300 year old larch. Garnish Island, County Cork, Ireland.

[TacomaBonsai95]

I'm currently in Ireland visiting relatives of mine. We had the opportunity to go out to Garnish Island, where the whole island has been turned into a garden with rare plants from all over the world. I was surprised to see they had a few bonsai in one of the gardens. There was a information plaque talking about the gardens that mentioned the larch is around 300 years old! I'm not sure about the pines, they look very old as well. Anyways, I'm currently in Ireland visiting relatives of mine. We had the opportunity to go out to Garnish Island, where the whole island has been turned into a garden with rare plants from all over the world. I was surprised to see they had a few bonsai in one of the gardens. There was a information plaque talking about the gardens that mentioned the larch is around 300 years old! I'm not sure about the pines, they look very old as well. I just wanted to share these photos for anyone interested. Enjoy.

 

[HorseloverFat]

Diálogos doubles?

Claro.

Muchísmas gracias para la fotógrafias.

 

[NaoTK]

I am also going to Ireland next week as it happens. I do not have family there haha. Any other recommendations for cool plant spots?

 

[hemmy]

Very cool! I’d love to go back and explore more. I took a field trip a decade ago and explore the Dingle and Kilkee peninsulas. There wasn’t much for trees, but the cliffs formations and vistas were amazing. The Devonian trackways on Valentina Island were interesting and the drive was fun along with the Ring of Kerry. We only saw distant views of the Skellig Islands. But then recognizing the geology from Star Wars years later was pretty cool. To this day, I’ve refused to have a Guinness if I’m not in Ireland!

 

[R0b]

If that larch is 300 years old the one responsible for that screw in the middle of the trunk should be banned from styling trees. If it isn’t 300 years old they should be educated.

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

If that larch is 300 years old the one responsible for that screw in the middle of the trunk should be banned from styling trees. If it isn’t 300 years old they should be educated.

It'll heal within a season. But copper wire would've held those bends with more ease and it wouldn't have required a guy wire.

 

[R0b]

It'll heal within a season. But copper wire would've held those bends with more ease and it wouldn't have required a guy wire.

True but it is in this tree a example of poor technique. If you are styling a tree that is 300 years old (or any tree) it should be avoided in such a prominent position. I have also put screws in tee but never in the middle of the trunk.

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

True but it is in this tree a example of poor technique. If you are styling a tree that is 300 years old (or any tree) it should be avoided in such a prominent position. I have also put screws in tee but never in the middle of the trunk.

I get what you're saying but I disagree. A screw for a year or two, with a hole that is invisible within a year, is not that big of a deal in my opinion.
It's 1% of the lifespan of the tree.
Sometimes it's unsightly to do what is needed, but in the long run it really doesn't matter.
I can get behind the idea that every tree is better if it's always pretty and wire is always hidden, but from a practical standpoint I can also get behind "do whatever is easiest and whatever works".
It's not a show tree in an exhibition, it's a larch in an Irish garden that.. based on the pot.. could even be considered to be an ornamental tree instead of a bonsai.
I'm happy to see it there, and happy to see someone try their best at styling it.
I like that we can have different points of view on this one!

 

[R0b]

I like that we can have different points of view on this one!

The art of bonsai lives because of different views.

 

[TacomaBonsai95]

Sorry I'm a little late to respond. I believe the tree might have taken a spill at some point. If you notice, the pot is actually broken with a good chunk of it missing. It seems to have been a tree that was neglected at some point (if it's really 300 years old it's seen a few owners I'd guess).

 

[TacomaBonsai95]

I am also going to Ireland next week as it happens. I do not have family there haha. Any other recommendations for cool plant spots?

Sorry for the late response. Kells bay house and gardens is really interesting if you're still over there. It's on the ring of Kerry and they have some interesting plants. Lots of tree ferns and cycads!

 

[mj_barb]

Awesome trees! Thanks for posting.

Ian Young (IG: bonsaieejit) did some work on these trees about a month ago. His post on 3/23 gives some more info on the larch if you are curious.

 

[ElyDave]

Interesting, I'd never have thought of using a screw to anchor guy wires. I have an english yew that I've just started and am using some guy wires with that, in all cases anchored to another branch that I've left in place for that purpose, or a surface root. I alos tend to use jute string to avoid damaging the bark

 

[Potawatomi13]

True but it is in this tree a example of poor technique. If you are styling a tree that is 300 years old (or any tree) it should be avoided in such a prominent position. I have also put screws in tee but never in the middle of the trunk.

You mean to say Walter Pall uses poor technique?

 

[R0b]

You mean to say Walter Pall uses poor technique?

I haven’t seen Walter put a screw in such a position.

his technique is definitely unconventional though

 

[Potawatomi13]

I haven’t seen Walter put a screw in such a position.

his technique is definitely unconventional though

Sometimes many guy wires.

 

[R0b]

Sometimes many guy wires

He thought me how to guy wire

 

[AJL]

If you're still in Eire and you get the chance visit The Burren- Its like visiting the surface of the Moon- with fabulous wildflowers and ancient tombs-Oh and great craic in the local pubs!
Also go trout fishing with a local guide on Lough Corrib or Lough Mask. Its the start of Mayfly season there!....

 

[Shogun610]

I am also going to Ireland next week as it happens. I do not have family there haha. Any other recommendations for cool plant spots?

Ian Young ( Bonsaieejit) on Instagram might have good bonsai spots in mind for your visit. He was also the one to do some work on those trees at that collection posted.

 

[Shogun610]

If that larch is 300 years old the one responsible for that screw in the middle of the trunk should be banned from styling trees. If it isn’t 300 years old they should be educated.

So this guy should be banned ? Lol ok