Garden bush.

This is not really a bonsai but i made this for someone from a really overgrown bush. I cut it back hard and then two years to grow the pads.

What is it Smithy? It looks like a California Lilac (Ceanothus) to me. That's a plant that doesn't seem to like the wet up here and I suspect a really prolonged cold winter would do for it. How does it do in your area?

Yes it is a ceanothus. I saw a few suffer this winter with it being so cold. This one got frosted on the bottom branch.

Lovely.

Nice job Smithy,
That is a real eye catcher.
Ken

So, I suppose then this would constitute Niwaki as it is styled but in the ground rather than a pot.

Hi Smithy
That looks great ! I love Niwaki but would never have thought to use Ceanothus. Well done. I have an old one in the garden and will give it a go.

Please be aware that Ceanothus are short lived trees/shrubs. Some don't make it past 20 years. This one looks great though.

Thanks for the nice comments.