I was sort of dreading this week’s letter, as many participants in Jenny Matlock’s Alphabe-Thursday probably were. I kept thinking words that would work if I was willing to cheat a little; “eXamine” or “eXclaim” and so on.
Luckily though, Isaac and I decided to drive down to Federal Way, a town we hadn’t yet explored, and one that is only about 15 miles away. As we usually do before such an adventure, we Googled the town to see what interesting things it has to offer.
One of the things we decided to check out was the Bonsai Collection, curated by the Weyerhaeuser Company. It’s an interesting place to visit, they have 60 different individual bonsai, in a nicely laid out exhibit garden. The exhibit is mostly all outside, and on rainy days like today it makes it a very soggy experience, but cool nevertheless.
These “trees” are works of art that take years (think three decades or more) to mold into the final product. Many of them have been shaped into certain shapes or styles of bonsai, such as the cascade or semi-cascade bonsai, which is designed to mirror the trees seen clinging to cliff-sides.
And so, my entry into the Alphabe-Thursday collection is this:
the xenomorphic bonsai
and a triptych of some of the others:
Each tree is so different, both because of the variety of tree species used, and because of the design.
What X words can you come up with? Check out the other participants/join in the fun yourself here:
I LOVE this post! I have always loved to visit the bonsai exhibits at botanical gardens. I wish I had the patience for bonsai. What an excellent “X” post you have offered here!!
Hi Judie! Thank you! The plants were pretty amazing. I’ve seen bonsai before, but never this many, or this much variety all in one place. It was especially interesting to learn that nearly any kind of tree or plant can be trained into a bonsai. There were the traditional ones here, as well as a crab apple, wisteria, and a California Redwood! So very cool.
Thanks for your comment on my “X” post. I DID submit my story to Studio 360′s Significant Object contest, as did my son, Joey. I posted his story last Thursday. If you have not read it, PLEASE do so. It is really awesome. I look forward to more Alphabe-Thursday posts from YOU!!!
Oh, dumb me, I read that, and my brain didn’t even register that contest = submission…*shakes head* Anyway, that’s great, I think you ought to win! I am going to check out your son’s story too. I also think that if you’re so inclined there are magazines that print short stories in their publications that you could take yours to. I’m no expert, but it’s really well written, very succinct and offers a good punch at the end.
love your x post Those plants are amazing
Thanks Becky! They really are! Kind of creepy too…maybe that’s just me though. ;)
Hello.
I love Bonsai. I think they are so romantic in a strange sort of way, although you’re right, some of them can look creepy. Thanks for sharing.
You are invited to join me this Saturday May 5th for Blog Hop Saturday!
Xanthippe
Hi Andy!
Bonsai really is so interesting! I sort of want to try my hand at it, but I’m not sure if I’m patient enough!
I find bonsai trees so fascinating.~Ames
Me too! Thanks for stopping by, Ames!
Ooh I like this post! I love these sweet trees! Great X post! Have a terrific weekend and come visit soon.
Thanks Anne! You too! I will stop by soon!
new vocab word, with pretty pics to accompany it. thank you!
Thanks Sue!
fabulous post, and what an amazing tree! amazing works of art from a living source … so much love and care must go into the cultivation of these trees.
The best part is that almost any kind of tree can be trained into a bonsai. It really does take so much love and patience! Whew!
What a great word! That look like a great place to visit.
It was fun! Thanks for stopping by, Teresa!
I totally love these! Just might pin it too! Thanks!
Go for it! Thanks Karen!
It is always enjoyable to see examples of bonsai. Each one really is unique. Some are so elegant, complex and manicured, others are almost modern in their clean lines. Thank you for sharing this with us!
Absolutely! Thanks for your comments!
Xenomorphic–I like that word!
Bonsai is so cool! We have a conservatory in town that has a permanent display–inside.
my blog
Awesome! (I thought so too, and I was so happy to find it on this “X” word day!)
I always adore the fantastical shapes of bonsai trees. My husband and I think it would be an interesting hobby. My favorite ones are the groupings so it looks like a tiny forest!
Thanks for an Xcellent link to the letter X.
And, yes, I took the easy way out in this comment ! ha!
Thank you for linking.
A+