SandevBonsai

Everything is ready...let's see what's coming

2012-02-01T22:55:00.002+01:00

There are some catastrophic weather forecasts that say that we should expect polar temperatures of -20, or even -26 for this weekend and next week...

My sensitive trees are in my closed garden teahouse. I have 4 termometers, two outside in the garden, and two in the teahouse...now winter shelter. The temperature in the tea house does not drop below -2 or -3 C. But that was up to now, when outside temperature was not below -8 or -10. If I turn the heating on, the temperature in winter shelter is between 0 and +3C. But, in more severe weather, I should probably turn the heating on more often. We will see in the next few days.

I use simple and cheap bathroom heater, it is set on a middle temperature and middle speed of hot air..

Some of my termometers showing -1 to -2C

I also drill and do some shaping in my winter shelter during long winter days...so it is dirty

If you sit in a heated room close to the window that doesn't close tightly, you will feel cold wind blowing in, also the room will be hard to keep warm. This is specialy obvious when outside temperature is very low...very cold. So, try to close every hole, every gap on your winter shelter...it will be much easier to keep the temperature on a desired level and it will be less energy (electricity) needed to rise the temperature...very convenient way to quickly close gaps and holes is duct tape...easy on easy off, close tightly, goes off without any markings...just a perfect solution...I have taped and closed all joints between my tea house and winter windows...much better now.
Now, I can keep my sensitive deciduous trees away from freezing temperatures...the outside temperature cannot be so low that I couldn't be able to keep the trees safe around 0C.

Dead or alive...

2012-01-30T15:11:00.001+01:00

Well...more dead than alive...
Autumn 2009. Somewhere on the mountain. Code name of the location...Catastrophe. Me trying to carry Metuselah mugo from the mountain...I rather don't remember that time, but, just recently I stumbled upon this photo on my friend Goran Chajko's blog.
The name of this photo could be...desperation.

Of course, I couldn't carry it alone, Chajko had to carry it with me.

Kevin Willson's drawings of my big mughos

2012-01-28T16:17:00.000+01:00

Here are two drawings that Kevin Willson did while he was in my garden in september 2011. He was fascinated by this two old mughos, unfortunately, they were still not fit to take a drilling and shaping session, otherwise, we would do that. So, after first few photos of Kevin drawing, you can see Kevin's vision of those two pines...together with that I will put a link to posts where you can see more detailed photos of those two mughos...

Pinus mugho "Constrictor" by Kevin Willson

For more photos after collecting and potting the tree see here: http://sandevbonsai.blogspot.com/2009/09/mugo-constrictor.html

http://sandevbonsai.blogspot.com/2010/05/my-top-of-line-last-year-pinuses-are.html

Pinus mugho "Metuselah" by Kevin Willson

For more photos of "Metuselah" see here:

http://yamadoriarea.blogspot.com/2009/10/mugo-metuselah.html

http://yamadoriarea.blogspot.com/2009/10/metuselah-potted.html

Thanks Kevin for a fantastic artwork.

Carpinus The Champ - first photos - potted

2012-01-24T12:48:00.000+01:00

Little Champion potted and prunned. Unfortunately, fantastic nebari is now under the soil surface...but, it is safer this way. Now, I like the tree even more. Excuisite little grotesque, like trees from the Snowhite's magical and scary forest. This tree has NO scars on the trunk, no big branches to cut directly on the trunk, and still fat and powerful with old bark. There was no big root to cut under the root ball, just finger sized roots and plenty of tiny roots...great and ramified root system. The soil on my new location is even better than on that previous one. I think that, with time, I like more and more grotesque shapes, something like fantasy tree creatures. That concept attracts me more and more. There is more crazy stuff at my new collecting location, so I cannot wait to get there again.

Old and cracked bark. I like that.

Second one this year

2012-01-22T17:12:00.000+01:00

Second orientalis from yesterday's collection. Not a bad one also, but not as good as previous one.."The Champ". http://sandevbonsai.blogspot.com/2012/01/video-sandevbonsai-yamadori-series.html

As far as I can see, seems that smaller trees are in fashion. I am beginning to like smaller stuff. Yesterday, as we were searching the collection sites, everything I noticed were smaller trees, so my eyes obviously search and see what my heart wants...

And it's a kind of relief...much easier to dig and especially to carry to the car. Simple to fix in the pot also. A like this small trees very much.

Of course, this doesn't mean that I won't collect something gigantic if it gets in the way. Anyway, the collecting season has just started...

Powerful trunk...tons of branches...a sort of grotesque look. Like it very much :)

Many of these branches must be further shortened and cut back, some of them removed completely, but not now, there will be time for that...

Comparing to my fat face...the tree is still fat and powerful

Probable future back side...

VIDEO: SandevBonsai Yamadori series - The Champ/collecting

2012-01-22T08:33:00.000+01:00

VIDEO: SandevBonsai - Winter storage for bonsai trees...cold winter shelter

2011-12-19T20:29:00.000+01:00

VIDEO: Kevin Willson Demo - Pinus mugho literati

2011-10-03T22:19:00.000+02:00

VIDEO: Kevin Willson - Demo - Fat olive

2011-09-29T09:04:00.000+02:00

VIDEO: Kevin Willson - Demo - Picea abies Part I

2011-09-28T08:57:00.001+02:00

Kevin Willson is working on a yamadori spruce, a very difficult material. His technics and a feeling for design are just fantastic...and the result, the difference from start material and almost finished tree is unbelivable. When I was planing the workshop, I was thinking...let's see what will he do if I give him this terrible tree. And at the end...we all were just stunt with the result. The man is a genius. And, remember the film when Picasso is painting a bull on a piece of glass and the camera is from the other side, so you can see every stroke with a brush...I've had the same feeling while Kevin was doing a deadwood. In a few strokes with Makita, the straight and uninteresting parts just start to move. It is dinamic and misterious...simply fantastic. He is a virtuoso with Makita!

Just see the videos:

VIDEO: Kevin Willson - Demo - Picea abies Part II

2011-09-28T08:56:00.000+02:00

Shohin Maffia

2011-09-27T21:18:00.000+02:00

Kevin Willson and guys from Shohin Maffia in my garden.

This weekend was special because of Kevin Willson's demo and workshop, but also, because I've had a great opportunity to meet and spend some time with our friends from Hungary, the guys from Shohin Maffia http://shohinmaffia.blogspot.com/.

These people are just amazing. Very nice, very friendly, they have spent the whole weekend with us watching Kevin's work on bonsai with great interest. I am very happy that I was just so lucky to meet these guys...so, thank you shohinmaffia for all your effort travelling so far to my garden. Now, I have new friends in Hungary that I'm proud of.

Thank you Balint and all of you people for wonderful bonsai pots that you make. These are very beautiful and very special.

Kevin Willson

2011-09-26T21:41:00.002+02:00

Last weekend, we've had a special guest in our garden. Kevin Willson was here. What to say about the man everybody already knows...he is one of the most popular bonsai artists in the world today, a brilliant bonsai designer and technician, a true artist and nature lover, a free spirit, great personality, drawer, gardener...

To say the truth, I didn't expect such a package of different but in the same time compatible qualities.

We were laughing to tears, he knows to be so funny. We have learned so much about bonsai and especialy designing and making deadwood. His work with deadwood is second to none. A brilliant technician and teacher. Our whole group was amazed how many fantastic things and tricks we've learned in this few hours of his demo and workshop.

I have about 10 Gbytes of photos and videos with Kevin. I need some time to edit all this material.

First of all, you will see an incredible demonstration work on a Picea abies.

After that, I will post all videos one by one, as I manage to edit them. Probably every day or two I will do one. Till the end of week, everything will be here. Just for a start, a few photos of Kevin while he was drawing some of my trees. First video of Kevins demo...tomorrow.

Thank you Kevin Willson for everything. You didn't leave a trace on the trees only... you've carved our hearts with the most powerful tool of all...your free spirit.

From Croatia to you...we send our love and deepest respect.

Thank you

Google Maps...Kevin Willson workshop place

2011-09-16T21:42:00.000+02:00

Click on the link to find Kevin Willson workshop in Bistra in Google Map

<http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=45.888858,15.863335&spn=0.006631,0.015213&t=h&z=16&vpsrc=6&msa=0&msid=212217307126104689674.0004acffee26c7c203e07>

Randy Knight and his beautiful wife with Walter Pall in my garden

2011-09-08T10:00:00.000+02:00

We've had a nice evening in Zagreb. First photo is taken in front of St Marco's church in the old upper town of Zagreb.

In my garden...

VIDEO: Randy Knight - About BonsaiAutumn 2011, travelling Europe, friends

2011-09-06T06:54:00.000+02:00

Kevin Willson Bistra 2011

2011-09-03T21:18:00.001+02:00

For everybody who is coming to meet and work with Kevin Willson, the adress is:

Novaki Bistranski
Selska 43
10 298 Donja Bistra

We will be starting the saturday's demo and sunday's workshop at 10.00h.

Thank you!

See you soon.

Kevin Willson - Bistra, Zagreb - SECOND CALL ! ! !

2011-08-16T21:28:00.000+02:00

Everything is here, click on the link:

http://sandevbonsai.blogspot.com/2011/06/kevin-willson-zagreb-bistra-24-25092011.html

And now something completely different...VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE VINE) BONSAI

2011-08-14T14:00:00.001+02:00

This is something completely new and different to me...not that I haven't seen grape vine bonsai before, but to have one....that's just amazing. I adore the plant, this is one fantastic tree. I am so happy that it found the way to my garden :)

Just look at this bark...click on the second photo to enlarge it...just fantastic...

Carpinus orientalis - summer photos

2011-08-14T13:53:00.000+02:00

This is one carpinus that is very "treelike" already. I like it. Next year in spring bonsai pot...+ wiring.

Hedera helix - Foliage canopy...foliage to pot ratio

2011-08-14T13:48:00.000+02:00

These photos show clearly a crown width...a foliage to pot canopy of my Hedera bonsai. It is interesting to see it from this perspective.

VIDEO: Hedera helix - Ivy, Cleaning roots, removing the moss

2011-08-14T00:38:00.000+02:00

Carpinus orientalis Octopus...2011 update

2011-08-10T16:40:00.001+02:00

One stage further...next year this orientalis will already be a killer tree. I am happy.

Whole story here:

http://sandevbonsai.blogspot.com/2009/01/carpinus-orientalis-yamadori-collecting.html

and here:

http://sandevbonsai.blogspot.com/2010/03/4th-south-east-european-bonsai.html

and here:

http://sandevbonsai.blogspot.com/2010/04/after-workshop.html

and here...VIDEO:

http://sandevbonsai.blogspot.com/2011/04/video-sandevbonsai-octopus-carpinus.html

TODAY

Fat prunus mahaleb...2011 update

2011-08-10T08:22:00.000+02:00

Fat prunus mahaleb...beginning to look like a tree. Further corrections of deadwood needed. I'm looking forward to see the tree in spring with little white frowers

Find the story of mahaleb here:

http://sandevbonsai.blogspot.com/2008/09/prunus-mahaleb.html

and here:

http://sandevbonsai.blogspot.com/2008/09/prunus-mahaleb-danas.html

and here:

http://sandevbonsai.blogspot.com/2010/05/more-drilling-for-prunus-mahaleb.html

and here:

http://sandevbonsai.blogspot.com/2010/06/fat-prunus-first-wireing.html

New Hedera project

2011-08-09T15:02:00.000+02:00

I believe, many of you know my old Hedera bonsai...let's name it Hedera 1. That tree was very successful to me and I love it very much. And of course, that triggered an idea to start a new one all over again. A few years ago, I saw a huge hedera tree growing on and over a big stone at the graveyard...it was leaning to the stone and embracing the rock with his almost humalny rough branches..."hands". And the idea was there :)

As far so good. I have found a nice Hedera plant, already 2-3 cm in diameter on the base, and I have tied it to this rock. That happened 5 years ago. For all this 5 years the tree was forgotten in the corner of the garden...almost never watered and only rarely fed. For five years the tree was not repotted. And I remembered it today. I am only sorry that I didn't take a photo of neglected and overgrown pot with lot of weed growing in it.

I have cleaned the pot, removed fat wires that were holding the trunk of the tree closely to the rock for 5 years, and I did the first ever wiring.

I am very happy with the result, and I can see, even now, that this will be in another five years one more nice and very interesting Ivy.

Now, I will dedicate myself to crown construction and the tree will be repotted next spring. Here on this set of photos the tree is defoliated for easier wiring.

After leaf cutting before wire...

Possible front...

Further left view...

Nebari, still full of moss...needs to be cleaned further...

Wiring done...

Wiring done completely...

Croatian Television HRT in my garden

2011-08-04T17:13:00.001+02:00

Two days ago, Croatian Television crew came to my garden to make an interview and a small 5 minute reportage about bonsai. The filming is not very well, too many close ups with no view of whole tree...but, it's ok. That is already very good for a crew who doesn't know what bonsai is and how to take a photo of one. I speak in Croatian, of course, sorry.
Here is how it came out:

http://djh.hrt.hr/propustili-ste-pogledajte/3555-bonsai

VIDEO: Kevin Willson - Olive

2011-08-03T10:10:00.000+02:00

Kevin Willson, Zagreb - Bistra 24.-25.09.2011.

2011-06-29T13:12:00.000+02:00

Previous first notice post: http://sandevbonsai.blogspot.com/2010/12/kevin-willson-demo-workshop.html

Ok, now it is time to start preparing the workshop.
There are still a few places free for the workshop, so please, let me know AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you want to participate.
The workshop will be dedicated specialy to drilling technics and you will be able to see, try and learn drilling technics from one of the best and most renown bonsai artists in the world, a specialist for deadwood and shari.
You will be able to ask questions and Kevin will show you technic and help you to finish your tree.
We plan a hard working weekend, but not without fun and hanging out together, good food and good drinking :)
Recomendations for accomodation: MOTEL GEC http://www.booking.com/hotel/hr/pansion-gec.en-gb.html?aid=333370;label=pansion-gec-J925ef2rlKd3C_h9IjowkQS5027505330;sid=cc769d94b0ce00bd668249d63edd91c0;dva=0
is close to place of workshop and demo. It is moderately priced and very clean.

Admission fees:

Workshop participants: 50 euro per person (workshop fee includes watching Kevin's demo first day, so this is a two day participation fee)
Spectators and participation in discussion:
saturday Kevin's demo: 20 euro
sunday workshop with Kevin Willson: 20 euro
If you pay as a spectator for saturday and sunday, the admission fee for both days will be 30 euro.

You have to bring your own tools including power tools and drilling bits.
You need to bring your own wire.

All aditional informations, please do not hesitate to ask: sandevbonsai@gmail.com

No need to pay in advance, payments can be done before workshop or demo starts.
In case of withdraw and cancelation of you participation in the event, PLEASE, let me know so somebody can get your place instead of you ...thank you for your cooperation :)

REGISTRATION CLOSING TIME: Septemeber the 1st, 2011.

REGISTRATION: sandevbonsai@gmail.com ...please write in title subject..Kevin Willson registration
I will post this text for few times on my blog and forums in the next two months...just to remind you guys
Hope to see you all soon

Sebastijan

Garden late spring 2011 - Tea House

2011-06-12T12:52:00.001+02:00

Finally, Tea House is finished.

A few glimpses of my garden...now with a tea house :)

First photo...tea house spot without a tea house...rear fence without a wooden part. Start of a construction.

Two weeks later...today...

Hedera is coming in leaf...

garden still not finished...neverending story...

Ancient beech tree

2011-06-06T21:53:00.000+02:00

Secret location and our fairy tree...we love this ancient beech. To go and visit her is like a pilgrimage.

VIDEO: SandevBonsai - Technics: Defoliation - Hedera

2011-05-29T23:30:00.001+02:00

New watering tools

2011-05-24T14:59:00.000+02:00

These japanese products are of great help in regular watering and feeding of trees in small containers. Both, watering can and nosepiece provide an extra fine spray that doesn't take of the surface soil from bonsai pots. I also spend less fertilizer when fertilizing trees with liquid fertilizer. Their performance is second to none. I am very satisfied. Five stars out of five. Just great :)

Big Or...after strong cut back and few basic cuts this spring

2011-05-22T11:13:00.000+02:00

After second year hard cutting of my Big Orientalis...with strong feeding regime, the tree recovers extremely well...

Collection of Big Or: http://yamadoriarea.blogspot.com/2010/01/carpinus-orientalis-20102.html

Early spring 2011 after hard cut back...also see here: http://sandevbonsai.blogspot.com/2011/04/video-sandevbonsai-carpinus-orientalis.html

End of May, 2011.

Four weeks heavy feeding regime...result

2011-05-22T10:55:00.000+02:00

After four weeks of heavy feeding, results are visible on my Hedera...the tree bursts with energy

VIDEO: Mauro Stermberger spring bonsai meeting in Feltre 2011 - first styling Pinus mugho - with Croatian Team

2011-05-06T07:47:00.000+02:00

2011-05-05T11:14:00.002+02:00

Spring meeting in Feltre with Mauro Stemberger - FOTO

2011-05-02T22:07:00.001+02:00

It was great to see Mauro's fantastic collection of masterpieces, to be in Mauro's "Bed & Breakfast" facility which has beautiful conditions to work with trees, and, of course, it was great to have opportunity to learn from such a great and virtuous bonsai creator. Mauro's collection of yamadori raw material is unbelivable.
Thanks once again Mauro, my friend. See you in a few months in Zagreb.
Enjoy the pictures:
CLICK ON THE PHOTOS TO MAKE THEM LAAAARGER....

Croatian Team with Mauro Stemberger in Feltre IT

2011-05-01T23:33:00.000+02:00

Croatian Team in Feltre, Italy.

Weekend with Mauro Stemberger.

Detailed report with lot of photos and videos, tomorrow.

Thanks Mauro, thanks Ilaria...Mojitos were greeeeaaatttt!!!

Fagus "The Queen"...monster in spring outfit

2011-04-29T09:06:00.001+02:00

First photo 2009 by Mario.

The tree was collected in 2009. Long branches were left on the tree because there were only buds at the ends of the branches...and it is known that fagus has to have at least one active last years bud on a branch in order that branch survive. So, deeper and deeper prunning was performed during a period...from 2009 to 2011

Spring 2011. Finaly, the needed reach of deep prunning is achieved. Only now I can start to build the crown. And here we go... I will take at least another 5 years for the tree to become presentable, but then...beware of this Queen of spring in freshly green spring dress.

Nebari...40-50cm.

New buds developing very well...

Face for scale

Rain...in leaf

Still raining

Temporary box will stay for another 2 years. It would be of no good to upset the roots in this fase of recreating the crown; the tree needs much energy to produce such a profuse growth...and, there is no better way than to leave the tree in its present pot for a few years.

Hedera, my forest friend in his spring wakening

2011-04-26T14:06:00.000+02:00

My Hedera in spring awakening...this tree is very dear to me. It is one of my first trees and it endured all of my beginners mistakes. We are together for 17 years now, and we have gone through numerous wireings, repottings, feedings and prunnings.

One day in early spring 1994 I was walking in the forest near my mothers house. I saw that young hedera plant growing proudly upright near a forest path, just in a treelike shape. First half close to the ground was already woody and the bark was fissured and nicely white coloured. That attracted my attention and I collected it without any tools, just pulled it from the ground. Well, there were some roots together with a little tree thanks to the loose surface peat and leaf mould on the forest floor. And, from then on, our life together begins. I planted a young plant on a rock and into a little plastic container. The plant was growing rather well and fast and it shortly outgrew container and the small rock also. Then, some three years later, I planted it on another rock, tied it well, and the tree continued to grow very rapidly. Of course, that second rock became too small once again, but there was too late to remove it because the roots grasped the stone firmly and there was a danger to destroy and brake the roots and trunk. So, my little forest friend stayed with the rock and with me from then on...for a long 17 years. When I roughly uprooted it almost 20 years ago, I had no idea that we will be inseparable for such a long time. He was 5 milimeters thick and 15 cm high when I found it, like a tip of his branch on this todays photo, and now...well look at him now!

He is everything my spirit is in bonsai...he is my bonsai life.

New pot for a big tree

2011-04-07T09:44:00.000+02:00

Remember this tree: http://sandevbonsai.blogspot.com/2009/02/carpinus-orientalis-yamadori-iii-iv.html

After two years of undisrupted growth, the time has come to repot this tree. This is one of my first carpinus orientalis trees, so I was still afraid if the tree will take root after collecting, how much root can I take off in the proces of collecting and so on...

Fortunately, the tree grew very strongly...as 99% of carp.orient. do after transplanting from nature.

The tree has a big and heavy rock between surface roots...not only surface roots but even more, the rock is enclosed in lower part of the trunk...that makes it impossible to remove even if I will want to do something like that. Which, of course, I won't. That makes it natural ishitsuki or root-over-rock tree.

The pot in which the tree was planted is a pinnacle of bonsai aesthetics but, that was the only one that I had and in which was possible to fit the tree.

Look at this fantaaaastiiic pot :)

It even has a little flowers on the side...

VIDEO: SandevBonsai - Carpinus orientalis Big Or, second year basic cutting

2011-04-07T07:34:00.001+02:00

Remember this tree: http://yamadoriarea.blogspot.com/2010/01/carpinus-orientalis-20102.html

At the beginning of it's second year of growth in a temporary wooden container, I had to repeat few basic cuts on the tree. Especially, lowest two branches on the ground. These short stumps will further be drilled and shaped in the future. All wounds will be drilled and shaped with makita next year.

VIDEO: SandevBonsai - "Octopus" carpinus orientalis... first potting

2011-04-03T19:12:00.000+02:00

Here is the video of first potting of big carpinus orientalis with nick name "octopus". That was one heavy tree.
Enjoy

Monster "Octopus" carpinus repotted in a bonsai pot

2011-04-02T21:45:00.000+02:00

Remember this tree: http://sandevbonsai.blogspot.com/2010/04/after-workshop.html

The time has come to repot the beast. We call this tree "Octopus" orientalis...it reminds us on that creature. Tomorrow I will show a complete video of this tree repotted in its first bonsai pot. Because the tree in this plastic pot is so heavy (cca 40kg), we used a power puller, a pulley to lift the tree from its pot and to put it in a new one. Check the blog tomorrow for the video :)

Off to United States

2011-03-09T20:32:00.000+01:00

As I will be in the United States for two weeks, there won't be new posts for that time.
For all that time, I will be accessible via my e-mail sandevbonsai@gmail.com.
BUT, there is a huge amount of work to be done when I return. Temeperature will be higher and most of the very cold weather will be over. That means...repotting season starts very seriously :) (...finaly)
I intend to show you repoting from temporary containers of very large trees. Some special technics will be shown also...for example, how to lift extra heavy trees and not to kill yourself.
I intend to make videos of that repotting sessions. There will be also a few shaping and wireing videos.
So, see you again hopefully in a two weeks time with a lot more stuff to do.
And... spring will be already at our dorstep 'till then :)

VIDEO: SandevBonsai Yamadori video series - Tools for collecting

2011-03-02T12:02:00.000+01:00

VIDEO: SandevBonsai - Potting of raw material by Goran Chajko - Big carpinus or...

2011-02-22T16:07:00.003+01:00

Ostrya carpinifolia haircut & wire

2011-02-16T17:03:00.000+01:00

I think this one is coming nicely...finally. It took a hundred years to develop at least some decent basic branch structure. But now, I see a microscopic signs of satisfaction in my heart. We'll see what the future will bring...

VIDEO: SandevBonsai Yamadori series 2 - collecting from the wild, rocky terrain I...

2011-02-12T20:07:00.002+01:00

Monster Carpinus

2011-02-12T12:16:00.000+01:00

My friend Mario with a new catch...a monstrous carpinus orientalis.

This was not so easy to collect.

VIDEO of this collection episode and some more...soon in YamadoriArea.

Carpinus orientalis progressions 2010/2011 II

2011-02-10T10:44:00.001+01:00

Carpinus orientalis progression series 2010/2011

1) "Miracle", drilling wounds, first wire, first sketch
- photo 2010 by Mario, thank you

2011 winter

Carpinus orientalis - progressions 2010/2011 I

2011-02-10T09:42:00.001+01:00

Carpinus orientalis progression series - 2010/2011

First styling, drilling wounds, first wire...

1) Killer nebari (these are nicknames for trees...it is easier to recognize it when you want to talk about each tree)
-first photo (2010) by Mario, thank you

2) King
- first photo (2010) by Mario, thank you

3) Porky
- first photo (2010) by Me, thank you Sebastijan :)

FS
Next uptades of these trees in three months...after new leaves appear.

VIDEO: SandevBonsai Yamadori series 1 - collecting on rocky terrain.wmv

2011-02-06T16:46:00.005+01:00

As I am often asked by e-mail about various aspects of collecting yamadori, especially relating to species that we usually collect...like Carpinus orientalis or Pinus mugho, I decided that I will make a video series that will show some basic examples of collecting those species in native habitat. To some people that are already familiar with collecting in similar terrains this will be of no use. But, I am sure that at least some people will find this informative. Besides just collecting yamadori, I've tried to make these videos interesting and, sometimes...even funny. You will forgive me the funny and foolish part...after all, this is only my spare time and I am trying to spend it in a good mood with my friends... More videos will be recorded as we will go on yamadori hunting trips during the year.
Hope someone will find this useful
Thanks to my dear wife for recording everything :)

more orientalis collecting here: http://www.yamadoriarea.blogspot.com/

Review of SandevBonsai

2011-02-03T11:30:00.000+01:00

A well-meaning short introduction and review on SandevBonsai...thanks for your kind words.

http://bonsaionly.com/2011/01/10/blog-spotlight-sandevbonsai/

VIDEO: Flying to Bruxelles.wmv

2011-02-03T06:08:00.000+01:00

VIDEO: Walking The Noelanders Trophy.wmv

2011-02-02T07:12:00.000+01:00

Ramification

2011-02-01T22:43:00.002+01:00

VIDEO: Ryan Neil demo Noelanders Trophy 2011.wmv

2011-01-29T15:58:00.000+01:00

Masakuni

2011-01-25T09:47:00.000+01:00

My major catch from Noelanders...two pieces of Masakuni tools. I was really curious to know how is it to hold such a legendary piece of craft in hands.

Friends and good time together

2011-01-25T00:37:00.000+01:00

VIDEO: Ryan Neil - Impressions on Noelanders 2011.wmv

2011-01-24T18:56:00.000+01:00

VIDEO: Walter Pall - About Noelanders Trophy 2011.wmv

2011-01-24T16:27:00.000+01:00

Winner tree photo Noelanders 2011. (HIGH RESOLUTION AND SIZE - WHITE BACKGROUND!)

2011-01-24T08:47:00.001+01:00

CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO VIEW FULL SIZE

Winner tree photo of Noelanders Trophy 2011. (HIGH RESOLUTION AND SIZE)

2011-01-24T07:52:00.002+01:00

CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO VIEW FULL SIZE

VIDEO: Mauro Stemberger - About his famous "Buddha" pine.wmv

2011-01-24T07:09:00.002+01:00

VIDEO: Marc Noelanders - About Noelanders Trophy.wmv

2011-01-24T00:47:00.001+01:00

Noelanders Trophy - Trees

2011-01-23T23:37:00.000+01:00

Some day I'll fly away...

2011-01-22T23:21:00.000+01:00

In the cockpit of Croatia Airlines flight to Bruxelles...

The sky is not a lonely place...

We are sailing a sea of clouds on our way to Belgium...

My dear friend...in his secure hands...

Noelanders Trophy teaser post

2011-01-22T22:05:00.001+01:00

Hi guys, greetings from Belgium! Here is just a teaser post from Belgium's Noelander's Trophy , a few glimpses.

Many, many more photos and videos will be available during the next few days after I complete editing.

You will be able to see a complete video of Ryan Neil's demo on Noelander's Trophy, after he returned from a six years long period with master Kimura in Japan.

See you soon!

Croatia's first entrance at Noelander's trophy...Marija and Andrija's tree:

Tony Tickle

Duda with Tony Tickle

My wife with prizes at Noelander's 2011.

Noelanders Trophy weekend!

2011-01-20T21:50:00.000+01:00

Tomorrow, I am flying to Belgium to see the Noelanders Trophy. This year for the first time, Croatia will have representative at this famous exibition...Marija and Andrija have managed to enter the exibition with one very interesting tree. We'll be there to support them.
I plan to make a lot of photos and videos...so...see the report next week.

Overwintering trees - experimenting with some principles

2010-12-31T17:25:00.001+01:00

As it is widely accepted, the best way of overwintering the trees that stay outside is to put them on the ground. So, you just take them of their shelves or posts and put them down on the ground. That is the basic principle that Walter Pall thaught us a few years ago. I decided to check the raw phisics behind that overwintering technic.
I prepared two (2) identical thermometers (same type, same model, same manufacturer).
One thermometer was placed 1.80 meters from the ground at the eye sight, fixed on the doorpost. We can call it T(1).
The other thermometer was placed on the ground surface in my garden. (the ground cover is grass - now frozen)
During these days we've had a few centimeters of snow over the grass (up to 10 centimeters). The second thermometer was forced through the snow, in the upright position, until it reached the ground.
That second thermometer is T(2).
The measurements were checked at the same time in succession for a week. Sometimes twice a day, in the morning and in the evening.

Results:

T(1) -9C...T(2) -3C
T(1) -6C...T(2) -3C
T(1) -5C...T(2) -3C
T(1) -8C...T(2) -3C
T(1) -5C...T(2) -3C
T(1) -6C...T(2) -3C
T(1) -5.5C...T(2) -2.5C
T(1) -4C...T(2) -3C
T(1) -3.5C...T(2) -2C
T(1) -6C...T(2) -3.5C

It is possible to make more measurements but I believe that something can be concluded even now. Temperature is NOT the same on bonsai shelves and on the ground level.
Snow (even that thin cover) can serve as a good insulator in addition to ground level position.
Temperature rarely drops below -3C on the ground level and if it does, that changes are much slower than on bonsai shelves or posts.
So, if you have the opportunity, always put bonsai pots on the ground. If there's a snow, let it cover pots and trees. In addition, you can add more with a showel. That's a perfect way to overwinter the trees in the garden.

P.S. Happy New Year to all of you my bonsai friends.

Mauro Stemberger weekend ... 22. - 23. 10. 2011.

2010-12-17T14:23:00.005+01:00

It is a big pleasure to inform you that we will have a weekend with Mauro Stemberger on 22. - 23. 10. 2011. Zagreb, Bistra.
Mauro will perform a demo with an outstanding pinus mugho "Constrictor". Second day - workshop with Mauro Stemberger.
Everybody is welcome.
Admission fees will be announced later but on time.
Anybody interested please contact me via e-mail sandevbonsai@gmail.com

Kevin Willson - Demo & Workshop

2010-12-13T16:13:00.003+01:00

Kevin Willson - Demo and Workshop will be held in Zagreb, Bistra on 24. - 25. 09. 2011.

The Theme will be "Drilling technics". First day Kevin will perform a demo. Second day we plan to have a workshop whole day with maximum 8 participants. Anybody with an interest, please, let me know as soon as possible because, places will be occupied in a short time.
The exact timetable will be announced after New Year.

Admission fees will be announced in a few weeks time.

There will be no limitations in a number of spectators for watching demo or just watching workshop. Admission fees for watching the whole event will be announced in a few weeks time.
Anybody interested...contact me on my e-mail: sandevbonsai@gmail.com
See you !

My new Rc Car blog

2010-12-03T21:37:00.002+01:00

Rc Addiction Disorder

Remote control cars, trucks and hellicopters. The things that I love very much.

www.rcadd.blogspot.com

VIDEO: Walter Pall - Collecting from the wild - Part I

2010-11-04T08:45:00.005+01:00

VIDEO: Walter Pall - Collecting from the wild - Part II

2010-11-04T08:45:00.004+01:00

VIDEO: Walter Pall - Carpinus orientalis

2010-11-03T23:04:00.002+01:00

VIDEO: Walter Pall - About feeding bonsai - Part II

2010-11-03T23:03:00.002+01:00

VIDEO: Walter Pall - About feeding bonsai - Part I

2010-11-03T16:58:00.006+01:00

VIDEO: Walter Pall - about modern substrates used for bonsai - Part II

2010-11-03T16:58:00.005+01:00

VIDEO: Walter Pall - about modern substrates used for bonsai - Part I

2010-11-03T16:57:00.002+01:00

Mauro Stemberger demo - Pinus mugho - Part I

2010-10-26T21:11:00.001+02:00

Mauro Stemberger demo - Pinus mugho - Part II

2010-10-26T21:11:00.000+02:00

Mauro Stemberger demo - Pinus mugho - Part III

2010-10-26T21:09:00.001+02:00

Moments together

2010-10-24T18:44:00.005+02:00

Hey, what are you doing. Mario did not understand that the demo was over.

Don with an extra head. Chajko's head budded from Don's. That's because, everybody wants to be Chajko and his ideas are infectious.

Don after surgery and removal of an extra head. Looks ok.

Thank you Mauro and Ilaria

2010-10-24T18:25:00.006+02:00

Thank you Mauro. You are great. So cool :) !

So, I will remember given promises...see you next year, spring at your place and autumn in Bistra again. Can't wait to see your trees!!!

Thanks Ilaria! Big hug and a kiss to you ;) .

Mauro Stemberger Demo - Pinus mugho, day two

2010-10-24T18:12:00.005+02:00

Day two. Chajko's pinus mugho kengai!

Mr Stemberger and Kimurica examining the tree.

Happy Kimurica :)

Finished cascade

Mauro Stemberger Demo - Pinus mugho

2010-10-24T17:55:00.010+02:00

VIDEO OF THIS DEMO WILL BE POSSIBLE TO SEE ON SANDEVBONSAI CHANNEL SOON

Mugho after collecting 2008.

Mauro starts and explains the plan.

Fase 1 - cleaning and removing unnecessary.

Jins

Fire, fire everywhere

Makita touch

Raphia and wire

Nitto tape

Bend me and tie me down...

Few final adjustments

Five hours later...my mugho with our sensei..

For everybody who is coming to work with Mauro Stemberger next weekend

2010-10-18T10:54:00.003+02:00

We will start Saturday 10.00h.
Lunch break at local Pizza Lasagne restaurant 13.00-14.30h. Coffee.
Afternoon start 14.45/15.00h.
End of the first day 19.00h

Dinner together 20.30h.......

Sunday starting at 9.00h
Finish 15.00h

Detailed info on my mail

Fushigi (miracle) orientalis

2010-10-04T09:30:00.002+02:00

This was my friend Mario's tree. Well, we've found the way and now it's mine. He named it "miracle"...japanese word will be "fushigi", so I'm gonna keep the name Mario originally gave to this tree.
This is one outstanding tree. Even now, as a starting material looks very good. Next year or during the winter...first wiring. So we'll see. I see a great future. Pay attention to fantastic sculpted trunk and nebari!

Mugho season 2010.

2010-10-03T12:32:00.002+02:00

Collection site.

It is probably ideal when the tree growes on the rock or at least leaning on the rock. Many finer roots find their place in the mugho needles duff that gathers on the rock beneath the tree. You can see roots protruding from the duffy bed formed on the rock.

Mugho in temporary box which will be his home for the next 4-5 years.

Zig-zag trunk pattern that attracted me to this tree. This is not really visible on photos, sorry

Back side is also very interesting, one more option for future design. Didn't take a photo of back side, maybe next time.

VIDEO: Walter Pall - Talking about bonsai at BMW presentation

2010-09-24T07:31:00.002+02:00

VIDEO: Jim Doyle & Walter Pall - Jim about bonsai as an art form

2010-09-23T20:45:00.001+02:00

VIDEO: Walter Pall & Jim Doyle - Talking about Mateusz Grobelny pots - part 2

2010-09-23T15:00:00.001+02:00

VIDEO: Walter Pall & Jim Doyle - Talking about Mateusz Grobelny pots - part 1

2010-09-23T00:05:00.003+02:00

Coming next: Walter Pall & Jim Doyle talking on Mateusz Grobelny pots and traditionalists in bonsai world...part 1, 2, 3

2010-09-22T09:41:00.002+02:00

VIDEO: Jim Doyle - Comparison of European and American bonsai scene

2010-09-22T08:59:00.001+02:00

VIDEO: Jim Doyle - About American bonsai and his background

2010-09-22T08:53:00.001+02:00

VIDEO: Walter Pall - Discovering Croatia

2010-09-21T19:23:00.001+02:00

VIDEO: Walter Pall - About differences between European and Japanese bonsai/style

2010-09-21T09:01:00.002+02:00