Coast redwoods are a fantastic species for training as bonsai, and one that I plan to write about more going forward. One fun thing about redwoods is that there are a number of different approaches to training them. Some people set the structure of the tree by pruning and wiring, while others build branches by […]
Bonsai Development
Bonsai Development posts form the heart of Bonsai Tonight. Learn about varieties like Black Pine, Shimpaku and Japanese Maple, techniques like Decandling and Grafting and Air Layering, and bonsai features like Deadwood.
Developing a grafted juniper
I’ve been waiting three years to start shaping one of the junipers in my garden. Since I decided to graft it in winter, 2018, I’ve been allowing it to grow freely until there was enough new foliage to support the tree on its own (see “Grafting follow-up” for the previous post about this tree). I […]
Committing to an approach graft – separating the roots
I recently acquired a California juniper with two approach grafts. The grafts were struck to change the foliage from California juniper to shimpaku juniper. At first glance, it looked like the grafts had both taken. The key indicator is when the branch swells past the graft union. California juniper with two approach grafts Swelling past […]
Initial cutback on a coast live oak – and Tree Sale!
One of my favorite oaks in the garden has been growing freely for the past few years. Now that it’s showing signs of vigor, it’s time for pruning! New shoots on a coast live oak It turns out that many of the interior branches lacked ramification so I ended up shortening most of the branches […]
Searching for the front of a broom-style zelkova
Earlier this year, I picked up a zelkova in need of repotting. I cleared out the old soil and let the tree grow freely. Now that it’s showing signs of great health, I thought I’d start working on the branches. Before getting to work, I thought about where the front might be. I didn’t find […]