Refining a black pine

This summer I recorded the process of refining a black pine for Bonsai: Journal of the American Bonsai Society. The resulting article appeared in Volume 50, Number 3.

The work was a lot of fun. I took a few more photos than usual and wrote about decandling, cutback, needle pulling and wiring.

Here’s a snapshot of the work from start to finish. For the full story, find a copy of Bonsai or become an ABS member.

Black pine, before work started – June, 2016

After decandling and cutback

After pulling needles

After wiring – work complete

Countdown to the U.S. National Exhibit: 15 days

The U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition in Rochester, New York, is just two weeks away. I’ll have trees, tools, pots, books and supplies available at the event, including tools from Kaneshin, Kikuwa and ARS.

Angled scissors, carving tool, “Jackie,” grafting tacks