Page 38 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2015Q2

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
C 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.
D 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.

36 | BCI | April/May/June 2015