Blackthorn Potting

These two blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) were collected two years ago. Today they went into their first pots. I was pleased to see that they have both grown massive amounts of fibrous roots since collection. I should have got some photos of the root balls, but been a bit lazy recently. The orientation in the pots is not great due to large roots which will be improved at the next re-potting. Anyway, here are a couple of photos of them in the new pots.

Mother and daughter P.spinosa in Erin pot.

Literati P.spinosa in John Ostranica pot.

Semi Cascade Crataegus Display

A little display in my dining room this evening (forgive the nasty Artex wall!).

Hawthorn accompanied by Helleborine Orchid.

Bonsai Europa 2015

Yesterday my wife and I visited the first event of its kind in Bury, Manchester... "Bonsai Europa" hosted by Tony Tickle. Tony had been working hard, organising and publicising the event over the last two years and it lived up to expectations. The quality of both the merchandise on sale and the trees on display were first class. It was also great to meet up with old friends and make a few new ones.

I took a great many photos, but did not manage to photograph all trees on display. Each tree/display bared a number which apparently correlated to the artist responsible for the work, although it seems that I missed this list and so am unfortunately unable to give credit for all the trees. There were however a good number of trees which I recognised - my personal favourites being Pavel Slovák's "Three Snakes" and an excellent juniper by Jean-Paul Polmans.

I believe that Tony is planning a repeat event in two years time so if you missed it, make sure you are in Bury for 2017!

 

 

 

Juniper by Jean-Paul Polmans

"Three Snakes" pine by Pavel Slovák

Bryan Albright Nanban

My new Bryan Albright Nanban recently arrived in the post... Hopefully for my yamadori Mugo Pine in the Spring.

A film by Tony Tickle, featuring Bryan talking about his nanban pots...