Notes
for beginners
#101 EspritBonsaiInternational - 29So on the opposite side, the natu-
ral forces push the roots down into
the soil. Whereas on the cascade
side, compressed roots develop
to resist the pressure of the forces
acting upon them. It is thus a case
of opposing forces.A variety of cascades
There are various types of cas-
cade:- with an offset crown, and lower
pads placed along a line that leads
to the crown; - with lower pads and crown all
in one line.
Another variant is evocative of a
tree that is growing in a difficult loca-
tion: the tree has no crown, and so
the line of the trunk and the appea-
rance of the bark are of the utmost
importance. Jin and shari further
enhance the dramatic effect. There
are only a few pads, and these are
compact, with foliage reduced to
the minimum. The longest branches
are positioned on the cascade
side, and the trunk also inclines in
this direction. In nature, trees lean
out towards the light, rather than in
towards the cliff. Such trees are sha-
ped by snow, which pushes them
downwards as they seek the light.
The result is trees that are horizontal
and slightly upward-turned.
A deep pot
A cascade’s pot accentuates its
height. It should be round, hexago-
nal, octagonal or in any other equi-
lateral shape. A very long cascade
should be placed in a very deep,
narrow pot, which will reinforce its
dramatic aspect. Deep pots balance
out the cascade effect both mecha-
nically and visually. Also, in moun-
tain habitats, tree roots extend deep
down into cracks in the rock. Deep
pots speak of this additional aspect.
The tip of a cascade is normally
positioned below the base of the pot.
Check that the cascade is not the
same height as the pot, and that the
stand is not the same height as the
cascade or pot. Different types
of cascade.The tree’s crown is slightly offset in relation to the base
of the trunk. Collection Luigi Maggioni collection.Focal pointDeadwood
provides this
cascade’s
focal points.