Over the past few posts we’ve looked at how trees at different stages of development provide opportunities to learn different sets of skills. The same is true for mature bonsai too. Trees that are close to show-ready can help us address questions like: Can I manage vigor? Can I do maintenance work? Can I do […]
Procumbens Juniper
Identifying suitable material for bonsai – part 4 of 5
One of my favorite starting points for longer term projects is bonsai that has been developed for some time but is no longer in good shape. Neglect and infestation are two of the most common reasons why a bonsai no longer looks as good as it once did. Failure to repot or cut back a […]
Identifying suitable material for bonsai – part 3 of 5
Creating bonsai from older material, whether collected or nursery grown, can be very rewarding. With age comes character, and with good character we can create compelling bonsai. Greater age can often mean greater challenges. When with working with relatively young pre-bonsai, we often have plenty of branches to work with and the trunks are supple enough […]
Identifying suitable material for bonsai – part 2 of 5
If I took a 1-gallon procumbens juniper and grew it for 15 years, I’d have something like the tree below. Procumbens juniper pre-bonsai This tree has been grown at a nursery specializing in pre-bonsai – trees with which we can create bonsai. The trunk has good size and movement, and there are plenty of branches to work […]
Identifying suitable material for bonsai – part 1 of 5
When I’m thinking about what trees to add to my collection, I often think about the kinds of problems I enjoy solving. I like developing rough material and turning it into bonsai. I like refining mature specimens. And I like restoring bonsai that may have become unhealthy or grown out of shape due to neglect […]