colour and strength are excellent.
The continued good health is once again evident in the amount and distribution of new shoots which again will be allowed to grow largely unchecked. A few stronger shoots may be cut back.
After a really good summer look at the condition, colour and density of the foliage.
After some thinning out and removal of branches Paul sets about rewiring the tree.
The tree looks good from both sides and a more refined image is clearly emerging.