An open window into the comings and goings of students and their trees attending our regular weekend and midweek bonsai classes under the ever watchful eyes of John Hanby.
Classroom Corner – A tale of two Hornbeams
These two Korean Hornbeams were part of a batch of nine similar trees I had acquired when they arrived from Korea some 3 years ago.
Both trees had undergone some routine training and repotting into ceramic bonsai pots. Recently they both returned to Newstead on one of my open workshops.
Part of the discussion on Paul’s tree related to it’s height. By reducing the height slightly the crown becomes more rounded and less pointed. This enhances the tree’s appearance making it appear older and more mature.
Part of the discussion on Brian’s tree related to the selection of the front or viewing angle.The tree had merits from both sides. In the end a decision was made and some branches had to be removed to open up what would now become the front of the tree.
Branches to the rear would be left to grow for further fattening. Once the decision has been made the rest of the tree can be developed further to enhance the chosen front and improve the tree as a whole.
