This post resonates. My little trees generally start off with me in pots, and after a year or two, or three, graduate to something like niwaki status, as I find appropriate places for them. Some are boughten, and some gathered on the mountain like yamadori. I'm a cheerful pruner but I'm not a real bonsai, niwaki grower. Wiring, etc. seems rather brutal to me. But yes, a tree in the earth is more a tree, somehow, more allowing of deep conversation.
This post resonates. My little trees generally start off with me in pots, and after a year or two, or three, graduate to something like niwaki status, as I find appropriate places for them. Some are boughten, and some gathered on the mountain like yamadori. I'm a cheerful pruner but I'm not a real bonsai, niwaki grower. Wiring, etc. seems rather brutal to me. But yes, a tree in the earth is more a tree, somehow, more allowing of deep conversation.
Wow, your dad’s place is lovely. Hope his knee’s better soon.
Great post Max.