Remember,
if it ain't fun,
it ain't bonsai!
Golden Arrow Bonsai
"Let Yourself Go Wild"
Ancient Collected Trees
Andrew Smith, 22473 Alpine Acres Dr., Deadwood, S.D. 57732 605-342-4467 goldenarrowbonsai@gmail.com
This is Page 10 Updated 10/26/20
Driftwood and stone slabs
Naturally weathered driftwood is often used for making a Phoenix graft, or tanuki. It is also used in ikebana, and as a bonsai accent.
Making a Phoenix graft is a fun way to create an ancient and beautiful looking bonsai in just an afternoon. To make a Phoenix graft a young, flexible tree is inserted and grown into a groove carved into a piece of driftwood, creating a tree with an aged character from a plant with youthful vigor. Design options are only limited by your imagination. The specimen at left is one I made several years ago using two spruce seedlings attached to a piece of juniper driftwood.
The Wood
Rocky Mt. juniper wood is the most popular for making phoenix grafts. It is light, hard, rot resistant and has a great character -which can be further enhanced by carving. I cut pieces only from trees that have already died or pieces found on the ground.
Shipping: Postal rates have gone up and currently FedEx is the cheapest carrier to most locations. Speed-Dee Delivery is very affordable in the midwest. Often, but not always, several pieces can fit together in one box with no increase in shipping rates.
Item # D1: RM juniper. Price $25. Shipping $45.
Natural stone slabs for bonsai
Item # SS1: Limestone slab.
Approximately 1/2" thick
Two 1/2" drainage/wire holes.
Surface: slightly concave.
Price: $70. Shipping: $21, priority mail.
Item # SS2: Sandtone slab.
Approximately 1/2" to 1" thick.
Two 1/2" drainage/wire holes,one 5/16" hole .
Surface: slightly undulating.
Price: $65. Shipping: $35.
Item # SS3: Shale slab.
Approximately 1/2" thick.
Three 1/2" drainage/wire holes.
Surface: slightly undulating.
Price: $85. Shipping: $45.
Item # SS5: Shale slab.
Approximately 3/8" thick.
Three 5/16" drainage/wire holes.
Surface: slightly undulating.
Price: $35. Shipping: $21. Priority mail.
Item # SS6: Shale slab.
Approximately 3/8" thick.
Three 5/16" drainage/wire holes.
Surface: slightly undulating.
Price: $35. Shipping: $21. Priority mail.
Item # SS7: Shale slab.
Approximately 3/4" thick.
No holes.
Surface: Flat.
Price: $30. Shipping: $21, priority mail.
Item # SS8: Shale slab.
Approximately 1/2" thick.
Three 1/2" drainage/wire holes.
Surface: slightly undulating.
Price: $55. Shipping: $30.
The ancient guardian.
Item # D2: RM juniper. Price $25. Shipping $45.
Item # D3: RM juniper. Price $25. Shipping $45.
Item # D4: RM juniper. Price $35. Shipping $45.
Item # D5: RM juniper. Price $35. Shipping $45.
Item # D9: RM juniper. Price $45. Shipping $45.
Item # D6: RM juniper. Price $35. Shipping $45.
Item # D7: RM juniper. Price $40. Shipping $45.
Item # D8: RM juniper. Price $45. Shipping $45.
Item # D13: RM juniper. Price $40. Shipping $45.
A stone slab is sometimes a perfect natural container for bonsai.
Above: A group of Black Hills spruce on a granite slab.
Item # D14: RM juniper. Price $55. Shipping $45.
Item # D15: RM juniper. Price $75 Shipping $65.
