Sometimes I work on nursery trees, sometimes I work on client’s trees……and sometimes if I’ve been a really good boy I get to work on my own trees. Hopefully these regular visits will give you an insight into what goes on behind closed doors……….
Studio Stories – Hinoki with a big,big trunk!
This Hinoki Cypress was a substantial garden plant that was originally styled with a student several years ago. The tree apparently struggled and the student gave up on it. The tree was left with us on the nursery.
Gradually the tree turned a corner and the road to recovery was under way. New growth was encouraged and pampered. Energy at the tips was transferred to new growth nearer the trunk with diligent pruning.
This winter I was happy that the tree had now come far enough to enable a new styling to be undertaken. The deadwood shari was extended and widened to reduce the bulk of the trunk and to give a better appearance of taper. Extensive carving and hollowing out of the trunk can be carried out at a later date.
January 2014, some branches were removed and the remaining branches were then wired and positioned. The third picture above shows the tree today prior to being repotted.
The tree had been in this plastic training pot for more than 5 years so today it was decided to transfer it to a ceramic bonsai pot. Derek and Len helped to remove an extensive amount of original poor garden soil but we removed very little root.
The tree was transplanted into a mix of 50/50 akadama/bims using a larger size particle than normal. It looks much more impressive and more like a Japanese image in this relatively smaller pot.
It’s nice to see a tree rescued, revived and once again well on it’s way to becoming a fine bonsai. With some thoughtful carving to the shari area this tree is capable of creating a very dramatic image…..if it doesn’t sell soon watch this space!!!