Building my bonsai area

[Elmar]

Lovely looking benches!
I'm looking to build a basic bench but with a water reservoir underneath for self watering of the trees. Hope it will look partially as good as yours.
Cheers
EZ


Cheers
EZ
Sent from my Daughter's iPad using Tapatalk

[subie23]

Steven,

Where can I download the full installation guide?

[Steven]

Steven, Where can I download the full installation guide?

Sorry, no installation guide Subie. You'll just have to use the plans on page 1. If you have any specific questions I'll do my best to help.

Regards,
Steven

[Steven]

G'day!

It's been nearly 9 years since I built the timber benches at the beginning of this thread and they have served me very well over the years. The only issue is, like most of you, I have run out of space! So the time came for me to build a bigger bonsai area.
I considered using timber again but thought I could build a stronger and more longer lasting one from steel. Other considerations were that I wanted to make the new area possum proof and secure. Many hours were spent designing the structure in my mind and discussing options with mates.

Here is how the benches were looking a couple of months ago:

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The bench was up the back right corner of my garden and there used to be a huge tree on the other side. Earlier this year I noticed some decay in the trunk so it had to come down making much more space and light

Next step was to start levelling the back area and prepare for paving and a retaining wall.

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Stay tuned for the next instalment...

[Ryceman3]

Hi Steven,
That is going to be awesome! It looks like you're really upsizing and doing it in style.
In the last picture I was getting confused because I thought I could see a green basket front and centre that resembles some I have seen at a certain green shed but I'm sure that couldn't be right ... just my eyes playing tricks on me I'm sure.
Looking forward to the next instalment, I have bench envy...

[MJL]

Bl@@dy fantastic. I’m envious and it’s inspiring me to do more. I have (pre) Bonsai perched on rocks, bird baths, tables - where ever I can find spots. Where as - you sir - are building much better structures and designing a garden that will both feature your wonderful collection but also help you to maintain and improve that collection. Well played.


Bonsai teaches me patience.

[anthonyW]

Very nice, a lot of hard work there, I feel your back pain, as I m 3 stages done of 4.

cheers Anthony

[Steven]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

A couple of months ago I got in touch with the new owners (developers) of the old North Rocks Greenery nursery that shut down earlier this year. I negotiated a price to take away all the benches which was a win/win scenario. So... I now have a plethora of benches!

Following is just a small sample of the 100 + benches I scored. I'll be moving on all the left over ones once I know what I need.

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Having secured enough benches to set up a new nursery, it was time to remove and give away my old bench. If you look back at the beginning of this thread you can see that the bench was build in situ and was engineered to last a long time. I can tell you it was bloody heavy and had to be cut up to remove. 2 months later and I'm still recovering from an injury sustained while moving it!

I'm pleased that it went to a husband and wife who are members here and are beginner students of The School of Bonsai

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Some trees got moved to the far end of my new area and the rest got reallocated onto the deck with temporary watering systems set up.

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With all the upright posts in place the new area is beginning to take shape.

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[Akhi]

Hi Steven,
How did that build end up? Really stunning to see the wooden stand you built.

[MarkYee]

Hi Steven, is there any updates as to how your benches look like now?

[shibui]

Steven has not logged in for a year or more. He may be doing bonsai apprenticeship and too busy to post here for a while?