Workshop / Autumn 2017

Autumn 2017

Conifer bonsai with an arched trunk and hanging branches in a tall dark pot. — The cascade with its broadly curved trunk before further branch styling. · Photo 01 / 32

Bonsai with a curved trunk and dense green crown in a round reddish-brown pot against a light background. — The juniper’s dense crown still hides much of the trunk line. · Photo 02 / 32

Bonsai with two curved trunk sections and yellow-green foliage in a round dark pot. — Autumn foliage frames the two distinctive trunk sections. · Photo 03 / 32

Autumn is a good time to take a closer look at branch structure. At our workshop with Josef Burschl, we continued working on deciduous trees and conifers, from a small conifer to a large cascade.

Josef Burschl · Bonsai Kreativ

View all 32 photos

The workshop at a glance.

Topic: Branch structure, wiring and autumn styling
Bonsai artist: Josef Burschl
Organizer: Bonsai Kreativ
Format: Workshop
Photo series: 32 photographs

Developing your own tree

When you look at your trees in autumn, you can see much of what the summer foliage had hidden. Which branches suit the trunk? Where do twigs get in each other’s way? We discuss these questions at the tree. Josef Burschl and each owner decide on the next steps; I support the work and the exchange of ideas within the group.

The photos show how different those steps can be. On one juniper, arranging the branches brings its twisted trunk into clearer view. On the pines, we use wire to position the branches. A large cascade calls for a different approach from a small tree on its mossy mound. We also work on the continuing development of the deciduous trees and tree groups.

For me, an autumn workshop also means looking ahead: what can this particular tree cope with now, and which work should wait for a more suitable time? After styling, it needs appropriate care and a sheltered place for the winter.