If any one tree in my collection deserves the moniker “project tree,” it’s likely my ficus. When I wanted healthy roots I let the branches run. Now that I want to stimulate new branches I cut back hard. Ficus before cutback Ficus after That’s it for the time being – another round of growth and […]
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.
Yaupon holly – before and after
For the past few years, I’ve been refining a Yaupon holly with an eye toward showing it at an upcoming Bay Island Bonsai exhibit. It’s now one of my better candidates for our upcoming 15th anniversary exhibit. Yaupon holly – front Right side The work at this stage involves letting new shoots run for a […]
Large cryptomeria air layer – part 2
Sixteen months into a layering project for a large cryptomeria, it was time to separate the layer (see “Large cryptomeria air layer – part 1“). September 2012 – time to make the cut Over the previous nine months, roots had grown to fill the makeshift pot, pushing the soil almost half of an inch above […]
Large cryptomeria air layer – part 1
Over three years ago, I mentioned picking up a cryptomeria at Maruyama’s Bonsai Nursery, but had yet to follow up with a post. Here’s the tree. Tall cryptomeria – about 48″ The tree was the left-over base from which a large air layer had been removed. Although there was little taper, much of the trunk […]
Hinoki air layer
When the time came to air layer two large grafted hinoki, Michael Hagedorn happened to be in town for a visit – a perfect opportunity to learn how he approaches layering. He’d last visited my garden about four years ago (see “The joys of professional work“) so it was nice to catch up. Before cutting into […]