Where Oh Where???????????

[DougB]

I would really like to create some Saikei(s). I have several of the foundation texts that have really created a flame. However, I have not been successful in obtaining materials.

So how about it where, mainly on web, do youse guys get your:
Trees?
Rocks?
Trays?
Sands, gravel?
Plants other than trees?

Thanks for your reply's.

 

[jk_lewis]

I would really like to create some Saikei(s). I have several of the foundation texts that have really created a flame. However, I have not been successful in obtaining materials.

So how about it where, mainly on web, do youse guys get your:
Trees?
Rocks?
Trays?
Sands, gravel?
Plants other than trees?

Thanks for your reply's.

Trees: Same as anywhere. The wild or nurseries or your garden. They're no different. Just smaller (usually).

Rocks: Go to the NC Mountains, in and around streams/waterfalls. Or, if you don't mind limestone (usually) an aquarium supply store that is NOT PetSmart or WalMart

Trays: Those trite blank white marble monstrosities, if that's what you want, probably have to be sourced on line. Otherwise, make your own (Google Ciment fondue) or find some slate slabs where landscape stones/pavers are sold.

Plants other than trees: Same as anywhere.

Use imagination (very important part of saikei) -- and that may lead you away from a marble base -- hopefully.

 

[DougB]

Thanks Jim. a trip to the mountains is a bit much for me now. I did go to the only aquarium supply within and hour and the only rocks they had were expensive live rocks. May look online at the lace rocks from Utah. No heavy marble slabs for me (use a cane or walker) -- small is better.

Trees are normally just too big at Lowes, etc. Have been looking on line, but at about $6+ a piece, well will just keep looking/

Thanks for your interest. Temp is now down from 80f to a cold 50f. Thought spring was here, but! Hope your weather is finally mellowing out.
Doug

 

[jk_lewis]

Hope your weather is finally mellowing out.

HA. 42 is supposed to be our high tomorrow. EVERYTHING is blooming, though.

I'd guess that cuttings from some of those Lowes or Home Depot (better plants) will be your best bet.

However, this one (with a HD red cedar (J. virginiania) cultivar and cotoneaster in it is planted on an old slate roofing tile. It measures 13 inches long.

 

[DougB]

Jim I really like that. As for purchasing (lace or tofu) rock at a pet store, I have struck out. they only have live rock or expensive fake stuff. Going to try eBay.

 

[sorce]

Hey Doug,

Love your quote!

There is a nursery here Platt Hill Nursery, where Ive. Found dwarf mugos, cypress, Picea, boxwood, in small 4in plastic pots.

The source probably ships to around you too!

They are labeled dwarf or mini evergreen.

They were 70% off in Nov. Probly see new stock soon.

Sorce

 

[Bolero]

About Saikei,....
There are little one tree, one rock, simple pot or tray Saikei ---
There are larger multiple tree, multiple rock, larger pot or tray Saikei ---
There are little seedling plants, little starter plants to use ---
There are larger Bonsai level trees to use ---
It becomes a very expensive form of Bonsai gardening ---
It is very demanding on the imagination and creative abilities and senses ---
One needs a very good Bonsai store or nursery to use and to do it well ---
One can get all that is necessary(other than the imagination) on the internet however that is the most expensive way to go like in several hundred dollars up into the thousands for really large presentations.
It is separate and apart from traditional Bonsai tree growing, collecting practice---
I no longer think of it as Saikei but rather as Bonsai Landscaping ---
Remember the foremost feature of Bonsai Landscape or Saikei is to create a visual presentation of a natural scene of some forested mountain scene or a forest setting ---

The above is just my thinking out loud, no more or no less ---
fini