Bonsai tree: Shots from the 2nd U.S. Bonsai Exhibition

Nice trunk. Definitely looks like an azalea. The shot is from a video by Alejandro Medina Ibarra of the 2nd U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition.
Alejandro Medina Ibarra
The shots here are all from a video of the 2nd U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. The video is by Alejandro Medina Ibarra and it’s brilliant. I wasn’t able to attend, so I’m particularly grateful for Alejandro’s efforts. Something powerful and good took place in Rochester last month if this video is any indication. Really, check it out and you too will wish you’d been there (see you in 2012).
Bill Valavanis
I’m not sure how Bill does it, but he has now pulled off the two of the most important bonsai events in the history of North American Bonsai. You could even say the two most important events. Out of thin air no less. People that have brilliant big ideas and the energy, intelligence, perseverance, and skills to pull them off, are rare, and Bill fits that bill (sorry) perfectly.

This one looks like it’s by Larch Master Nick Lenz, one of America’s foremost bonsai artists, diggers, critics, and authors (Bonsai from the Wild).
More shots…





 
Bill’s front and Suthin’s back.


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Bonsai tree: More Flowering Bonsai

 
An informal upright English hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha). When it comes to flowering trees, Japanese bonsai artists often look at how the design of the tree shows off the flowers, rather than looking for how the tree conforms to classical bonsai styles. In other words, this tree, without it showy display of flowers is nothing special. With its flowers though, it lights up and becomes a thing of great beauty.

This flowering azalea would stand as an excellent bonsai even without its flowers. With it showy display of white blossoms it becomes and even more excellent.

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Bonsai tree: courtyard nursery, azalea, Water elm

The entrance gate to one of Vaughn Banting’s bonsai courtyards
Vaughn Banting was an artist, an adventurer and a friend to many people around the world. He was famous in Louisiana bonsai circles for his passion for bonsai. He was both a professional and an avid enthusiasts that devoted much of his life to bonsai, from his teenage years to his untimely passing in 2008.You can visit Vaughn’s website for a journey through his life and work. In addition to photos of Vaughn’s bonsai, and his friends and travels, there are some very telling before and after photos of Vaughn’s nursery that depict the ravages of Katrina.

Spring. You can tell by the azalea blossoms.

Still spring…

Summer.

Winter. Notice all the trees hidden under the benches. If only it were that easy here in Vermont.

Bird’s eye view. You can see some bonsai peeking out above the fences. You can also see that Vaughn actually had two bonsai courtyards.

Vaughn with a Water elm (Planera aquatica) that he collected and styled.

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Bonsai Gallery - Bonsai over/on rock

This group of Needle junipers on a large rock won the first prize at Sakufu-ten #12.
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Azalea - Developing New Branches

An advanced stage in the development of a Satsuki azalea. There are at least three flower variations in this photo: white, pink and pink and white striped. Satsuki azaleas are renowned for their vast and varied range of flowers. The bonsai artist’s name is not mentioned.
Azaleas respond extremely well to pruning during most of the growing season. You can cut off all the branches and new shoots will appear from the stubs. You can even whack the trunk down to almost nothing and new shoots will spring forth from whatever is left. This and other features like small leaves, small and beautiful flowers and easy adaptability to container culture, make azaleas a favorite for bonsai enthusiasts.
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Which One of the Pot Colors Works Best?

This post shows a Satsuki azalea in twelve colored pots. Would your choice be different if the flowers were white? Pink? Red? Tricolor? Colors will vary depending upon our scanner, the settings on your screen and who knows what else? Don’t worry though, it’s all just a game and there is no correct answer.

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My little keepsake azalea tree/ plant died is there anyway to bring it back to life?

From emailing:

I have it in a pot inside. Would it do better if I transplant it outdoors? Should I fretilize it or anything I know they like the acid based food.Help I have a purple thumb and I want so badly to have pretty plants and stuff!

First make sure if it is dead. Take a small branch and snap it. If it is dry it is dead if it bends instead of snaps in two then you might be able to save it. Please put it in the yard. Buy some root hormone, Walmart or Lowes use it according to directions, while you’re there buy some Miracid for acid loving plants.

http://www.acehardware.com/sm-miracid-soil-acidifier-plant-food-miracid-soil-acidifier-plant-food–pi-1335058.html

When you are ready to remove the plant from the pot be very careful. Check the roots to see if any of them are white and hairy, if they are then it’s still alive.

Use this link for care instructions.

http://www.gardenersnet.com/tree/azalea.htm

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