Czech Yamadori

Current height:  60 cm Collected: Spring 2014 This Pear has grown in the tiny  stone pit used in the past by locals to get some material for their houses.   The pit was abandoned while ago and now the nature is slowly taking it back. The hawthorns, wild roses, locust trees are the dominant species that are again invading the space with enormous vigour. I came to this area during my search for the blackthorns that grow on the adjacent slopes.   I was initially attracted by the hawthorns and only accidently spotted a tree that grew in the pocket in the otherwise upright stone wall.  Many years ago a small seed of a pear landed in the crack of weathered rock.  Anchored the first tiny roots and begun the life of struggle with hard rock, scarce water and nutrient supply.   The nature elements - water, frost, sun and wind - have combined their forces to erode the place more and more.   On one side it was beneficial to the tree on the other side t...

I have postponed repotting of this pear till next year to allow development of the roots and the branch structure.    The slow development of the roots is a real challenge here.   I hope that with more foliage the tree may develop some new roots.    I will also try to get some small plants that could be grafted to the tree if necessary. This summer  I plan to enlarge the natural cavity  in the trunk.

Indolebutyric acid (IBA) is a plant hormone that stimulates root growth.   There are many brands commercially available.   And there are also numerous  natural sources of the same stuff.   For those who prefers the natural approach,  who are not bothered by some sweat and dirty hands th ere is the Nature with it s pantry full of goodies. The most common source of IBA in my region is a  willow tree.    Actually,   this tree is not  only a beautiful solitaire used for centuries in gardening or landscaping to make the embankments of lakes, rivers and ponds firmer.  It is also a source of energy for the  bees ( pollen) or humans ( biomass ).  Chewing the bark of willows has been used to reduce the fever and inflammation as the bark contains salicin that was used to develop aspirin.   The whips of willows are also important part of an Eastern seasonal activity. One of the most important Slavic symbols of Easter ...

In  spring 2008 I was in a woodland on the north part of Prague searching for a blackthorns.   The whole area has been covered by the bushes of all possible sizes but none of them did not make me take out my camera.  It is not a problem here to find a nicely sized trunk with cracked bark.  But there is no movement on them.  Just long straight pieces of wood without any taper. The search brought me to an old pear.   I have touched the nicely formed bark that has been developing for many years.   I was about the leave the area when I have noticed  tiny  branches  pushing their way out from the cover of fallen leaves.   I have got on my knees and my fingers cleared away the brown leaves and pieces of tiny branches.   The heart beat has accelerated and my mind was full of expectations.   There was a very small tree with remarkably old cracked bark covering  thick trunk with a small cavity.    It takes many yea...

  The broadleaved trees are very attractive in general.   Their constantly changing look moving from bare silhouette in winter, first softly green leaves or first blossoms in early spring, branches covered with dense cushions of leaves or even branches bending down under the heavy loads of fruits.  And the first cold days makes the trees to start changing the colours in the various shades of yellow and red. And then there are deciduous trees that bring even more emotions. One of them for my part is the Miharu Takizakura.  Beauty in its essence. www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ojSV_vs9Hs A few years ago I discovered and collected this little beauty.    The trunk of the tree has been originally buried under the ground.  So when I first saw  the tree it has looked  more like a shrub with three basic branches.    The tree is probably too small  to create a  waterfall structure  similar to this takizakura but oth...

Back in 2011 I have been travelling on a highway when I have spotted reddish  blossoms on trees in the nearby forest.  On the way back  I have been actively looking for that area to see more details.   Nice reddish colour was really very attractive and it was not only the blossoms but also the red leaves that makes me to plan a visit to that area.  Originally I thought there are some red flowering cherries but at the time I have visited the spot I have realised that the trees are part of a Malus family.   The height of the trees were about 3-5 meters and I could not find anything really suitable for a collection.   Then I have decided to get closer to the highway. There was a grassy corridor  approximately 4 meters wide with some small bushes  covered with bronze leaves. More closer look  revealed nice chunky trunks with lot of dead woods caused by massive custs on the top of the trunks.   The highway maintenance workers have regula...

I have collected this little tree in 2011.    At that time the plant looked rather like a small bush - only the top part - numerous branches growing up in different directions -  has been visible above the ground.   In 2013 I have decided to keep it as a bonsai and have started to clean the old soil.   It was only then when I have realized there is little treasure covered by the soil - a small chunky trunk.  Well it hasn´t had the typical alligator skin ( nicely cracked old bark )  but it was there.   And I am sure we can develop the propper bark texture  in the course of next years.   The potential final height should be below 20 cm.   Nov 2014