Patio Bonsai?

I've several trees that are pretty big. The largest comes in at around 52" in height and to my eyes looks like a 200' equivalent in nature. Now as it really is a tree in a pot; or basin & planting, would purists consider this to be outside the realm of what we know as bonsai?

Just curious, nothing else.

Thanks for your time.

Mike

Larger trees are the trend here in Florida. Disney World's, Epcot attraction has a Flower and Garden Festival every spring and Bonsai are featured in the Chinese and Japanese areas of the park. To be considered for display the trees must be at least 36 inches high. The trees are usually moved into place by a fork lift.
Some of my trees are getting too big for my wife and I to move, and this fall I may have to hire help to move them into the greenhouse.

Looking through many of the bonsai books you will find the shohin and mame bonsai, but you will also find names of bonsai based on the number of hands it takes to pick them up, 1 hand through ? Yours sound like they might be 4 hand or greater... still bonsai?

Jay

"What's the difference between Ignorance and Apathy...
I don't know and I don't care."

to me it's still a bonsai.....

[img][/img]
PEMPHIS ACIDULA 4'10" tall
[img][/img]
FICUS CONCINA 6FT TALL

Emerson, this FICUS CONCINA you posted, it's red. Am I correct or is something else going on there?

If so, how can I get a tree?

Thanks,
Ed

I am sorry, Emerson, but those trees really don't fit in where you have them. I think they would fit in better... in my yard!

Jay

I suggest the following size classifications:

Palm size, one hand, two hand, four hand, Hernia producing.

JimLewis wrote:I suggest the following size classifications:

Palm size, one hand, two hand, four hand, Hernia producing.

very interesting classification

Hi,

yes, the red colour on that ficus is really stunning, like the autumn colour of a deciduous tree, where does it come from? A web search for Ficus concin(n)a came back with green ones only ...

Best regards,
Stefan

I just noticed the little bonsai sitting on top of the soil around the red Ficus. Very nice touch.

Jim, did you ever wonder why they call it a HERnia, instead of a HIMnia. I mean, the problem is more commonly HIM related. Personally, I think they call it a hernia because it is usually caused by him doing something inherently stupid... for HER! "Honey, I don't like that boulder over there, could you please (eyelashes batting coyly) move it over there!" "Yes, Dear!"

Jay

Hello Jay,
Tnx, btw My house and my garden is still under construction.

Stefan,
I just copy paste the comments from bonsaikingdom.com

RED BALETE (Ficus concina) - The specie is widely found in thickets in Philippine forests. Characterized by a spreading crown and fiery red young leaves that turn leathery dark green when leaves mature. It gives an "autumn feel" and becomes a dramatic red standout in a bonsai garden filled with miniature green leafy trees.

http://www.bonsaikingdom.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=157:balete-ficus-concina&catid=44:bonsai-database&Itemid=168

Hi,

thanks a lot for the info - that one is high on my wish list now ;-)

As it would seem to have drifted would anyone else have any thoughts about large sized trees being classed as a Bonsai?

Thanks

Mike

They are. But it is contentious! Craig Coussins says in his article on Bonsai Styles

41—65”
Very large sized Bonsai. Sometimes termed as Yard Bonsai. Needs two men to carry this size. Not always accepted as Bonsai in Competition (subjective)

I think he was possibly quoting John Naka. You can read the whole article here http://www.bonsai.ie/styles-of-bonsai/

Kev Bailey wrote:They are. But it is contentious! Craig Coussins says in his article on Bonsai Styles

41—65”
Very large sized Bonsai. Sometimes termed as Yard Bonsai. Needs two men to carry this size. Not always accepted as Bonsai in Competition (subjective)

I think he was possibly quoting John Naka. You can read the whole article here http://www.bonsai.ie/styles-of-bonsai/

But, John Naka'a Goshin is surely a two man planting.

Agreed Billy. Goshin though, is above competition. When a standard like that is set, I don't think that measurements are important.

Mike Jones wrote:As it would seem to have drifted would anyone else have any thoughts about large sized trees being classed as a Bonsai?

Thanks

Mike

hi mike,
anything that goes beyond 1mtr. or 4ft. tops is consider to big for me to bo a bonsai
best regards,
alex

Thank you.

Mike

P.S. hello mike...sorry was'nt able to finish my reply,big ones are fine "if you have the space" cause if you don't,very difficult to train,trim and repot,carrying around,troublesome,i love to have big ones,but does'nt have the luxury of space,
best regards,
alex

Fair points Alex. Moving and repotting are the worst, well maybe a complete wiring is also hugely time consuming on your own.

Mike

Mike Jones wrote:Fair points Alex. Moving and repotting are the worst, well maybe a complete wiring is also hugely time consuming on your own.

Mike

yeap you're absolutely right sire,...best regards,
alex