What to bring to a workshop

Tags

Adam Lavigne, adamaskwhy, Bonsai, ficus, NVBS, styling, workshop

What kind of trees do you bring to a workshop? I struggle with this frequently and usually opt not to stay for the “BYOT” (bring your own tree) portions of the local bonsai club meetings. 

My trees fall into three broad categories. 

1. Many (MANY!) are not ready for styling. Most of these just need water and fertilizer to get big and strong. When they do need a little something done… well, I don’t need help from club members to repot, or make an occasional big cut on material I am developing for future work.  
2. For most of the trees that are in development, I have a clear idea of what I am working toward. These don’t seem right to take to a work session or workshop either. (I love to work on my trees in my own back yard!)
3. Very few trees are ready for developing or in a new phase of development that really throws me.  These trees — the ones I’m not really sure what to do with — are the ones I want to take to a workshop. 

When I got a last minute opportunity to attend a workshop with Adam Lavigne this week, I was very excited to realize I had a few trees in that last category. 

This Ficus Microcarpa (above) had lost any hint of a tree structure, and I wasn’t sure how to get it there. 

I was in a similar quandary for this Elaeagnus Umbellata (above), as well as a twisty, multitrunk azalea. Apparently I had never photographed this one, so here is the azalea (below) after its styling. 

When I first found this tree — quite literally in someone’s trash pile — it had maybe nine trunks. To finally have an idea of where it is going is a great feeling. 

The ficus has a new future in a banyan style with a new front, and the Elaeagnus has a new angle and a structure I can finally work with. 

Adam, thanks for all your help! It was a pleasure to spend the day with you and a small group of others from Northern Virginia Bonsai Society. 

Jack, thanks so much for hosting!

Readers, if you haven’t read Adam’s blog, I recommend it. Check him out at adamaskwhy as well as on Facebook and Instagram.