Yamadori Korean Hornbeam II

I was fortunate enough to find this stock in 2006 at a nursery in Seattle. The Korean Hornbeam is one of the finest deciduous species for bonsai and their collection in the Korean mountain ranges is now banned. I don’t have the details on exactly why, but can only assume they were becoming too sparse. The tag on this one noted Pusan, as the area of collection, which is on the southeastern coast of Korea, overlooking the Sea of Japan (East Sea).

The secondary branching on this species naturally zig-zags to create an affect that is often emulated by wire training-just one of its many great traits (see this post). The tree was badly overpotted when purchased (not to mention that unsightly blue-glaze), so I special ordered this tall, Tokoname container for it. The height of the container is similar to the trunk girth and the width is just right. The collected ones can be so gnarly/masculine that an unglazed container suits them just fine.

Just like it’s little brother, Yamadori Korean Hornbeam I, as noted in previous posts, the apex region needs further refinement. With this one, it has really been more about creating the best taper I can without growing a new apex branch from the large wound. I’ve got a spot picked out in the backyard and a pedestal built for display next year.

I’m currently mapping out the new backyard for bonsai benches and stands. I plan to document this on my blog as this project progresses. This book by George Buehler has been a great resource thus far.

2006 (after first trim/wiring)

and today...