Bonsaify | Rockhounding and Root Over Rock Bonsai Design

Join Eric on a rockhounding trip to Black Butte Reservoir in Northern California! (Rockhounding is also known as amateur geology; the recreational study and collection of rocks, gems, minerals, or fossils from their natural environments.) He gets excited about the dark rocks he finds at a specific rock outcropping and scree slope, and the abundant mounds of vibrant, thick moss.

1:47 Eric is looking for rocks with interesting shapes, interesting faceting. He doesn't want 90 degree angles or flat faces. He's particularly fascinated by undulations you can see in the morning light.

3:51 As he carries 150 pounds of rock on his back, we realize the connection between rockhounding and weightlifting. ;-)

4:36 Back in the workshop, Eric demonstrates a design exercise for how he imagines and plans for the future use of the stones to design a root-over-rock bonsai.

7:15 Remember that the rock is our trunk and incorporate good bonsai design when imagining the composition. "Designing Root Over Rock with the tree and the rock in mind".

8:49 Eric references checking out other videos for guidance:
Early Pine Development - Don't Miss this Key Step:    • Bonsaify | Early Pine Development - Don't ...  
Rock Selection for "Root-Over-Rock" Style Bonsai Trees:    • Bonsaify | Rock Selection for "Root-Over-R...  

What do you think of his sketched composition? Let us know in the comments!

Are you interested in developing your own root over rock composition? We have kits available for purchase, you can use a rounded or angular stone option! https://www.bonsaify.com/collections/...

Please like and share this video with friends, and subscribe to our channel for more great bonsai videos!