trees and animals in the burren

These are a couple of native trees from the Burren area of Clare growing in one of the less wind exposed area, but still showing great character. Pictures are from last summer.

Whitethorn and Donkeys.

Ash and Horses.

and Cow...

beech

 Beech has a fantastic winter silhouette so it's no surprise it's a popular subject for bonsai. It's easy to spot the rusty leaves at the moment along the roadsides where they are trimmed and slashed continuously by passing traffic and hedge-cutters. Spade at the ready I'm hoping to pick up a few by end of yamadori season.

beech air layer video Derk Feluren (in dutch)

I never realized beech would air layer so well....

Fagus sylvatica AIR LAYER Derk Fleuren VIDEO 1

Fagus sylvatica AIR LAYER Derk Fleuren VIDEO 2

bonsai europa 2014

Finally got back to this blog to upload some photos from Bonsai Europa. Good to meet up with all the guys from the Irish bonsai community, some for the first time and some not. The highlight for me was simply looking at so many fantastic trees, and trying to soak up all I could learn from them. To see trees in an exhibition such as this was hugely inspirational and I hope it will help me improve my own modest little treelings at home.