20 and Under

Sorry I haven’t written much lately – I’ve had other committments that have kept me away from the computer. I’ve moved my youngest son to college in New York City and spent a few days there. I was struck with how little natural space residents had for plants in the city. Most people live in high rise apartments with no yard, some with a little fire escape. I couldn’t imagine living without a space to grow some trees outside! The joy of bonsai for me is the experience of living with trees in the four seasons of nature and interacting with the natural world. In Japan, people also have very little living quarters but you would still see a rooftop bonsai growing area or a little 20′ x 20′ closed in ‘yard’ filled with bonsai and plants! Here is a little picture to keep you inspired. It is a shimpaku Juniper owned and styled by Mario Komsta who is an apprentice of Mr. Urushibata in Japan- a very talented young bonsai artist. Hope to see some of you at the Shohin Symposium in a few weeks!

Saw this quote on a site the other day:

It is essential to experience all the times and moods of one good place. (Thomas Merton)

I have lived in my house for 27 years and have cultivated a bonsai collection for about 20 of those years in this same place. The quote resonated in me as I was thinking about my bonsai collection and the responsibility of caring for it. Because bonsai is part of my life and a reflection of my love for nature, they teach me about the rhythmic changes of the seasons, about the responsible caring of life, about beauty, etc. I was reflecting, however, on the how I have often abused that for my selfish pleasure. I have often looked to ‘accumulate’ trees I want to have this or that tree, I need to have different varieties, etc. at the expense of being able to care for them. I have to admit that I always struggle with what is a good size for my collection a good manageable size. I have lost some good trees (a few fantastic trees!) that I have lamented and some of these died because of maybe having too many and possibly neglecting one here or there. Hey, we all have to fess up to this. I am not beating myself up but have to admit that I’ve made mistakes in having too large a collection at times.
The Merton quote reminded me to experience the beauty of my trees in all their grandeur and also all the care necessary to maintain this beauty and health. Some of my trees have been in my ‘good place’ for many years and I joyously bring them out of hibernation each spring, put them on the same (or another) pedestal and begin the cycle again sunshine, water, trimming, feeding, etc.
Right now I am attempting a new pledge one that is based on Colin Lewis’ statement that ‘when one buys a new tree, it must be at least as good as the top three that you have’ (or something to that effect). I have modified it a bit. First, yes a new tree must be as good as my top five (at least in potential) but also, if I am serious about purchasing this tree, I must give up two in it place. I told this to Hitoshi at New England Bonsai and he sometimes teases me and says that I owe him 2 or 3 trees because of ones that I purchased. I also try to give trees away to my students as gifts. The point is not to simply be a consumer who is simply accumulating ‘things’ of beauty but one who loves and learns from your trees and therefore makes a conscientious, artistically critical and thoughtful decision when considering buying, collecting or trading for a new specimen. Remember they will become part of your ‘good place’ to experience.
A view of a small portion of my bonsai collection (shohin bonsai and chuhin area).