William N. Valavanis
Chumono
A few months ago while picking up some ProMix at a feed store I looked around in their nursery yard. I noticed a couple of interesting new hydrangeas which I've never seen before. I was not looking for anything in particular, just looking and my eye was caught by the shape of the hydrangeas. Note I was looking at shapes, not species. Two specimens had beautiful natural untouched shapes and I purchased the most interesting plant.
The new plant, Great Star Panicle Hydrangea, Hydrangea paniculata 'Le Vasterival', was growing in a two gallon can and I took it home and potted it in an expensive Japanese Tokoname ware Japanese container from the Reiho Kiln. Over 25 years ago I had three special containers custom made in special colors for some trees. Those bonsai are now too large and the container is broken, but repaired.
Only a couple of branches were pruned and a couple pulled down with guy wires. This plant continues to dry out quite quickly and it now sits in a shallow basin of water, thus the name "Hydrangea."
I've been watching and studying this plant waiting for the delicate white flowers. Some did not understand this bonsai or the subtle beauty, but I liked it and wanted to share it with visitors today.
Enjoy the summer display in my studio tokonoma alcove.
The new plant, Great Star Panicle Hydrangea, Hydrangea paniculata 'Le Vasterival', was growing in a two gallon can and I took it home and potted it in an expensive Japanese Tokoname ware Japanese container from the Reiho Kiln. Over 25 years ago I had three special containers custom made in special colors for some trees. Those bonsai are now too large and the container is broken, but repaired.
Only a couple of branches were pruned and a couple pulled down with guy wires. This plant continues to dry out quite quickly and it now sits in a shallow basin of water, thus the name "Hydrangea."
I've been watching and studying this plant waiting for the delicate white flowers. Some did not understand this bonsai or the subtle beauty, but I liked it and wanted to share it with visitors today.
Enjoy the summer display in my studio tokonoma alcove.
