International Bonsai Academy in Istria, Croatia #1

Last weekend I met Igor and friends in Istria, Croatia. Igor has a stunning collection of all self collected indigenous trees. We analyzed every single one at length and then worked on most of them. The cuts were drastic, as one can see. Afterwards the whole place looked quite different. This was great fun, for me at least. We plan a similar session in one year.

in M&A's garden again

By now I feel like coming home on the way to Castela near Split, Croatia to visit Marija and Andrija - here some glimpses into the garden. Marija paints the deadwood of a pistacia black. This is unheard of. Is it allowed at all? Well, as long as the whole world piants deadwood white we resrve the right to paint some of broadleaved trees black. The artistic aim of this painting, whether white or black ist to create sharp contrast between living and dead parts. Both serve the purpose.