This pine has a lot of history but that is a story for another day. I just wanted to show you the benefits of going to workshops and I will start by saying I think they are a very good idea.

You get a different perspective on your tree (providing you take one of your own trees) and differing designs and ideas are essential if you are to have the best product. When making this statement I have assumed (dangerous I know) that the workshop leaders are experienced bonsai artists and that they give their advice openly and willingly.

In May this year I attended a workshop dedicated to literati style bonsai, one of my favorite styles. The workshop leader was Joe Morgan-Payler a very experienced bonsai artist from Victoria and the workshop was organised by the Canberra Bonsai Society.

I took along an old Scots pine that I liked but I always felt it needed that “something” to take it from OK to something a bit better than that. I was quite pleased with the result and Joe imparted some valuable knowledge that I will be able to put into practice when working on other literati style bonsai. All in all a very valuable day.

So, onto the before and after photos. Firstly the after.

After

Now the before.

Before

Joe and I had some discussion in regard to the best angle at the next re-pot and this is/was considered a preferred angle.

Possibly the new planting angle.

Perhaps I need a new pot now?