I have lost some interest in individual bonsai presentations. And I am not a fan of the tortured look. I prefer a naturally looking bonsai. So, I have begun to create bonsai landscapes with forest settings, ponds, pathways, and little animals and people. These kinds of models with artificial trees have been made for years by architects. But a large planter with a landscape is a fun idea. I got the idea by watching videos of a model train setup outside with real miniature landscaping. Very cool.
Bonsai Forests for Patio Decoration
- Thread starter Dhalgren
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Michigan Tree Murderer
Masterpiece
Welcome aboard. What your describing sounds like Penjing. I haven't tried creating one, but I do like looking at them. 
This one is pretty cool, looks like it's got one of every tree in it.
This one is pretty cool, looks like it's got one of every tree in it.
Patrick K
Sapling
There’s a video I saw on YouTube a while ago that did a similar exercise. Seems really cool if you have a designated space and use hardy species to your area
Shibui
Imperial Masterpiece
Penjing is one of the Chinese names for miniature trees. Penjing can be a landscape or a single tree. Chinese growers do tend to use more rock and ornaments than the Japanese bonsai growers.
Saikei is a branch of Japanese bonsai that creates miniature landscapes, usually from less mature trees so they can be enjoyed while they age and mature. Saikei can be a way of turning otherwise less attractive individual trees into a much more interesting display. Rocks and ornaments help to tell the story and give more interest where the trees themselves are not mature or interesting enough to do it alone.
Can be smaller or bigger. I've seen some huge Saikei, up to 6 feet square, assembled on stage at bonsai conventions.
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
There's a trend now in "regular' gardening--Fairy or Trough gardening. It's a western version of penjing. Ornaments, houses, animals, etc are all part of it. The local nurseries here have been leaning into it and have loads of small trees, ground covers, etc. in dedicated sections of the nursery. Some familiar species for bonsai are used, particularly smaller conifers.
Since they're typically grown in deeper containers, they're likely not as high maintenance as a penjing or bonsai in a shallow pot. They're not as strict in keeping trees shaped, pruned (top and roots).
Not my cup of tea but hey, it's a thing.
Since they're typically grown in deeper containers, they're likely not as high maintenance as a penjing or bonsai in a shallow pot. They're not as strict in keeping trees shaped, pruned (top and roots).
Not my cup of tea but hey, it's a thing.
penumbra
Imperial Masterpiece
I love penjing and saikei. I began last year but have kind of run out of energy with it. Too damn many plants to take care of in addition to these special projects. I have plans to turn one of my smaller bonsai benches into one, but probably will not start until autumn at the earliest. It is 2 x 6 feet. It is not likely to be cluttered with too many accessories. I will track it here when I get to it.
Tieball
Masterpiece
This post reminded me again that I’d like to create a larger size forest. The forest image possibilities really fascinate me. I have a lot of natural material growing around me. And plenty of rocks and moss. I tend to back away when I think of all the maintenance that is sure to be required. However…..one of these springs….I will start a large-space style forest.
Patience is an Art
Sapling
Oddly, I am in Amish country and it is in every one of their greenhouses. Those who are into that really put a lot of effort into it. But usually they are using cacti here.
gooeytek
Shohin
hmmm...another rabbit hole
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
That's strange they're using cactus. Around here in Va. they're using mostly similar species to what we bonsai enthusiasts are--hinoki, chinese elm, Alberta spruce, etc.
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
hmmm, this looks AI, or photoshopped to me. All those species would be extremely difficult to care for, let alone get into that kind of shape...If it's real, I want the creator's website address so I can ask him about some of the care details.Welcome aboard. What your describing sounds like Penjing. I haven't tried creating one, but I do like looking at them.
This one is pretty cool, looks like it's got one of every tree in it.
View attachment 553060
Michigan Tree Murderer
Masterpiece
I don't doubt it one bit, & I didn't intend it to be mis leading. I was googling a picture a saw in "Principles of Bonsai Design" by David De Groot, and my google kung fu couldn't find it. So, I saw the one I posted which is an Adobe Stock photo ( you can see the water mark in the pic I posted) which was most likely photo shopped. Cool looking picture though.
Tieball
Masterpiece
Much easier to care for overall. Very little pruning. I’ve seen cacti exhibits at botanical gardens and they look fabulous. At the gardens the dry muted desert brown colors look quite inviting….and a flower bloom on a cactus plant is captivating. A lot of superior inspiration at the botanical desert gardens. A lot of people skip by that area in favor of the green colors. I like the desert colors.
Michigan Tree Murderer
Masterpiece
This is the picture I was trying to find online. Picture quality is kind of crappy, page 93 of Principles of bonsai design.
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
mkg
Seedling
The Penjing reference artist is Zhao Qingquan. "The chinese art of bonsaï" is a very good introduction.
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
Cajunrider
Imperial Masterpiece
I grew up with Penjing and Hon Non Bo all around me. Once my retirement starts and I get to PA, I will begin. Lots of idea in my mind at the moment.
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