Larch Question

How do we explain to the younger generation how to train a larch bonsai if they have never seen a shaving brush?
Picture for the archives is from Wikipedia, no copyright problem.

Dang! That's a hard one.

Same with old-fashioned brooms???????

I'm inventing a new bonsai style specially for Jim Lewis. It's the whisk style named after a device used for stirring things up really quickly.

Just came across this discussion as I search IBC for 'larch'. I have my first. So what does a shaving brush have to do with training a larch?

And just for the record, I remember my father's brush, that had lost so many bristles one could hardly call it a brush. Ironically, my 28 year old son has recently purchased a double edge safety razor, and I'm buying a brush & stand for him for Christmas.

Carolee, the buds on the larch when they are just opening up resemble shaving brushes.

The timing on repotting can be tagged to the buds looking like this... I've read two different things, one to repot just as the buds swell and turn golden, one to repot just as they reach the shaving brush stage. I've done it both ways and seen no difference.... Just don't wait till they expand out of the brush stage...

It may depend on the species or the location. Here in Central NY, with American or Finger Lakes larch (laricina x kaempferi), by the time you see shaving brushes, it's already too late. I repot between the time the buds turn shiny and when you first see a touch of green.
Iris

bonsaisr wrote:How do we explain to the younger generation how to train a larch bonsai if they have never seen a shaving brush?
Picture for the archives is from Wikipedia, no copyright problem.

I am only 16 years old(not for long) and I've got one as present from my father for shaving use.

Nemphis wrote:I am only 16 years old(not for long) and I've got one as present from my father for shaving use.

So hows it compare to using canned shaving creme applied with your fingers? I've always wanted to know

at home i use the can and fingers method, at the barber i get the warm shaving cream applied with a brush and straight razor. i like the hott shave cream and brush better.

I would think warm would always feel better, as does someone else doing it.

Thanks, and that Does sound better!

Carolee wrote:I would think warm would always feel better, as does someone else doing it.

Are we still talking about shaving?

You can decide for yourself

Fore wrote:

So hows it compare to using canned shaving creme applied with your fingers? I've always wanted to know

I used it only once for the fun,it felt good,a bit tickling.