Just a thread where you can put trees that recently, or not so recently have inspired your work. Maybe it will inspire someone else!
I had the joy of seeing Michael Hagedorn's Cryptomeria in his garden a few days before it went on display at the Portland Japanese garden. Then getting to see it at the garden, getting to know some of its history, and that this is its first display since long recovery from a fungal attack made it all the sweeter.
https://crataegus.com/2019/07/24/there-and-back-again-with-a-cryptomeria/
Thanks Nicholas for getting us started. I say this tree on social media and I'm always stunned by the grace of these cedars.
It was pretty great in person. Just humbly sitting in the middle of the benches. You should share a tree that has inspired you recently!
Here is one from David DeGroot that got me thinking: break the "rules," push the boundaries. What do people think of "bonsai as sculpture?"
Thank you for starting an inspiration thread Nicholas! My inspirations are not exactly bonsai, but I think they can greatly influence or local bonsai aesthetic. Below are a few cottonwood trees that I have enjoyed studying the structure of. I think Jade plants lend themselves to this type of growth habit very well.
The above shows a great windswept/semi-cascade and literati, while the photo below shows a version of a broom style I actually like.
Paul those are some great photos. The old cottonwoods can just look amazing. There are so many of these in isolated pockets all over the west and midwest. I really love them too. Makes me think about hunting quail with my dad and uncles.
This photo is from a friends land in Black Forest. They have very thick stands of new growth ponderosa, but in some spots they have some twisty older trees.
Such a cool form for a ponderosa. I think it is under 10ft tall.
Hey! So good to see my buddy Patrik in that picture! Man what a juniper!