Jul 13 2016

Creating new buds on Scots Pine old wood

I am very pleased to see these new buds appearing on some of the Yamadori Scots Pines, I removed the end buds in November last year and this forces the energy in the tree to push out onto old wood. I left one branch with the end buds on to see the reaction: New buds have appeared but they are weaker and less frequent along the branch. Last year I fed the tree with Tibolar and the tree was very strong enabling me to do this work. NO needles were removed prior to this technique.

New buds on old wood

So Many new buds

End bud removed in November the previous year

This is the branch where the end bud was retained

Jul 4 2016

What looks older, an Uro or a Jin?

My passion are deciduous trees and in particular Hawthorns, regular readers of this blog will be familiar with many of the hawthorns in my collection, this post is about the Raft and the Uro (holes) I have created over many years. I am not an advocate of jins on deciduous trees, mostly because the wood is soft and will rot in a very short time making the work pointless. This is different for hardwood trees such as Oak, Yew, Juniper where carving can enhance the appearance.

When I create an Uro I cut deep into the tree to make a ‘dark’ interior, I want to create shadows and character. I also seal the cut with paste because I want callusing to occur, I want the callus to ‘roll over’ the hole. In some instances, the Uro has been completely seals by the callus.

Jul 1 2016

Three videos on Hawthorn Bonsai techniques

Jun 30 2016

Trimming a Styled Yew to encourage back budding

I have had this Yew in my collection for over 8 years, Sandor Papp styled the tree at Bonsai Europa 2015. It was time to trim back the new growth to encourage back budding. This needs to be done mid way through the season and new growth kept in check.

Sandor Papp working the Yew @ Bonsai Europa 2015

Jun 27 2016

Mr. Miyagi and The Karate Kid a gift from Brazil

Perhaps the most influential thing to engage new and particularly the young into bonsai was ‘The Karate Kid’ made in 1984 this film had a big impact on me. I was in Brazil last month and was given this amazing gift. In almost mint condition unopened and including a bonsai!