No clowns, no elephants, just trees

Back in the 1920's Axel Erlandson happened upon two sycamore trees that had naturally grafted together; he was inspired to create his own "living sculptures" through grafting and bending the trees. In 1947 he opened his Tree Circus, where people could pay to see his botanical art. He worked on his creations for 40 years until his death in 1964. Through neglect, a number of trees didn't survive, but in 1985 Michael Bonfante purchased and transplanted the surviving trees to his family theme park Bonfante Gardens in Gilroy, CA.

Today, the art of arborsmithing is alive and well. Richard Reames is the driving force behind Arbormith Studios and is the author of the book How To Grow a Chair. Richard's site also offers My Father Talked To Trees by Axel's daughter Wilma.
(via punkasspunk)