Introduction

This is a demonstration I did at our 1999 Rendezvous. The Rendezvous is held on Memorial Day weekend every Spring and features lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on workshops with well-known bonsai masters. For information on the upcoming Rendezvous, email us.

Creating an outstanding bonsai grove begins with proper tree selection. I have selected trident maples for this demonstration for a number of reasons. Trident maples have small leaves or compact foliage making them ideal for groves. Furthermore, they have an upright posture providing attractive trunk lines.

I selected 21 trees of various heights and trunk sizes. The taller trees have larger trunks. When selecting the trees, you should look for nice clean trunks with some taper.

It is important to use an odd number of trees in groves under 15 trees. Odd numbered groves are more appealing to the eye and easier to arrange. The eye can not detect a difference in groves with more than 15 trees.

All bonsai groves should be planted in shallow pots or stone slabs. A thin soil profile has the desired effect of focusing more attention on the trunks. You are striving to create the illusion of trees coming out of the ground.