The forests have something to say

[Kanorin]

I feel like there is a lot to explore on the artistic side of mixed-composition forests. For example, I'm going to try something like this next spring:




Perhaps my vision is naive and despite the intention, it will never look good. But you never know until you try it!
On the left would be a flowering tree like plum or crabapple. On the right - shortleaf pine or Norwegian spruce.

 

[sorce]

Just don't put a pathway between and your golden!

Sorce

 

[zanduh]

Definitely like your vision and want to see your forest!

 

[DonovanC]

Rocks. You have to have rocks. Rocks make everything better. Perhaps the conifers might be at a higher elevation? I think hills and valleys can be very beautiful in Penjing if done correctly.

 

[penumbra]

I love your vision. I have been thinking of similair things of late.

 

[Kanorin]

Rocks. You have to have rocks. Rocks make everything better. Perhaps the conifers might be at a higher elevation? I think hills and valleys can be very beautiful in Penjing if done correctly.View attachment 329157

I like this. Thanks for making a sketch!

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

Consider Cotoneaster paired with spruce. Smaller leaves than an apple. Both flower and fruit. Cotoneaster will work more easily if the total composition is less than 18 inches tall.

If you are going big, a crab apple can work fine.

 

[sorce]

Rocks. You have to have rocks. Rocks make everything better.

Sorce

 

[JoeR]

You know, in general there are very very few mixed forest plantings. Why is this?

I hear the claim different species require different conditions, so mixed plantings are difficult. I dont believe that for a second. The vast majority of my plants are in the same soil mix, get the same amount of sun, and same fertilizer. Only thing that is different would be acid loving plants, like blueberry or azalea, i add more akadama/Kanuma and now different fertilizer.

Vigor is another excuse I see thrown around. Maybe with a trident or red maple this could be a problem. General I dont believe it would be, with regular repotting.

I think the cotoneaster as Leo suggested would look great.


Look for inspiration online. Find pictures of mountain slopes meeting flat ground, examine species composition and placement, and I think you'll make a great planting. I highly recommend making the conifer side a higher planting sloping down to the single fruiting species, adds dynamic movement. A slab or similar pot would further accentuate this

 

[JoeR]

the addition of smaller plants to mimic shrubs would help as well. There are varieties of azalea that are sold, i think by Julian adams, as accent plants for growing IN the pot with the bonsai.

 

[DonovanC]

View attachment 329306

Sorce

I stand corrected

 

[rockm]

You know, in general there are very very few mixed forest plantings. Why is this?

I hear the claim different species require different conditions, so mixed plantings are difficult. I dont believe that for a second. The vast majority of my plants are in the same soil mix, get the same amount of sun, and same fertilizer. Only thing that is different would be acid loving plants, like blueberry or azalea, i add more akadama/Kanuma and now different fertilizer.

Vigor is another excuse I see thrown around. Maybe with a trident or red maple this could be a problem. General I dont believe it would be, with regular repotting.

I think the cotoneaster as Leo suggested would look great.


Look for inspiration online. Find pictures of mountain slopes meeting flat ground, examine species composition and placement, and I think you'll make a great planting. I highly recommend making the conifer side a higher planting sloping down to the single fruiting species, adds dynamic movement. A slab or similar pot would further accentuate this

different soil conditions depend on the species you're using. Try a mixed forest for a few years, including conifers and lowland deciduous trees and see. Over time, both will likely decline...

Historical Tree Spotlight: The Mixed Forest — National Bonsai Foundation

Uncertain times provide many reasons to look toward nature for calm and healing. Myriad research has pointed to how natural environments, especially trees, can benefit our health and overall well-being. But as this month's Historical Tree Spotlight shows, nature also provides the inargua

www.bonsai-nbf.org

 

[Carol 83]

There are varieties of azalea that are sold, i think by Julian adams, as accent plants for growing IN the pot with the bonsai.

I bought a couple from him at the show near here a few years ago. They are teeny.

 

[Kanorin]

Thanks for the ideas and words of caution, all! I'll probably try 2-3 of these this coming spring. I get a lot of joy in thinking about and planning stuff like this.

 

[JoeR]

I bought a couple from him at the show near here a few years ago. They are teeny.

Every year I look at them and think I need to get a few, and never do! Do you know what they are? They aren't satsuki are they?

 

[Carol 83]

Every year I look at them and think I need to get a few, and never do! Do you know what they are? They aren't satsuki are they?

I had pictures of the tag, but I guess I deleted them. I sent the azaleas to @Mellow Mullet. He has a few pictures of one around here somewhere. Apparently my packing sucked, because only one of them made it.

 

[Hack Yeah!]

I wonder if it would be easier the other way, one larger pine with a lower mix of flowering/deciduous

 

[Mellow Mullet]

I bought a couple from him at the show near here a few years ago. They are teeny.

Here is a picture, post 104:

Flowers 2020

A few from the garden today, the azaleas are really putting on a show. All of them are bonsai in the making. The flying dragon is starting to leaf: A satsuki named Myuki, I got it as a cutting in trade with @Eric Group several years ago. It is making red flowers now, too, but I...

www.bonsainut.com

I have the name written down in the shed but since Hurricane Sally is pounding us at the moment, I can't get to it.

It wasn't your packing, it was the carrier's careless handling.

The variety, Chinzan, would work good. John Geanangel did a several mixed plantings with them.

 

[Carol 83]

since Hurricane Sally is pounding us at the moment

I hope you and yours stay safe and you don't have any damage.

 

[Mapleminx]

Rocks. You have to have rocks. Rocks make everything better.

Couldn’t agree more