Bonllwyn Christmas show

Jeremy Sun Dec 20, 2009 7:30 pm

On the 20th of December Bonllwyn garden centre presented it's Christmas show in conjunction with Dragon Bonsai Society.
On a very cold December day, despite the ice and snow, the sun came out and gave us a fine day........
What with the bonsai chat, auction, raffle and trees displayed, it was once again a very busy day.
The auction raised a very healthy amount for Dragon's members
A special thank you to Pabling for donating the fine pots and suiseki. Very are much appreciated.
So the auction began.
Gerwyn did his thing at the auction.

The Raffle was also a great success. Of course some members won more than their fair share of the raffle prizes. Twisted Evil

A few of the members trees displayed today.

Jeremy Sun Dec 20, 2009 7:33 pm

More trees....

Jeremy Sun Dec 20, 2009 7:40 pm

Bob continued carving his thermal blocks. Hope it kept him warm.

Chris ran a BBQ and with lashings of hot coffee, mince and cow pie, a very satisfied Dragon would like to wish everyone...

A Very Merry Christmas.

William Feldman Sun Dec 20, 2009 8:12 pm

Impressive carving on the thermal blocks! A "thermal block" isn't the same thing as a "cinder block", is it? I'd appreciate any advice on where they might be available in the States. Thanks!

**Kev Bailey** Sun Dec 20, 2009 9:37 pm

One trade name for themal blocks in the UK is Thermalite. They are described as aircrete, which I assume means they are formed from aerated concrete. They certainly look like that when closely inspected. This also makes them quite easy to carve, lightweitght and fairly stable. I carved a replica of a Japanese lantern many years ago and it looks better today than it did then.

Jeremy Sun Dec 20, 2009 9:55 pm

I can vouch for it being "easy to carve, lightweight and fairly stable."
I can also vouch for it creating a huge amount of very fine dust when being carved. Mask and outdoors are a must.

William Feldman Sun Dec 20, 2009 11:12 pm

Can anyone tell me if this started out as a generic rectangular block? It looks like it might have been extruded into a free-form shape.

Jeremy wrote:Bob continued carving his thermal blocks. Hope it kept him warm.

I did some online searches for "Thermalite", and it looks like the generic name here is "aerated autoclaved concrete". Thanks for the help!

Ka Pabling Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:46 am

am realy glad the pots came on time for the Christmas party. I have bigger suiseki here but it was too much for Alex he was only allowed 30 kls.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL !

Pabling

Jeremy Mon Dec 21, 2009 9:47 am

[quote="William Feldman"]Can anyone tell me if this started out as a generic rectangular block? It looks like it might have been extruded into a free-form shape.quote]

William,
If I recall correctly, Bob cemented 3 or more blocks together and then add smaller peices as needed.

Guest Mon Dec 21, 2009 9:53 am

Jerry (Dr Evil), whilst most clubs are in hibernation you guys are still hard at it, well done! Bob sure knows his stuff.

I love the tall Cedar... whats it's story?

Tony

Jeremy Mon Dec 21, 2009 9:55 am

padychitan wrote:am realy glad the pots came on time for the Christmas party. I have bigger suiseki here but it was too much for Alex he was only allowed 30 kls.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL !
Pabling

Pabling
The pots and suiseki went down a storm at the auction. Thank you again for your kind donation.

Just a thought. Rolling Eyes

Alex could always wear all his cloths on the plane and free up his suitcase. Twisted Evil

Jeremy Mon Dec 21, 2009 10:01 am

Tony wrote:Jerry (Dr Evil), whilst most clubs are in hibernation you guys are still hard at it, well done! Bob sure knows his stuff.
I love the tall Cedar... whats it's story?
Tony

Hi Tony,
Could be worse, it could have been Mini me.

re; the Cedar. Raw garden centre stock owned by Chris Bray. Not had it that long 3-4 yrs. I think he has done a good job with it.
I'll try and encourage Chris B. to post more info.

Guest Mon Dec 21, 2009 10:04 am

Jerry... ah... MINI ME was suggested by a Wee Scottish Dame Shocked

Tony

Jeremy Wed Dec 23, 2009 4:57 pm

[quote="Jeremy"]

William Feldman wrote:Can anyone tell me if this started out as a generic rectangular block? It looks like it might have been extruded into a free-form shape.quote]

William,
If I recall correctly, Bob cemented 3 or more blocks together and then add smaller peices as needed.

I found a picture of the blocks cemented together, before Bob started to carve. The large one on the left I think was there to support the others in place.

Jeremy Wed Dec 23, 2009 5:09 pm

A before and after.

Bob added a couple of small pieces as he went along, but the vast majority of the end result is from the original blocks

Jeremy Wed Dec 23, 2009 10:59 pm

Tony wrote:Jerry
I love the tall Cedar... whats it's story?
Tony

Chris Bray sent me this reply.

I bought the tree from Chris Thomas in 2007. When I bought it, the tree was looking a little neglected, the needles were yellow and the drum pot was frost damaged.
I repotted the tree in the spring of 2008 using a 50/50 mix of hort grit and akadama. This improved the drainage and the colour of the needles (they like to be kept on the dry side).
I'm not sure who made the pot, but this also came from Chris T.
The tree has been rewired and trimmed to shape. The height and width is 90cm X 40cm.
As ever I am always open to constructive ideas to improve the tree. The lower branch at the rear and the one directly above it need to thicken as the needles are sparse, but generally the tree is quite healthy.
Hope this is enough info,
regards and happy Christmas,
Chris B

Guest Thu Dec 24, 2009 9:11 am

Thanks for that Dr Evil,

Its a great image , simple.... just like a pine on a distant hillside. Pass on my congratulations to Chris B

Have a great Christmas you Guys... I am still up for that return visit in 2010, can you book the early sunshine again please sunny

Tony

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Thank you

I prefer evil genius....

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Starting point

A before and after.

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