Thursday, February 11, 2016

Weyerhaeuser Bonsais

While trying to sort a large number of pictures I took in previous years, I came upon photos of a collection of bonsais belonging to the Weyerhaeuser Corporation. That collection was then exhibited at the Weyerhaeuser Company Headquarters, near Tacoma in Washington state. It would appear that now it is to be found (or part of it is to be found) at the University of Arkansas.  It was a magnificent collection. Here are some of the pictures I took.






These pictures were taken in the middle of winter, and most of the bonsais were in a translucent box with no front to protect them from the weather from the top and on three sides. This accounts for the curious looking backing.


 This grouping echoes beautifully the rocky sea shores of the West coast.


Being so dynamic, this one seems to illustrate a Tai Chi move.




This is where I saw for the first time large-size bonsais. The following was at least 5 feet tall.


The photo below gives you an idea of how beautifully displayed they were,  at eye level, in a grandiose setting of West coast tall evergreens.


I have seen many bonsai collections, but this was the best one.


13 comments:

  1. Wow, as you say the tall evergreens really set them off. Plus, they all look like well-maintained, healthy trees. I enjoy bonsai displays--I'm always amazed at the artistry that goes into the craft.

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    1. It is all in the art of pruning. As you say it requires a lot of artistry.

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  2. I'd love to be able to grow bonsai but I think that they would take too much looking after.

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    1. Actually, they do not require a lot of work but a lot of skill. I have 4 or 5 of them but none look as good as these.

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  3. Aren't they photogenic? Of course, that could be your skill, rather than their good looks! The setting - with the tall trees behind - looks superb.

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    1. I think the setting helps a lot, allowing them to be center stage with no distraction.

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  4. Hello Alain, these are incredible masterpieces of bonsai, I can't even begin to imagine the amount of effort needed to expertly tweak every leaf and branch. Absolutely stunning.

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  5. I'm thinking of the need to keep them watered every day. I have heard of people who take them away on holiday with them or have a bonsai babysitter. How to survive when you are away on your travels?

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    1. I have one Ficus benj. which I do have to find a baby sitter for in winter. All the others are hardy trees I "plant" in the vegetable garden for the winter and put back in their pots in the spring. The main danger is mice eating them in winter while they are in the veg. garden.

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  6. Nice collection of bonsai, I agree Alain. I've seen other collections and can say that when bonsai are situated on eye level it's the best to watch them. I loved this one you called 'dynamic'.

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