by John Callaway

The term "phoenix graft" was first coined by bonsai artist Dan Robinson, referring to the mythical bird which rose from the ashes. A phoenix graft is the combination of a living tree (or trees) and a section of driftwood. Many artists have been successful at creating beautiful examples of phoenix grafts. Colin Lewis has a remarkable tree on the cover of his book "The Art of Bonsai Design".

Called tanuki in Japan for the folk-tale badger that plays tricks on people, a phoenix graft is a shortcut to a thickened trunk, often with very amazing driftwood. The phoenix graft mimics deadwood produced in nature - limbs snapped by the weight of snow, wood dried by wind, and bleached by the sun. As a result, this style works best with trees that have naturally occurring deadwood, such as junipers.

First, start by selecting a piece of driftwood. Interesting pieces can be found in many places such as deserts, mountains, oceans and rivers, etc. More desirable pieces will be contorted with a lot of character.

Next, decide how to orient the driftwood. As with all bonsai, selecting the proper angle is extremely important. Bonsai must look good from all sides, but the front will show the best movement. With phoenix graft bonsai, a nice "vein" (the live section of the bonsai) visible from the front is ideal.

Attaching the living tree to the driftwood is a fairly straightforward process. Create a channel for the live tree by routing out a small groove in the driftwood, leaving a little extra space for the live tree to grow. In a few years, the tree will fill the channel and "graft" itself onto the driftwood; in the meantime it is held in place with small copper nails or staples. The bonsai-in-training can now be firmly anchored in a pot. The existing roots will not be able to support the new weight of the driftwood. Any driftwood below the soil line will soak up moisture and eventually rot, so prop up the new tree using one or more rocks - lava rocks work quite well. Add soil, water, and place in a protected area for a week or two.

Join us for the phoenix graft workshop Saturday, April 9th from 10 AM - 3 PM at the Bon Air Library. Contact Earl Ekman to reserve your spot in this workshop. Space is limited, so be sure to call early.

You will need:

• A medium to large size pot (rectangular or oval work best)
• Soil
• Wire
• Interesting driftwood (some available for free, more interesting pieces starting at $20)
• A die grinder (if you have one)
• Juniper whip (the club will provide these for $20)
• A large rock (preferably lava rocks, such as those used in propane grills)

MORE READING: www.bonsaitalk.com/links/Styles/Phoenix/