A Village Full of Bonsai

Bonsai Village

Just outside of Taipei, in walking distance from where I live, you can find a smallish area titled Bonsai Village.  In this 'village' are 7 bonsai nurseries.  I frequently visit and check out the trees and occasionally ask a few questions.  Below are some pictures taken of the first nursery you will see as you enter the village.  Quite a few trees have been imported from Japan and sold to Taiwanese buyers.  I hope you enjoy these interesting trees. 

A very powerful looking trunk and nice contrast between the light wood color and green leaves.

A very gnarly black pine.

Guarding the toilet we find this juniper.

A tough guy.

A shohin juniper.  These trees have very small and tight foliage that make for beautiful small trees. 

This tree could tell a good story no doubt.

My travelling companion for the day.  It was hot and he was sweaty.  Didn't stop him from being a little champion though.

Excellent trunks.  Build a strong and twisty trunk and you will build a great tree.  The trunk is KING.

These types of trees are called bunjin style.  They have a thinish trunk and the best ones create a feeling of 'life is tough but I will find a way.'

A nice platted black pine.

More trunk movement.

A cool juniper.

I like the dead wood jutting out from the right side.  It tells a story.

Looking at trees that are old and of high quality gives you a plan for the future of your own trees.  You have an idea of what is possible.

I don't really like how the trunk is split so far apart.  Not sure what I would do about it?  Possibly move the top part of the left side more over to the right?  It would take some heavy bending.

A classic style.  This tree would become two trees if you air-layered the top 1/4.  The top part could become its own individual tree and the original tree would become smaller but be more imposing.  You could then reduce the length of the side branches.  Or you could just enjoy the tree as it is!

Mr. BIG

Wild child

A well looked after black pine.

The view from one corner of the nursery.  Everything is so neat and tidy.  The owners have respect for their trees and the area around which they live.

I plan to take pictures of the other 6 nurseries soon.  We had our second child a few weeks ago so I am home for a month or so helping out, mostly by looking after our first.  We have our daily walk and I predict a few more visits to our local Bonsai Village.  Until then keep on keeping on.

If you ever happen to be in Taipei this is the address for these nurseries:  桃園縣大溪鎮福安里18鄰三層7-2號 (紫園盆栽)