My recent trip to Portland began with a visit to Michael Hagedorn’s garden. His trees are looking great this time of year – the junipers are covered in new growth and the deciduous bonsai are full and healthy.

The junipers in particular caught my attention on this visit, likely because I’ve been enjoying them more and more in my own garden. The great collected specimens on display deserve close attention as they have great movement and deadwood. Michael’s styling highlights these characteristics, making the trees living works of art. Here a few of my favorites.

Rocky Mountain juniper

Western juniper

Rocky Mountain juniper

Needle juniper

Some other trees that looked particularly great when I visited include an ezo spruce, a Japanese maple and a single-trunk chojubai – one of my favorites in the states.

Ezo spruce

Japanese maple

Chojubai

Say hello this weekend at Sei Boku’s 33rd Annual Exhibit

Sei Boku Bonsai Kai is hosting their 33rd anniversary show this weekend at the San Mateo Garden Center. I’ll be a vendor at the event along with Nancy Schramm from Carman’s Nursery, Jerry Braswell, Dave Chimpky from Enchanted Forest and Amy Wada. Show hours are 10-4, Saturday and Sunday, June 4-5, with a demonstration Saturday at 12 by Dennis Makashima. I’ll have tools, pots, soil, books, supplies (see Bonsai Tonight Online Store for complete selection) and a few trees on hand so stop by and say hello!