amcoffeegirl
Masterpiece
You don't have to be a collector or an artist appreciate what others have created.
I thank God everyday that I have five senses and the common sense to never stop learning.
Would you buy a "finished" tree?
- Thread starter Adair M
- Start date
I thank God everyday that I have five senses and the common sense to never stop learning.
M. Frary
Bonsai Godzilla
Some are both. Some are neither.
Brian Van Fleet
Pretty Fly for a Bonsai Guy
You can be both a collector and an artist. They're not mutually exclusive.
JudyB
Queen of the Nuts
I can't imagine why anyone would think they would be. What rule book did you get that from Bunjeh?
Giga
Masterpiece
I don't think I have ever bought a finished tree. Not saying I wouldn't buy one as I would be buying them left and right! For me it's simply comes down to $ unfortunately. I dabble in a lot of hobbies and most are pricy, dart frogs, reef aquariums, making jewelry(I know right?!) so I have to buy starter material or yamadori collection.
BUT to your original question, if had the money I would buy as many as my yard or wife would allow
BUT to your original question, if had the money I would buy as many as my yard or wife would allow
zachkent29
Mame
Of course, I would and will. As I gain confidence, I'm spending more and more on material that is closer and closer to being "finished".
To be honest, I've been surprised by the number of people in this thread that say they would not purchased a finished tree.
To be honest, I've been surprised by the number of people in this thread that say they would not purchased a finished tree.
Bunjeh
Chumono
Never said they were mutually exclusive. But each of us for whom this is more than just a pass time falls in to one or both of those categories.
What is sad is many times "finished" trees (or "highly refined", or "developed", or "show worthy" trees) are purchased by people who don't realize that they will continue to need ongoing maintenance.
I've seen many JBP that were very nice at one point, but have been allowed to get leggy, their centers die out, get needle cast, and have lost ramification. They weren't repotted, or if they were, they were slip potted into a slightly larger container.
I repotted one tree, and as I did so, I found 4 layers of screen wire that used to cover holes! It had been pulled from the pot, new soil put down, and set back down, without even removing the old screening! 4 times!
I gave that tree a 1/2 bare root repot. It's much happier now!
I've seen many JBP that were very nice at one point, but have been allowed to get leggy, their centers die out, get needle cast, and have lost ramification. They weren't repotted, or if they were, they were slip potted into a slightly larger container.
I repotted one tree, and as I did so, I found 4 layers of screen wire that used to cover holes! It had been pulled from the pot, new soil put down, and set back down, without even removing the old screening! 4 times!
I gave that tree a 1/2 bare root repot. It's much happier now!
anthony burce
Sapling
I should have worded that part differently. I really mean to say is the intial amazement has worn off. Dont worry about me coffeegirl, have some creamer and lighten up.
amcoffeegirl
Masterpiece
Sorry that just really got me- why bother going to shows or forums or books or blogs if you are unimpressed with it all?
Why even participate in bonsai if nothing you see amazes you?
I am amazed everyday at the skill and dedication of others and I am in Iowa.
I don't have to look very hard to appreciate the skills right here on this forum.
Of course I appreciate that that the sun rises and sets everyday and that the world keeps spinning.- so there you go.
anthony burce
Sapling
Brian Van Fleet
Pretty Fly for a Bonsai Guy
Not sure the analogy works. But if I understand your point: What happens when you finally hit an art show and realize all the while you'd been painting with the wrong end of the brush?
anthony burce
Sapling
Thats the fun of bonsai. Learning to paint with the right side of the brush by teaching yourself. Learning, thats my whole point. Im in this to learn technical skills. Ive always been about that. Im 24, a wife, and a two year old. I was raised a carpenter, was a cable guy out of high school, now im a production copier technician for xerox. Its all about the research and application for me.
ABCarve
Masterpiece
Don't you mean the "right side of your brain"?
So...
Your first technical skill to learn is to use proper bonsai soil. You appear to be using some sort of potting soil full of organic material.
This is not the time of year to repot, but research now, and aquire the soil components for next year.
Health of the tree is first and foremost. You cannot do much with a sick or weak tree. Proper soil goes a long way towards making healthy tree.
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anthony burce
Sapling
They arent ready for bonsai trays. Im growing them out, and mulch made primarily of decomposed bark and leaves is perfect for retaining water. I live in redding ca, its going to be 115° thursday and friday and rarely will we see a day below 95 for months to come. But thanks for the comment, i had some other guys it will do fine.
Mulch made from those components is also a perfect medium for root rot.
What I think would work better for you is a freer draining mix, with a layer of spaghnum moss over the top to help retain water.
Good luck with your trees!
What I think would work better for you is a freer draining mix, with a layer of spaghnum moss over the top to help retain water.
Good luck with your trees!
Brian Van Fleet
Pretty Fly for a Bonsai Guy
There you go again, painting with the right end of the brush.
anthony burce
Sapling
Its definately not a long term plan. Any suggestion for inorganic medium for a young elm? And i need a suggestion for my older elm which coincidentally is my newest addition.
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