https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/basic-bonsai-landscape-techniques • Posted by Tuttle Publishing
First of all, here are the instructions for creating the most basic of bonsai landscapes composed of a single seedling, moss and ornamental sand. Regardless of the type of bonsai landscape you’re making, this is the basic method, so make sure to master it. Here, we will make a bonsai landscape with a single tree using a Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia Jacq.) and Leucobryum juniperoideum.
First of all, here are the instructions for creating the most basic of bonsai landscapes composed of a single seedling, moss and ornamental sand. Regardless of the type of bonsai landscape you’re making, this is the basic method, so make sure to master it. Here, we will make a bonsai landscape with a single tree using a Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia Jacq.) and Leucobryum juniperoideum.
Place a net over the hole in the base of the pot and secure it with aluminum wire, then use the scoop to pour in stones to line the base (large grain Fuji sand).
Use the scoop to add compost until the base stones are concealed.
Use pruning scissors to trim off old or damaged leaves. Check that there are no insects on the backs of the leaves.
Use the tips of your tweezers to brush off the soil around the roots a little at a time.
Draw out the roots and use scissors to trim the ends, adjusting the size of the upper section.
Hold the seedling in the pot and use a scoop to pour soil in.
Use a chopstick to work the soil into gaps around the roots, packing it in firmly.
Press the soil with a small spatula to release any air inside and make the soil more compact.
Spray the soil 3–5 times with an atomizer to firm it, making sure the water is absorbed.
Place a large piece of moss on the desired spot.
Using a chopstick at the edge of the moss to hold it in place, press the moss firmly into the soil.
Work in the same way to add more moss, taking care to make it look as if it’s spreading naturally.
Use a scoop to add in ornamental gravel (Maifan stones) over areas where the soil is visible.
Use a spatula to level the ornamental gravel and make it neater
Complete by spraying it all over with an atomizer.
A North American River Landscape SCENERY FOR INSPIRATION The majestic scenery of the US state of Oregon, with its backdrop of the Rocky Mountain range, formed the inspiration for this work. To express the dynamism of the landscape, Japanese cypresses ( Chamaecyparis obtusa) are planted in a group, forming a forest of needle-leaved trees. Moss is used to create deli-cate undulations, while Ibigawa stones are placed to recall the tempestuous cliffs through which huge rivers run. COMPOSITION First of all, create a large mountain on a shallow stone plate. Group several Japanese cypress together (five were used in this work), with one large tree, two small ones and two of a size in-between to create differences in height. If there is a tree lacking in branches, plant others in front, to the left, right and back of it to compensate and achieve the appearance of a forest. Planting trees from the mountain summit towards the back of the arrangement gives the impression that the forest continues.
A Swiftly Flowing River SCENERY FOR INSPIRATION This work depicts a riverbank lined with ferns and swiftlyflowing water. Three types of fern are made to resemble riverside grasses, while super fine white sand is used to depict the surface foam that results from the rushing water. The texture of the shallow stone plate emphasizes the profundity of nature. COMPOSITION Three types of fern-Woodsia polystichoides Eaton, Asplenium trichomanes and Selaginel!a moel!endorffii-are used here, with height differences utilized to create overall balance. Soldanel!a alpine is planted to the side to resemble Japanese silver leaf (Fargugium japonicum) and evoke the textures of plants which grow naturally by the water. Rustcolored boulder-style rocks have been selected for the character they add to the piece, with the moss growing over their rounded, water-worn surface telling of the landscape's age.
A Bamboo Forest Path Leading to a Temple SCENERY FOR INSPIRATION Horsetail (Equisetum hyemale) stands in for bamboo in this arrangement depicting a path in a bamboo forest in the grounds of an ancient city's temple. The rounded, gently sloping hills of moss are intended to create the impression of stepping into a fairytale world. COMPOSITION In a rectangular tin pot, form mountains of varying sizes, using clay soil to create a framework with undulations and a compost in which to plant the horsetail. The mountains should be slightly triangular in shape, while the horsetail should fan out a little to give the impression of an expanse of space and create an attractive appearance. Use rust-colored gravel as ornamental sand to form a path.
A Hilly Promontory with Sea Breezes SCENERY FOR INSPIRATION This piece shows the scenery of gently sloping hills extending over a promontory. The Ezo spruce trees (Picea jezoensis) are planted to all slant the same way to indicate the strength of the sea breeze, with the scraggy Ibigawa stones representing cliffs and white ornamental sand for the sea. COMPOSITION Use clay soil to form a framework, then pour in compost to form mountains of various sizes. Plant five Ezo spruces together to form the composition, with three on the large mountain and two on the small mountain to create variation in height. Create a path between the large and small mountains with the air of a pleasant walking trail. Position lbigawa stones of various sizes in the composition and cover them with Leucobryum juniperoideum.