Visit to Jim Smith bonsai collection

[Michael P]

Schefflera arbicola is a personal favorite species, even if the possible styles are limited. In Florida it is easy to produce the many aerial roots for banyan style.



The density of the roots and their slight leftward slant make this one stand out.





This one was in the off-exhibit area.

 

[luvinthemountains]

stop saying "bone". It's wrong.

I actually sort of agree with you. Phonetically, it has always made more sense to me as "bohn." Sort of like bönsai.

 

[luvinthemountains]

@Michael P you have made my day. Thank you so much!!

 

[one_bonsai]

Uh, you listen to that before you posted it? Hardly a clear cut example of what you're saying. I don't hear it

Yep. Definitely not saying "bone"

 

[Michael P]

Willow leaf ficus multi-trunk, clumps, and forests. It is difficult to separate these categories because of the ability of this species to fuse nebari. over time.










This one is identified as a variant of the species. The label also calls it an "informal upright", I don't see that, LOL.

 

[Michael P]

More clumps and forests.



A recently pruned and defoliated forest.

 

[luvinthemountains]

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This one for some reason made me think of Oogie Boogie from Nightmare Before Christmas. Definitely nightmare fuel!

EDIT: this didn't translate well, so to be clear I am talking about the WLF with the gaping "mouth" in the middle of the massive trunk.

 

[Michael P]

Ficus microcarpa and its cultivars are well represented in the collection. I'll start with several examples that are labeled 'Tiger Bark'. I've always been confused if this is a true distinct cultivar, or just another common name for the species. These 'Tiger Bark' have an unusual texture to the trunk and older branches which I have never seen before, perhaps because I've never seen trees this old and well developed.





This one is an especially impressive banyan.



The bark texture is subtle, and more apparent in person.



And one more.




Top

 

[Michael P]

This 'Green Island' did not do much for me.



But I found this one strangely compelling.



More of the species.



I think this one is 'Green Mound'.

 

[Michael P]

Wait, there's more!

 

[Michael P]

Some less common Ficus. First, F. benjamina.



'Exotica', which I thought is a cultivar of F. benjamina.





And I thought there was a F. natalensis in the collection, but I can't find a photo now.

 

[luvinthemountains]

'Exotica', which I thought is a cultivar of F. benjamina.

I have one of these, from Jerry Meislik's collection. He theorizes it is a cultivar of F. pertusa. Leaves are similar in size, shape and structure to F. salicaria "89". Syconia are similar as well.

 

[cishepard]

Thank you @Michael P for this thread … the trees are amazing and spectacular!

 

[Michael P]

@luvinthemountains Interesting, thanks! Is 'Exotic' better suited to bonsai than F. benjamina?

 

[luvinthemountains]

@luvinthemountains Interesting, thanks! Is 'Exotic' better suited to bonsai than F. benjamina?

I haven't had mine for long. From what I understand growth is more similar to willow leafs but more robust. Benjamina is very useful for some things; other things not so much. I enjoy each ficus species in my garden for what they are.

 

[Potawatomi13]

Yep. Definitely not saying "bone"

Definitely NOT saying bon! Recording tells all.

 

[Potawatomi13]

Next month I have the chance to visit the Jim Smith bonsai collection at the Heathcote Botanical Garden in Florida. Any tips for best day of the week or time of day to visit? I've never been to the garden where the collection is kept.

Thank you.

 

[Michael P]

My apologies to their fans, but bougainvilleas have never appealed to me. These trees made me rethink that.

 

[Michael P]

There were not many buttonwoods Conocarpus erectus on display.





This one has a tiny dragon on the base of the first branch.

 

[Carol 83]

My apologies to their fans, but bougainvilleas have never appealed to me. These trees made me rethink that.

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I'd take them!!