Alaska

[ohiogrown]

I’m going to Alaska in a couple weeks and was wondering if there is any kind of bonsai scene there? Also is there any type of yamadori native to the region I could look for?

 

[Paradox]

I don't know what the bonsai scene in Alaska is.

If you are thinking of trying to collect, besides local regulations/permits, you might want to look to see if there are restrictions on bringing plant material into the lower 48.

If you are driving, you can't bring plants through Canada.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

You can mail plants via USPS, or FedEx or UPS, better than carry on the plane. Pack well, so when you shake the box you hear no shifting. If stuff moves, open box and repack.

Google Anchorage Bonsai Society. It was active when I visited in 1998, but I lost contact with people I knew. Contact the club, most likely they will be very helpful.

Remember, fresh haddock and salmon will be cheaper than hamburger, as it is locally sourced. Enjoy your time. I was there in late February, and it was great.

 

[Rambles]

Swamp Spruce.

 

[Bonsai Mike]

I don't know what the bonsai scene in Alaska is.

If you are thinking of trying to collect, besides local regulations/permits, you might want to look to see if there are restrictions on bringing plant material into the lower 48.

If you are driving, you can't bring plants through Canada.

Always wondered about this. Been looking for some Ohio collecting areas. My conclusion was that public land ODNR does not permit collecting plant material and private land we need permission.

I would check their DNR website. Another idea would be to find out what plants they consider invasive. No one will be mad if you are pulling invasives right???

 

[Rambles]

Always wondered about this. Been looking for some Ohio collecting areas. My conclusion was that public land ODNR does not permit collecting plant material and private land we need permission.

I would check their DNR website. Another idea would be to find out what plants they consider invasive. No one will be mad if you are pulling invasives right???

OK, first off, this link has the phone numbers you need. https://www.uaf.edu/files/olli/08transplantingtreesandseedlings.pdf

This can also get a little more confusing because of how the contracts between the state and various tribal entities are framed up. When in doubt, don't, as the saying goes. Private land should be ok, but be sure you can prove provenance, whether you are leaving with it by plane or boat, or shipping it. Law enforcement of tourists taking natural resources is spotty at best, but if you get singled out, make sure there are no doubts else someone WILL try to make an example of you.

Driving with them through Canada is a solid "no."

Now if this were an animal product: Every hunter and fisherman in AK is a self-styled deputy of Fish&Game, because F&G are kinda feared up there and nobody wants to get caught out as you are assumed guilty until proven guilty. Plant products have come under more scrutiny in recent years because of poachers harvesting things en masse from Native lands.

As for what you can find in Alaska varies hugely by area, with more variety in South East, tapering through south central and dropping significantly as you get north of Fairbanks. Swamp Spruce is kinda the filler tree everywhere. Clumps pop up if you forget to mow.


All that said. This is early winter in Alaska. In the Anchorage area, the ground is already frozen by Halloween and there is usually a foot of snow on the ground.

 

[ohiogrown]

Just a few photos. They have some beer called “spruce tip ale”. Some of the best ale I’ve ever drank. I’m in Haines it’s beautiful. I saw some wonderful wild trees that would make top notch bonsai. Unfortunately the photos don’t do any justice.

 

[ohiogrown]

Few more

 

[Tidal Bonsai]

Just a few photos. They have some beer called “spruce tip ale”. Some of the best ale I’ve ever drank. I’m in Haines it’s beautiful. I saw some wonderful wild trees that would make top notch bonsai. Unfortunately the photos don’t do any justice.

Spruce tip beer sounds like craft beer BS, but it's actually really great!

 

[ohiogrown]

Spruce tip beer soundings like craft beer BS, but it's actually really great!

Yeah it may be but it tastes good!

 

[sorce]

I would never come back!

Sorce

 

[ohiogrown]

I would never come back!

Sorce

I’ve been debating it! Lol

 

[Rambles]

Wow, not completely socked in yet for the season? I guess I shouldn't be surprised and SE is usually milder, but I expected it would have been colder at this point. Glad you were able to enjoy the autumn scenery!

 

[ohiogrown]

Wow, not completely socked in yet for the season? I guess I shouldn't be surprised and SE is usually milder, but I expected it would have been colder at this point. Glad you were able to enjoy the autumn scenery!

It’s been pretty good so far. Like 20 to 40 degrees. It snowed today for the first time. It’s been fun.

 

[ohiogrown]

It’s crazy how a simple hike can change ur vision of bonsai. Today was great! Here are a few photos I took of trees that really inspired me.

 

[M. Frary]

I’m going to Alaska in a couple weeks and was wondering if there is any kind of bonsai scene there? Also is there any type of yamadori native to the region I could look for?

I watch all of those Alaska shows on T.V.
It looks like South East is chocked full of spruce in the muskeg swamps. I see great trees all of the time on those shows.

 

[ohiogrown]

I watch all of those Alaska shows on T.V.
It looks like South East is chocked full of spruce in the muskeg swamps. I see great trees all of the time on those shows.

I saw so many I would have love to have!

 

[Cadillactaste]

Beautiful countryside and trees...thanks for sharing.