Can you turn a Photograph into a REAL Bonsai tree?

[@BTG3342]

We gotta do what we need mate. Every hobby deserves rewards Thanks for silver birch styling, reminds me to check and wash mine and winter wash. I put my trees facing the direction of the sun in early spring to help encourage growth in that direction, and by April moving them to more shady places ready to flourish Happy days xav

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Simple solution and yet something I didnt even think about. Cheers :)

[@BTG3342]

@XaviersBonsaiRetreat welcome. It does mean they don't stand in a good viewing position strait away but all the buds grow out towards the sun. Awesome stuff. 👌

[@notionbonsai]

I love this photo of Tony's, he was such a great photographer. I have all his photos saved in a file on my PC. Nice to see an update on this project Xavier. I might do a photograph challenge myself next year!

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I like the idea of using Tony's photos for this challenge too :)

[@oachkatzlsmum]

Adam, would you mind sharing some of Tony’s photos - All attempts of getting one of Tony’s cuttings or trees failed because of import restrictions… One of Tony’s photos could be the opportunity for me to develop a Tony‘s Memorial Bonsai Tree this way. Thanks for considering. Martina

[@rebeccahunter725]

I miss Tony, he was good value! This is a very interesting planting, and I look forward to watching how it develops. (Oh, and don't forget the wire . . .)

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

It is just really bedding in but I am hopeful for the direction it will take over the next few years. Like all things bonsai...it is a question of time :)

[@sylviahardy4568]

No apology needed Xavier. Dont forget to wire 😊

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Thnaks Sylvia. Why did I make that comment :)

[@markjagger7139]

It’s looking very good Xaz, don’t forget the wire 😊

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I will not hear the end of that comment :)

[@KennetDeBondt]

Live and let live, brother! Nice video! Grts Kennet

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Cheers Kennet - it is ridiculous that we have to feel the need to justify doing something that is totally ok :)

[@andrewclack4881]

No apologies needed Xav, you make the choices . Its your channel. I v'e been into bonsai ( like many people) since Karate Kid days! 🙂🙂🙂, and have actively taught myself for 20 years. I wish I had the personality for it.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I wish I did too :)

[@robstanley559]

Great video, thanks for the info on the winter wash. I will look into getting some. 👍

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

No worries Rob :)

[@Steves_Backyard_Bonsai]

I love this idea, and it’s developing so nicely Xav. I loved watching Tony and so enjoyed his replies to my comments. This is such a nice tribute. We have a haunting painting with very unusual trees in the background that I’ve often thought about rendering in Bonsai. I think I might even have the right trees for it. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I look forward to seeing that develop :)

[@thebonsaiprojectkernow]

God bless Tony, such a legend in his own right, I've got a photo of a blue atlas cedar that I would love to recreate but its going to take years 🤣 Thanks for the middle finger too 💪

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

It needs to get regular exercise Dan - time is not an issue...so get busy :)

[@nerinat8371]

Doing awesome work Xavier

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Cheers Nerina - it keeps me off the streets :)

[@jennifertucker107]

No apology necessary. Merry Christmas.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Very kind and I wish you the best for Christmas too Jennifer

[@stevemorgan9687]

Castille soap bicarbonate of soda and vegetable oil spoon of each to a litre winter wash love the ads if they keep the show going . don't forget the wire

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Cheers Steve. Thanks for the recipe. Why castille soap?

[@suer666]

Its always great to have an honest opinion on a product. I enjoyed that video. No apology needed x

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I felt like I had 'crossed' an unwritten line - some comments amazed me :)

[@antiduckable]

I am planning to do some photo challenges myself... I just hope next year's cuttings are successful 🤞 Hopefully the sponsorships keep coming in! 😆 I thought you did really well with the Raycon video - covering all the points whilst keeping it all bonsai related.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I appreciate the kind words - good to see you have some projects in mind for 2025 :)

[@malsrfun2956]

Jelle just started an inspiring thread on the Bonsai Nut forum with photos of "elegant" trees. Don't forget the wire!😅

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Jelle always copies my ideas :)

[@raymondbirds2392]

Lovely job

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Thanks raymond

[@danielleeskelton]

Don't apologise for doing the ad Xav. If people don't like it, they don't have to watch it. Or if you do them in future they can skip them. Pay no attention to the complainers.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I agree with you totally and perhaps this was my way of expressing my opinion on that matter :)

[@peterfransen5561]

Don’t forget the wires Xav😂

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Yep - I am definitely starting to regret making that request :)

[@jamesbutcher7171]

Don’t forget the wire Xav 😂

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I really shouldn't have said that :)

[@oachkatzlsmum]

Hi Xavier, this photo-challenge is a special one. ❤️👍 Hope to see a lot of subscribers-challenge-trees in the future. 🙏 My last attempt to find a tree in nature or on photo witch matches one of my trees failed… 😂 So change my strategy: Eyes open to find a suitable big tree and develop one of mine… Guess this is the idea anyway 😅 Meanwhile two of my silverbirches had major branches died back. As I tend to keep a lot of branches, dieback in birches is a risk I‘m aware of. Luckily without these branches there are great new opportunities in design 😅🤩 Absolutely enjoyed. 🙏😍 Cheers 🙋‍♀️ Martina

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

You have summed up the spirit of bonsai perfectly. let the tree decide the direction it will take :)

[@joegarland4885]

Hi Xav, Thanks for keeping the vids going, my friend also if you get an offer to promote a product other than bonsai take it, we all could do with more money in our pockets and your very good at it. Been doing a similar thing with my trees removing wire a light prune qnd making sure the top surface of the soil is free from moss and any other debris that shouldnt be there, nice to have a bit of bright weather this week so we can get out and sort out the trees. Stay warm mate.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Spot on Joe. I have really enjoyed doing some work on the trees this week. I did the dawn redwood work yesterday and even started to move stuff around the garden. I like to bunch them right up near the walls of the house and fences. Got to get to the Ginkgo tomorrow :)

[@ScottTheExperimentalist]

Don’t forget the wire Xav!

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I'm glad someone reminded me :)

[@Bonsaicrazy]

Great video xav 👊

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Thanks Andy

[@oachkatzlsmum]

And just because you’ve asked for, but said my way: Admire remember the wire, Xavier 😘❤️ The funny thing is, I replayed several times, but I didn’t get exactly what you‘ve meant by that. 🤷🏼‍♀️😂 Is it because of the cold temperatures? And if - Have you ever heard about the technique of wrapping the wire with stripes of papertowel before the actual branch wiring, to protect the branches (not sure if it was Bonsai Mirai). For birches I’ve used isolated wire - less damage and no issues in winter, in my experience. Cheers 🙋‍♀️

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Yes it was bonsi mirai who showed that technique. I didnt want to forget the wire because it was still early summer when I said that...no wire bite for me ;)

[@oachkatzlsmum]

@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat The biting in… 😄👍 Thanks for clarification 😘

[@Chris-oq6kn]

Great tree xav. Im starting to get into windswept. Put together a shimpaku windswept. Happy thanksgiving xav to u and ur family!🙏🙏🙏🦴👁🔛 and of course our dear friend tony🙏🙏🙏

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Will it be a fully loaded Turkey for you today?

[@Chris-oq6kn]

@XaviersBonsaiRetreat no stuffed bird stuffing on the side🤣. Hope u had a good time

[@RolandWampers]

nice one Xav

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Thanks Roland

[@randysmith1723]

Xavier, just wondering if using clip and grow is just a preference for this one, or if Nigel has finally worn you down? 😂. Seriously, I like the idea and want to branch out in some of my designs as well. Look forward to the continued development of it; Raycon earbuds are a good decent product to endorse, so don’t apologize. And don’t forget the wire! 🍻

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I did the intial wiring but I think I can do this with just clip and grow now. But...I am not afraid to upset the 'clip and grow' posse with a bit of wire :)

[@brucedeacon28]

👍👌🙂

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Cheers Bruce

[@AlexBraunton]

Did you just swear at me?! Twice?! Cheeky 😂 P.S. Dont forget the wire Xav!

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

maybe...

[@derekgillan7314]

Good idea!

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I have ideas of that loch Lomen Oak :)

[@rtregear]

Don’t go getting another job. You already have one that’s at least full time - making bonsai vids. Do whatever you have to make it pay. And don’t forget the wire.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Thanks for your support Roger - just removing the wire now :)

[@ScottTheExperimentalist]

Are you aware of any books that demonstrate what you are doing here? Photo in nature and then bonsai inspired by?

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Not that i am aware of but I have seen nature inspired bonsai pictures.