[dick benbow]

I'm usually working with my bonsai. Yesterday I put together this japanese larch grouping. I had been hunting the right trees to put together along with the right pot and soil. All came from different places. It took about two hrs to put together. It is heavier than I can lift. the pot length and tallest tree is about 30 inches. If you ever look thru classic bonsais pictures from the masters in japan you will not find larches. they're kinda like the Asagi/Shusui's I love in the koi world. I love them because now thery look like any other deciduous tree that has dropped all it's leaves. In the spring ( about one month) The brightest green needles will appear. Then in the fall it looks lik it's dying because all the needles turn yellow before they drop. I planted the group in a yellow pot because I wanted the fall time to be in harmony with the pot. Like koi ,this project will have to develop over the years to where the growth of the trees relates to available space according to what their neighbor does, making them look like they've been there awhile. The lead tree in front is about 2 inches in diameter, while the one on the right is an inch and a quarter. The one that shows least clearly in the picture on the left is 3/4 of an inch in diameter. This technique of diminishing size gives the feeling of perspective. I also enjoy Ikebana and Suiseki. My koi pond and bonsai garden sit in my japanese garden that I designed and built and maintain since back in the mid 70's. Dan Blatt has volunteered to get the picture posted. Thanks Dan ( the showa man )