Erlandson was born in 1884, the son of Swedish immigrants. He raised beans in Central California near Turlock. There, Inspired by observing a natural graft between two sycamore trees. (inosculence) He began to shape trees, by planting in specified patterns; then pruning, grafting and bending them. This began as a hobby for the amusement of himself and his family.
More here.
The link isn’t working for some reason! 🙁
huh, i just tried it and it’s working for me. weird. here’s the fully link just in case: http://www.arborsmith.com/treecircus.html
Ahhh, it finally opened for me! And I must say…pretty cool!!!