AusBonsai

Ok, so I'm not sure where to post this, but this area seemed the best. If this thread needs to be moved, I'm happy for that to happen

So, I am a little confused about the windswept style. Is it meant to be a tree growing in an area of constant gale-forced winds, or a "snapshot" of a tree caught in a huge gust of wind? Or are these two separate schools of thought in windswept style? Or am I just looking into it too much?

For example, this article shows a forest in windswept style: http://bonsaibark.com/2013/03/27/blowing-in-the-wind/
However, there are branches on the "wind side" that just appear to be bent around as if in a huge gale. If this tree was growing in constant gale-forced winds, the buds that originally sprouted and grew into these branches would not have survived. Reading the article, it appears that the owner is talking about this "snapshot" style. In another article I have read, they talk about "up-drafts" in the wind, something I imagine would only have an effect if the tree was caught in ONE big gust of wind, but then again I am probably wrong.

As you can see in these pictures of real trees in the wild, all the branches are on one side of the tree, and are obviously growing in constant exposure to large gusts of wind.
https://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en& ... 00&bih=809

Here is an example of a bonsai in this style of windswept: http://artofbonsai.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=102
Edit: sorry, this tree is also at the bottom of the first article.
Could someone please explain to me about this? I must admit that I like the "snapshot" version the most, but am just interested about the rules of windswept style

The impression that I got from Windswept style is that it is a tree that has grown like that, in an area constantly exposed to heavy winds, not one that has just been caught in a gust of wind That was just how I interpreted the style anyways

These are two tree's that I'd class as 'windswept'

I think most of the "rules" of bonsai should be looked on more as guidelines. Because of that, I think you could go either way, snapshot or chronic gale force wind exposure. Both are seen in nature, that's for sure.

If you're going for the more static version, think about wind patterns. Very rarely does the wind always blow, so there will be stronger areas that can grow against the wind, but the ends will usually curve back around as they get weaker. I think this is what Robert Steven was saying in the article you posted. One way to think of it is that a short branch might be able to grow straight into the wind (thinking of aerodynamics here) but as it extends, the natural bends and extra foliage it acquires will cause it to catch more wind, and bend more.

Some of the most exposed trees will also be subject to other forces, such as rockslides, crushing snow, or even avalanches, which may contribute a direction to the growth against prevailing wind patterns. Lots to think about.

Ultimately, do what looks right and makes you happy. As long as you work with the tree and execute well, I think windswept can look good with either of the definitions you have proposed.

One of my favorite windswept designs: viewtopic.php?f=104&t=14106&p=146302

Jason, do you know what trees they are? At a guess, the top one looks like Melaleuca - possibly a very interesting style for these trees.

Thanks for posting.

Gavin

Wind swept trees usually would be those that were growing straight up, then got swept over by some freak gust. If you notice in these sorts of plantings the trunk is also being "swept". A constant gust would not be able to bend the trunk over time hence just gives the whole tree a once over and is done with it.

The other style is more penjing than Bonsai and that is the style I prefer. Where the trunk and primary branching is all normal to an extent and gently suggest that wind has repositioned some of the branches, and the secondary and onwards branching is more heavily bent into the wind. This is obviously not likely to occur in nature however looks so much better.

Either either though

GavinG wrote:Jason, do you know what trees they are? At a guess, the top one looks like Melaleuca - possibly a very interesting style for these trees.

Thanks for posting.

Gavin

Sorry Gavin, I don't have the names of them, was just from google. The top one did actually put me in the mind of a Mel, but wasn't able to find a match

IFrom what I could find, I think that it is actually is a cypress.... either that or the photo was taken in Cyprus

The second is take at the Seven Sisters Country Park, near Seaford in East Sussex UK. There is a hundred different photos of these trees.... not one of them given a name though. They are known as "The Windswept Tree"

Thanks for the feedback everyone, it seems these are two different schools of thought Im just interested in what you all thought. Thanks for all your input

The confusion is caused by using one term for two concepts. 'Windswept' is a tree permanently blown sideways; 'windblown' are normally structured trees showing a frozen moment of how they look in a gust of wind. There is an excellent one on the US National Arboretum site - in the Penjing gallery.

Check out the Wiki page on Styles and see if that can help out
https://www.ausbonsai.com.au/wiki/index. ... nsai_style

Let us know if anything can be improved

Thanks for the clarification Steve, that makes sense I couldnt find the tree you were talking about however.

kcpoole wrote:Check out the Wiki page on Styles and see if that can help out
https://www.ausbonsai.com.au/wiki/index. ... nsai_style

Let us know if anything can be improved

Thanks, I do have an understanding of windswept style already. The link you gave me doesn't really apply to my question though. Thanks anyway!

missybonsai wrote:Thanks for the clarification Steve, that makes sense I couldnt find the tree you were talking about however.

kcpoole wrote:Check out the Wiki page on Styles and see if that can help out
https://www.ausbonsai.com.au/wiki/index. ... nsai_style

Let us know if anything can be improved

Thanks, I do have an understanding of windswept style already. The link you gave me doesn't really apply to my question though. Thanks anyway!

Sounds like it needs improved then!

Jason wrote:

GavinG wrote:Jason, do you know what trees they are? At a guess, the top one looks like Melaleuca - possibly a very interesting style for these trees.

Thanks for posting.

Gavin

Sorry Gavin, I don't have the names of them, was just from google. The top one did actually put me in the mind of a Mel, but wasn't able to find a match

IFrom what I could find, I think that it is actually is a cypress.... either that or the photo was taken in Cyprus

The second is take at the Seven Sisters Country Park, near Seaford in East Sussex UK. There is a hundred different photos of these trees.... not one of them given a name though. They are known as "The Windswept Tree"

Most likely a yew (Taxus baccata)

SteveW wrote:The confusion is caused by using one term for two concepts. 'Windswept' is a tree permanently blown sideways; 'windblown' are normally structured trees showing a frozen moment of how they look in a gust of wind. There is an excellent one on the US National Arboretum site - in the Penjing gallery.

Very nicely put Steve and very accurate.

The term 'Windswept' is taken literally where the whole tree is swept by ongoing wind. Windblown is your snapshot. I think you can also add Wind Inclined and Riverswept to the range also. All beautiful when done well.

Thanks for the clarification Steve, that makes sense I couldnt find the tree you were talking about however.

Here is the tree.. the gallery for their national collection ion the national bonsai federation website; on the collections link. The tree, a hackberry, is not in the gallery.

Wow that certainly is a beautiful tree Steve! Thanks for taking the time to post it here that is the style I prefer