I don’t get out much, I just work. These days it’s even hard to get out into the garden during daylight hours. Once you know bonsai well winter is largely THE best time of year. All is quiet with the trees resting and displaying their magical winter appearance.
One of my favourite trees this time of year is Chinese elm that usually finish dropping their leaves in February. The biting east wind of last week certainly did it for this lovely old elm.
I featured this tree on my blog previously –
44,000 Hours Well Spent – Growing Bonsai Trees
So now without leaves it’s easy to appreciate the time spent on it’s development. It still has a lot of potential for further development but at this point i’m happy.
G.
Magical Winter Appearance. Chinese elm.
Chinese elm branch structure
Chinese elm, mature craggy bark
Magical winter appearance. Leaves just spoil this beautiful old tree
Just magnificent
Am fascinated with your site and blogs. At age 85 may not have 10,000 hours left to learn and practice bonsai, but discovering you has inspired me to begin a 60 year long dream to at least try bonsai! You have guided me on a path which will open up as I move along toward…Thank you.
I agree with the view of a trees winter image, It’s nice to admire trees when budding and then in full leaf, but even Acers have a great look after the autumn show which most people admire them for.
I’ve got a Deshogo and Kyohime which both look stunning when I have my current early morning wander round the benches.
I think most people come to understand (usually after reading your blogs and watching the videos) that it’s the trees needs which are most important and not our own. It’s just a question of how long it takes for the light to come on.