Page 38 - BSAM 2015 Q1

B
B. The same initial arrangement from the other side. Some of the trees had been placed behind the two tallest featured rocks. After the arrangement was turned, additional rocks were added to give this view more balance. The importance of all rocks having similar compatible appearance was stressed. In trying to create an interesting scene, rocks of different heights were planted at different depths with different spacing between. Try to make each side of the arrangement as attractive as possible so either side could be the “formal display front.”
C. It is possible to remove elements and a good design would still hold up. This photo shows the same second side of the first trial design, but with several of the trees removed. This places greater emphasis on the rock formation. Sometimes I create designs in which the rocks dominate while at other times the rocks are complimentary accents to an arrangement that features the plants.
D. This photo shows a design variation when it is turned again to show the other side and with the two largest rocks removed. The emphasis shifts to the plants. These trees are just 3 to 6 inches tall and by planting them higher or deeper, it suggests trees of different sizes. Rocks that may be only a few inches difference in height and bulk can dramatically change a scene. Having a range of rocks from which to select will give you the opportunity to create your best arrangement.
E. Remove additional rocks and tighten up plants to create a quiet grove of trees. I tend to plant trees very close together. Force wide-spreading roots to grow down, then tie the base of another tree together with the larger tree just a bit higher than the smaller tree. The larger tree should be more upright with the smaller tree leaning out a bit. Trees will grow together attractively. This tightening allows more generous spacing between other trees to add interest. Too often, trees are planted to accommodate root systems and the evenly spaced trees look like an orchard rather than a forest.
F. The other side still had some rocks and suggested a pasture-like scene with some trees growing amongst rock outcroppings. Such scenes are common in the cattle ranches of Hawaii. Perhaps the addition of figurines would make this more attractive. Generally, the Japanese prefer not to use figures but have been known to use small cranes effectively. The Chinese tend to use miniature structures in their landscapes. I don’t use figurines a lot but some of my larger banyan bonsai may have Chinese mudmen that effectively provide a human presence and sense of scale.
G. The same basic arrangement but with a different set of rocks and the trees repositioned to show a strong outwards growing branch and exposed aerial roots. By using rocks with stronger vertical lines and giving more space to set apart the smaller tree (which is also planted deeper), there’s a significant change in the scene.
C
D
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| BCI | April/May/June 2015