Two Large Hawthorn Yamadori

Last Winter I collected three large Crataegus yamadori. One (the largest) I have already posted on my blog. My garden is currently full of material, so at least one of these two will eventually be offered for sale. Unfortunately neither of these two trees recovered as vigorously as the one previously posted, so they will be given two years' growth at the very least before they leave my garden.

Kusamono: Heather

Heather in a John Ostranica Pot

Wild Orchids

Hardy orchids make great companion plants for bonsai (kusamono) and there are dozens of species native to the UK. Wild plants are protected by law to varying degrees dependant on scarcity and are best left well alone, but many species are available through specialist dealers who artificially propagate them such as Laneside Hardy Orchids. I keep a small selection of species and artificially produced hybrids at home, but always relish the chance to see them in the wild.

The photos below were all taken in a single day at one site on the North West coast of England.

Marsh Orchid



Helleborine Orchid

Marsh Orchids

Bee Orchid

Pyramidal Orchid

Kusamono: Dactylorhiza fuchsii

Common Spotted Orchid in John Ostranica pot.

XL Hawthorn

Its always good to see the first signs of life in collected material come Spring. This Crataegus was collected last December and is now starting to produce some healthy growth extensions. It is the largest tree in my collection and probably my current favourite.

With my two year old son for an idea of scale.

Kusamono: Wild Rose

Wild Rose in pot by Erin Pottery

Shohin Yamadori Hawthorn

I am looking forward to developing this little piece of yamadori material into a bonsai. For such a small tree, it displays great age and character. I can honestly say I don't think I have ever seen such a small Crataegus with bark this good! It also has tiny leaves despite being generously fed and watered.

Yamadori shohin hawthorn.

Close-up of bark.

Close-up of leaves.

A leaf next to 'normal' hawthorn leaf.

2 Litre bottle for scale.