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!