The Advantages of Using Collected Trees as Bonsai by Jeff Shortt This article is the first in a series comparing the benefits and drawbacks of collected and nursery-bought trees for use as bonsai. It is designed to meet two purposes. First, even as a low-intermediate level bonsai artist, I think this information may be valuable to others. İSecondly, I feel it is important to contribute to the club¼s correspondence, and I encourage other members to do the same. If anything offered here is inaccurate or incomplete, hopefully it will stimulate rebuttle or enthusiastic response. Bonsai artists visiting our club offer varying opinions and interesting insights about the art form. These same artists have also commented on how much they enjoy the material we offer for their demonstrations, usually collected from up north. These trees have a character to them which can only come from a life in the wilderness, and cannot be duplicated in nursery stock. This character carries through to the final product, whether trained according to the traditional Japanese rules, or developed according to more radical designs. These trees, however, have advantages and disadvantages to their acquisition and use. Here is an incomplete list of the pros of using collected stock. Here in Canada, we have an abundance of good material, if one knows where to look and what to look for. The paintings of the Group of Seven were famous for the vibrancy and power of their work, capturing the harshness of the landscape. Canada¼s seasons are extreme: hot, dry summers are countered with vicious winters of freezing winds and the weight of ice and snow. It is an environment of very little compromise. The trees collected from this environment reflect these extremes. The survivors of many seasons are tough, gnarled veterans which have found ways to stay alive despite the odds. These are trees which may have crept along the face of a rock. They may have sent roots into crevices for several meters. They often lean in dramatic fashion away from the prevailing winds, or have died back in places only to send out new shoots. Many have a history of die-back, such that they have only a small portion still living. In short, they have had character built into them, and can produce dramatic bonsai. To collect such a tree for use as a bonsai is a treat. Mother Nature has already done much of the work, and it is difficult to improve on her ingenuity. What remains is to select from her work the aspects necessary for our vision. Suitable features to retain may include dramatic exaggerations; a severe direction to the trunk, unusual contortions to the branches, splayed roots, lots of dead wood; as long as the tree seems healthy enough to travel. This tree will have a character which speaks for itself. It may or may not be one whose features are ideal for the Classic Rules of bonsai. It has its own identity, and has, by right of survival, achieved its own character. It will be a bonsai which shows its own struggle with the extremes of seasons and terrain. It may be apparent in a harsh windswept style, or a cascade creeping along the face of a rock. It may be ninety percent shari and jin, with a small patch of foliage strategically placed. This quality never fails to attract special attention at a show. There are other advantages to collected trees. Whether pulled from a garden hedge or out of a northern swamp, nothing beats taking it back home without handing over $60.00 to $1,000.00 to the cashier. Even the costs of driving up north can be offset by bringing back three or four specimens, besides having a nice trip. If you befriend a farmer who needs his field cleared, there may be unlimited possibilities to expand your collection. Another advantage is that of using indigenous material. It is much less work than all the fuss tropical trees require in the autumn. Local trees are accustomed to local weather, and will respond to climatic changes with greater ease. They can simply be dug into the ground or placed in a cold frame for the winter. These are just some of the advantages of using collected material. Next month, I will examine some of the disadvantages. p. s. İİİTest your knowledge! Can you think of any advantages not listed? Are there some disadvantages you wish to inquire about? Do you think this is bunk? Get in touch with Dierk, or one of the executive at the monthly meeting. It can be included in the newsletter, or as part of an open discussion.