Ryan Neil and scots pine

I was hesitant to post this, but after some thought I decided to share.

For my recent 40th Birthday (yes I am that old), my wife conspired with my friend Matt Ouwinga to have Ryan Neil as a guest at our home after the midwest show and for the full day of monday 8/22. A big Thanks to both Matt & Jennifer for the most fantastic birthday a guy could ask for.

We started the day at 7:15am, which for a west coast guy is pretty damn early. He worked steadily through the day with a short lunch and ended with burgers at about 6:30pm. I'm up at 4:30 am CST...but I'm an old fart, right. Throughout the day Ryan and I conversed on a range of bonsai and non bonsai topics. I found Ryan to be not only professional but also a down to earth and interesting guy with good values. He's very straight forward, and does not sugar coat. A trait that many of us in the US could learn to appreciate more. He's also pretty good with kids. Although his rate as a babysitter is likely a bit steep.

I've been getting the pine healthy for the past year and working to balance energy. The efforts paid off and Ryan found the tree to be strong enough to undergo some styling.

Below are photos of the day:
Tree as purchased in Tulsa June 2009:


After some thinning and a season of growth January 2010:


A few shots of Ryan at work:




The completed tree. An amazing transformation to see unfold.




So, the tree will recover and grow stronger in its wood box and fill out for the next 2-3 years while I shop for the right pot.

Matt Ouwinga & Jay Kolaya stopped by for a few beers and food at dinner before I took Ryan to the airport. What a great weekend. Bonsai is great but surrounded with good people its even better. Thanks again guys.


Left to Right: Me (Neil), Matt Ouwinga, Ryan Neil & Jay Kolaya

What a great opportunity you had, that must be one of the most amazing days on your life, BD celebration, with some great friends around, doing what you like (Bonsai), a few beers, and the cherry in top of the ice cream: Ryan Neil on a personal workshop at your own place!!! what else can you ask for, I'm rotting on envy (good envy) just by seeing those images. Seems like you had a really good time! Thanks for sharing

Man, how to do you pay back a gift like that LOL .... Have your wife give my wife a call I think they should talk! .... Congradulations and Happy birthday!

what a thoughtful and appropriate gift. plus you got a pine styled by one of the best in the country. oh, before I forget. congratulations on winning the award for your bougainvillea. have you got that beast to flower yet?

best wishes, sam

BrianG wrote:Man, how to do you pay back a gift like that LOL .... Have your wife give my wife a call I think they should talk! .... Congradulations and Happy birthday!

and then have her ring my wife

thanks for deciding to share, and happy birthday

What a lovely tree! Dare I say the bottom branches look a little heavy though? Have you thought about Jinning any of them?
ATB, Lee.

Thanks guys. Yes my wife is great to say the least. She wanted to do something really special. She's a fan of bonsai, mostly because of the people we've come to know over the past few years. She called Matt O (Kaede bonsai) was instrumental in lining up the whole affair.

Sam,
Thanks. No I did not get it to flower yet. I thought I was getting close, but no cigar yet. Maybe next spring

Lee,
I originally thought that as well. But now I have changed my mind after hearing Ryan explain the options. The branch is important. Keep in mind, the tree has good budding in the interior, but they may not be strong enough yet to stand on their own. The intent is to possibly shorten the 1st branch as those buds develop strength and ramify causing the foliage pads fill out. As always, if you saw it in person you'd likely change your mind.

and I'll dare to say that (without having the benefit of visiting the tree personally, or Ryan's thoughts on options) that the tree should have less branches due to the thinness and height of the trunk......

Neil, you are one lucky dog. First to pick up such a beautiful piece of material, then to have such a thoughtful partner and friends.

Please post some good pictures of the tree. I don't mean to heap it on, but my first thought about that first branch was the same. Such a tall, elegant tree - does it really need it?

Happy b-day, too!

What a treat Neil You have a great spouse. Good luck with the tree. Looks like a great one.

PS 40 isn't old. I'll trade you for my 55 any day!

So your the one that he ran off to

peter keane wrote:and I'll dare to say that (without having the benefit of visiting the tree personally, or Ryan's thoughts on options) that the tree should have less branches due to the thinness and height of the trunk......

I agree...If the tree were mine, I would remove the lower right branch entirely.....

Hi Neil

Congratulations. Big day for you and definitely a great experience. The tree is beautiful.

Gretings Pavel

Pics coming soon.

Russell,
Man! You're killing me Last time I posted this tree I said I was thinking of removing the 1st branch and you suggested not to do it! Not sure I'll listen to you........ until I'm ready for a pot

Anyway, thank you for the input very much.

Neil

Ha! Maybe I meant don't do anything until you do the whole tree. But now that I've seen it styled....

Hey, either way, it's a beautiful tree!

And I like a pot like this...