Rich Patronages Drive Taiwan Bonsai Scene

The rich in Taiwan are collecting bonsai in addition to antique. This is one of the major reason for the vibrancy of the Taiwanese Bonsai scene. Money and plenty of it are driving this market. The prices being quoted for some of these bonsai are way beyond the means of most people. I counted at least 30 bonsai on display in the name of this person whom I learned is a wealth Taiwanese businessman. Here are some of his trees on display.

More Pix of Taiwan Aspac2009

Massive Taiwan 10th ASPAC 2009

Recently I spend a week in Taiwan attending the massive Taiwan 10th ASPAC 2009. Massive in the number of trees - 760. Massive in the size of the tree - most of them are more than 2 person bonsai. Some may even need a folklift. Massive in the standard and quality of bonsai on display. Massive in the bonsai not on display. Mr Loh Min Suan had only two trees on display. Some well known Taiwanese masters were not represented. Amy Liang still has hundreds in her private garden. Massive in the materials available. Tawan has definitely established itself as a world leader in bonsai. Here are some of the hundreds of photos I took. Will post more as and when I have the time.

Another Type of tea tree

This is another type of tea tree. It is a Leptospermum polygalifolium or more commonly listed as Leptospermum flavescens. This cultivar is Pacific Beauty. The biliogical age of the tree is more than 20 years. I have been training it for the last 6 - 7 years. The natural form of the tree is weeping which is the way I trained it. It flowers abundantly in early Spring. Quiet a sight especially those mature trees growing in the ground. From a distance they look like snow in Spring.