Why Bonsai

[ShadyStump]

And a bit closer...

This is WHY BONSAI.

Also part of why piñions are my favorite tree.
One tiny seed found it's way into a tiny hole in a 30 ft/10m sandstone cliff wall, and with a bit of luck will in some years become something we would all envy in our pots.

Not the first time I've come across something so amazing and fascinating, but this time I had a camera and some people to share with.

Share your similar, "Why Bonsai," discoveries if you'd like.

 

[leatherback]

One tiny seed found it's way into a tiny hole in a 30 ft/10m sandstone cliff wall,

Oh, I thought you found this on the mars rover images!

 

[ShadyStump]

There are places around here that could easily be mistaken for it!

No, this is a park a few miles north of town. Just hiking trails and the like, but it and the surrounding area are famous in geological circles for the red rock formations and unusual mixing of granite and quartzite in the sandstone. There are spots where the rocks and soil are such a deep red it's almost blood colored.

 

[leatherback]

Share your similar, "Why Bonsai," discoveries if you'd like.

Not as impressive. Mexico a few years back in the most impressive canyon system I have seen so far:

 

[bonsaiwood]

For years I travelled up and down Highway 101 between Sonoma and Marin Counties in N. Cali. When I was maybe 6, I remember looking out my Dad's car window and seeing what looked like giant bonsai trees on the hillsides near the County line. Large, leaning, twisty Valley Oaks with heavy limbs often touching the ground as they appeared to be posing for postcard shots. To this day they still stand, undisturbed. I believe they are on private property.





This is my WHY BONSAI.

 

[vp999]

For years I travelled up and down Highway 101 between Sonoma and Marin Counties in N. Cali. When I was maybe 6, I remember looking out my Dad's car window and seeing what looked like giant bonsai trees on the hillsides near the County line. Large, leaning, twisty Valley Oaks with heavy limbs often touching the ground as they appeared to be posing for postcard shots. To this day they still stand, undisturbed. I believe they are on private property.

View attachment 553398

View attachment 553399

This is my WHY BONSAI.

I used to live in Novato as a kid and I think I've seen these trees...I always thought they were cool.

 

[bonsaiwood]

I used to live in Novato as a kid and I think I've seen these trees...I always thought they were cool.

You were fortunate to live so close to them.
First photo from the Korean Church side looking east and adjacent to 101. Olompali State Park nearby also has some beautiful Oaks to admire. It has been many years since I last visited.

 

[Paradox]

Why not?

I'm not totally understanding the question.
Are you asking for pictures of trees that give us inspiration on why we do bonsai?

 

[Desert O'Piñon]

Horticulture is in my DNA. It is familial, and a part of who I am. My earliest memories are of riding with my grandfather and my uncle on the tractor or combine on the family farm. In the prairies and pastures were occasional solitary trees scattered among the grasslands. I have always been struck by how noble, strong and majestic they are. And then one day.
I saw my first bonsai. Now, so many years later, I find myself studying, watching videos, trying to find experienced artists to guide me. I don't have a photo to share, but I have many failures to teach me what not to do. I have a passion to learn, and a desire to STOP KILLING TREES!
The main thing I lack is a local community of curators of the living art of patience.

 

[Paradox]

If this is a why do you do bonsai question.
For me it didn't come from seeing trees in nature.

It started with a little movie called the Karate Kid that led to me buying a book or two about bonsai.

 

[Cajunrider]

Growing up I love to spend time in forests and jungles to the dismay of my parents due to the then on going VietNam war. I spent a lifetime of planting trees with the desire to create forest anywhere I live.

Now that I am old, bonsai is the only way for me to have a thousand trees in a back yard!

 

[ShadyStump]

Why not?

I'm not totally understanding the question.
Are you asking for pictures of trees that give us inspiration on why we do bonsai?

Yes?

 

[Mike Corazzi]

For years I travelled up and down Highway 101 between Sonoma and Marin Counties in N. Cali. When I was maybe 6, I remember looking out my Dad's car window and seeing what looked like giant bonsai trees on the hillsides near the County line. Large, leaning, twisty Valley Oaks with heavy limbs often touching the ground as they appeared to be posing for postcard shots. To this day they still stand, undisturbed. I believe they are on private property.

View attachment 553398

View attachment 553399

This is my WHY BONSAI.