Yamadori

Yamadori is a Japanese term that means "collecting plants in the mountains" or "plant picking in the wild". It is a practice of bonsai collectors who search for trees in nature that have potential to become bonsai. Yamadori trees often have unique shapes and movements that reflect their struggle for survival in harsh conditions. Collecting yamadori requires permission, experience, tools, and care. Yamadori trees are usually dug out during early spring and potted in a mixture of original soil and akadama. They are kept moist and protected from direct sunlight until they recover and can be styled or repotted. Yamadori is one of the oldest and most rewarding ways to create bonsai trees.