Month: August 2024

  • Western Hemlock

    Western Hemlock

    I seem to be getting more into the traditional style of bonsai now. While I love the look of penjing, especially that of my new dual-planter Douglas Fir penjing, I’m also getting into the smaller pot and single tree style of bonsai. I also want to try and make my focus on the native trees of the Pacific Northwest, both for the regional identity and a way to set myself apart from the typical style of bonsai I’ve seen.

    I decided to go with this Western Hemlock for a couple of reasons: it met my budget of $15 and it looks unique. The bend that occurs in the middle of the tree really makes this one stand out to me. The pot was given to me by a dear loved one, Katie, whose support I’ve come to rely on. She has encouraged me greatly in learning this amazing art. Thank you, Katie!

    Western Hemlock, or Tsuga heterophylla, grows from southern Alaska down the western coast of the US, through the Cascade gorges of Oregon, and to the northern California coast. It is classified as a climax species, meaning that left alone the Western Hemlock would dominate the forests of the Pacific Northwest. Interestingly, the Western Hemlock is the state tree of Washington! They can grow over 200 feet tall, live over a thousand years, and tolerate both shade and sun quite well.

    I have not yet begun any training or pruning on this tree. I want to make sure it will survive the coming winter before I put any additional burden on it. I’m already in love with this one!

  • Starting Over

    Starting Over

    We recently experienced a heat wave that pushed temperatures over 100 degrees for almost a week! During this time many of my trees were unfortunately killed by the weather. Saddened by the loss of the trees that had become a regular fixture in my garden, I also learned a number of valuable lessons. Next time there is a heat wave, I’m dragging my penjings and bonsai indoors, or at the very least, moving them to the shadiest spot possible and giving them plenty of water. These shallow planters can dry out very easily, and I believe that’s what led to the death of my penjings.

    Two of my penjings were completely wiped out, including the first one I ever made, and another that housed a Korean Fir and Mugo Pine. I’ve decided to reuse the planters and start over with a new design. For the trees in the new penjing, I chose some Douglas Fir saplings I’ve been growing for the past few months.

    I’ve always wanted to create a little village scene, like those seen in model train landscapes. I decided to leave plenty of room to place miniatures, allowing me to create a small village on the edge of a forest. Since I had two planters to fill, I connected them with a bridge, imagining the empty space between them as a river. To emphasize this even more, I added a small boat that can be seen sailing under the bridge.

    Going forward, I plan to add more figurines, especially people. I’d also like to include paths and walkways throughout the village. I already added a few animals for the town, including cows, llamas, wild horses, and a fox hiding out in the woods.

    This winter, I plan to remove all the miniatures and cover the pots with Douglas Fir bark to protect them from the elements, giving me the opportunity to redesign the village next year. With the lessons I’ve learned over the past year, I hope to keep this two-planter design around for quite some time!