What’s your latest Bonsai related purchase?

[IzzyG]

Completely changed the styling on a one seed juniper and was hunting for a new container. Settled on this chunky dude:

 

[Michigan Tree Murderer]

I said I was not going to buy another tree this year, but this ones don't come by often... let's see how it does in sunny Texas (under a 50% shade cloth of course).


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Nice! I was looking for one of those this spring. May I ask where you got it?

 

[Carol 83]

I said I was not going to buy another tree this year

Yeah, we all tell ourselves that.....

 

[yashu]

Yeah, we all tell ourselves that.....

Truth

I said it last week…

Today came home with a couple more azalea, two different Japanese boxwood varieties and a lilac… oh well

One of the boxwoods showing autumn color

 

[Carol 83]

Truth

I said it last week…

Today came home with a couple more azalea, two different Japanese boxwood varieties and a lilac… oh well

One of the boxwoods showing autumn color
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I picked up a couple of Azaleas on the clearance rack at HD last weekend. But they were half price, so I rationalized that as not really counting as buying a tree, or two.....

 

[yashu]

I picked up a couple of Azaleas on the clearance rack at HD last weekend. But they were half price, so I rationalized that as not really counting as buying a tree, or two.....

Yep, guilty

$8 azaleas and boxwoods will get me every time.

 

[It's Kev]

I said I was not going to buy another tree this year, but this ones don't come by often... let's see how it does in sunny Texas (under a 50% shade cloth of course).


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I seriously gotta make a plan for my JM to get some shade so it could actually live and not just hang on

 

[shohin_branches]

Been looking forward to this JBP all week, finally it’s here, slightly taller than expected, I hope it fits in the pot I got for it when spring comes
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I noticed we have a user called @Kevin1968 which was weird and I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me coz I was born in 1986 and I didn’t read properly

Go team 1986! We've had it rough!

 

[Maiden69]

Completely changed the styling on a one seed juniper and was hunting for a new container. Settled on this chunky dude:

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I have mixed feelings towards JCross pots... I was watching the Naka stream from Mirai last night and I feel that the pot takes away so much from the tree. Also, the sheer mass from the pot makes the tree look like a shohin/chuhin tree, instead of the massive monster that it was even on the wooden box on the previous stream. Maybe my perception is off...

 

[snowman04]

I have mixed feelings towards JCross pots... I was watching the Naka stream from Mirai last night and I feel that the pot takes away so much from the tree. Also, the sheer mass from the pot makes the tree look like a shohin/chuhin tree, instead of the massive monster that it was even on the wooden box on the previous stream. Maybe my perception is off...

They definitely stand on their own... I like them more for what he creates...

 

[IzzyG]

I have mixed feelings towards JCross pots... I was watching the Naka stream from Mirai last night and I feel that the pot takes away so much from the tree. Also, the sheer mass from the pot makes the tree look like a shohin/chuhin tree, instead of the massive monster that it was even on the wooden box on the previous stream. Maybe my perception is off...

I don’t think you’re wrong. The JCross pots have very thick walls so the interior space doesn’t allow for a lot of planting room. That really limits the size of the tree. In return, you get a more modern/non traditional/angular aesthetic. I’m hoping it doesn’t overpower the tree as much in this particular composition as the rootball is quite small but we will see!

Then again, I absolutely LOVE the Naka and have been discussing with Ryan about acquiring it to fund a project.

 

[pandacular]

I did a brief search for this Naka tree in a John Cross pot, but came up empty. Would you mind sharing it here?

 

[IzzyG]

I did a brief search for this Naka tree in a John Cross pot, but came up empty. Would you mind sharing it here?

It’s on Mirai’s Instagram too.

 

[Forrestford]

I have to agree with @Maiden69 . That pot takes so much away from the tree. It’s an eyesore, it might fit some trees, but not this one. Just my opinion.

 

[Maiden69]

Then again, I absolutely LOVE the Naka and have been discussing with Ryan about acquiring it to fund a project.

I thought the Naka was not his tree? From what I understood on the stream it was lend to him to take care of.

I have seen a few trees on JCross ceramics that look great, so definitely not knocking his work. But I think this pot would work better on a more masculine tree, and this one is borderline between the two ends. I think this would work on a huge trunk cascade, hanging down the bottom edge of the container.

 

[IzzyG]

I thought the Naka was not his tree? From what I understood on the stream it was lend to him to take care of.

I have seen a few trees on JCross ceramics that look great, so definitely not knocking his work. But I think this pot would work better on a more masculine tree, and this one is borderline between the two ends. I think this would work on a huge trunk cascade, hanging down the bottom edge of the container.

There’s something echoing in my memory that’s in line with the tree being weakened and Ryan was asked to bring it back to health. However eventually, the tree was gifted to him.

Ryan and I had a similar discussion about progressing historical trees when he came over to restyle the Harry Hirao/Bob Pressler California Juniper that’s in the collection. Having to balance the idea of history while still evolving the tree as a whole is precarious and difficult to define. I believe he had mention on the stream that while he is tempted to make more drastic changes, he held back and perhaps the J Cross option allowed the composition to move towards the contemporary in a less than permanent manner. Of course I’m just speculating on that last point but having stared at the tree in person, the J Cross does not look as large as it does in the photos. Feels like the camera angle sits a tad too low.

 

[River's Edge]

I was unable to move my greenhouse from the acreage to the new location. Therefore took delivery today of two packages. Fan heater with control for temperature and humidity along with a long box with many parts. ( 8 foot skid ) It is a smaller greenhouse for overwintering and propagation. Plan is for the pad to be poured shortly and then I will be nutting things together. Hopefully a faster process than the last time.

 

[Hoyonokuma]

I recently took a stroll on the European Bonsai Auction page (FB) and well.. I'm more of a deciduous guy but just couldn't pass on the learning chance I could get with this Spruce.
It's a yamadori, collected from a seller's friend.
(pictures are his, as the tree should come home within next weekend)




I know it's a mess with all them branches twisting, but I'll do some main selection next spring. Way too many branches in there.
I've also ordered some 3mm,2mm,1mm copper wire for the bending/future directioning.

We'll see, but I'm definitely excited about it

 

[River's Edge]

I recently took a stroll on the European Bonsai Auction page (FB) and well.. I'm more of a deciduous guy but just couldn't pass on the learning chance I could get with this Spruce.
It's a yamadori, collected from a seller's friend.
(pictures are his, as the tree should come home within next weekend)

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I know it's a mess with all them branches twisting, but I'll do some main selection next spring. Way too many branches in there.
I've also ordered some 3mm,2mm,1mm copper wire for the bending/future directioning.

We'll see, but I'm definitely excited about it

it is encouraging to see this quality of material. Evidence of nebari, taper, movement and plenty of branches for selection fairly low down. Difficult to judge detail from pictures but definitely better quality material. Well done, enjoy the journey. Spruce can be challenging to wire and style. Great project.
Also, the abundant new foliage testifies to the recovery from collection. Holds promise for successful cut back and back budding.

 

[Hoyonokuma]

it is encouraging to see this quality of material. Evidence of nebari, taper, movement and plenty of branches for selection fairly low down. Difficult to judge detail from pictures but definitely better quality material. Well done, enjoy the journey. Spruce can be challenging to wire and style. Great project.
Also, the abundant new foliage testifies to the recovery from collection. Holds promise for successful cut back and back budding.

Truly appreciate your insightful comment!

Have to add that it was a particularly appetizing deal, which made it a no brainer
I am aware it will be quite the challenge.. But I'm willing to try and and learn from it