Hiro Friday advanced critique

[Gerard]

Wouldn't you love to own some of these problem trees?

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[Jamie]

if these are trouble trees then i would be happy to put them on my bench! excellent stuff to work with i am especially liking the cedars there is one there that is very nice, unfortunatly they wont work up here.

that semi cascade and informal upright is something else, i love the styling behind these trees great insight!

[craigw60]

Hi Gerard, good to catch up last night pity we didn't have more time to chat.
I think everyone who bought trees in had legitimate concerns which made for a great session.
Hiro is such a great teacher he really has it all, a good sense of humor, infinite patience and a very good sense of style. We are so lucky to have had him here for so many years. His influence on bonsai in Vic was very evident last night.
I loved his solution for that chunky little black pine, it was really innovative and clever. The tree had so few branches to work with but he managed to find the perfect solution.
With thanks for the pics
Craig

[Gerard]

Hi Craig,
It was a great session the silence in the room was noteworthy as those people at this session payed close attention to every word.
(Leaving now to attend another workshop)

[Gerard]

Two years later
I remember this 3 hour session as the most amazing in my bonsai life
Good trees with problems have become much better.
Each participant presented two trees (for me this meant my two best trees)

People are reluctant to put up their best, perhaps it hurts to be criticized or a fear of change

This year July 5 and 6 the bookings for the two advanced critique sessions in Blackburn are not yet full.
If you have a special tree or two which can benefit from some good advice instead of a workshop, this is a very special and rare opportunity

[Sahara]

mmm who are these trees i like some of these trees very much.. how much is it for the sessions i have my wisteria id like to fetch.

[Gerard]

mmm who are these trees i like some of these trees very much.. how much is it for the sessions i have my wisteria id like to fetch.

Hi Sahara,
Most of these trees belong to members of the Bonsai Society of Victoria.
The cost is $55 which allows you to present two trees for critique.
Trees should be established in bonsai pots, plastic nursery pots and poly boxes are more suited to one of the workshop sessions.
Not much is expected from the participants, Hiro does all the work.
Hiro might suggest that a branch should be removed and will respectfully ask the owner if he should proceed.
Sometimes work is done on the tree and sometimes the owner will take the tree home and make final decisions in their own time.