There are a great deal of people who have an appreciation for Bonsai and would love to own one. However the presumed skills, costs, and lack of knowledge prevents them from pursuing this wonderful art form. In the following video I discuss the most effective ways to start into bonsai and provide great books and websites to start (in fact you’re looking at one right now)
Suggested reading: John Naka’s Bonsai Techniques vol I & II
It is has been unusally cold in Florida this year, however the trees are going dormant quicker and giving me a great opportunity to work on the, I have been looking forward to repotting this crepe myrtle correctly for a long time now. As you may remember I showed this tree at the BSF convention in May, and I bought a new Sara Rayner pot for it back then. The time to repot the tree couldn’t come soon enough.
I let the tree grow out a lot, just to thicken some branches and to improve the tree’s health. The ramification continues to increase and the tree’s scars are just about completely covered.
The tree’s roots looked strong and healthy. I didn’t really have to reduce the roots at all once I combed out the old soil mix. The dark color and rounded top add a nice balance with the tree. I only had to wire a few back branches but for the most part it is clip and grow to keep this tree in shape.
The annual Bonsai Societies of Florida convention is taking place all week end. The exhibit opened today and I have my very own crape myrtle on display.
If you get a chance stop by to check it out. You will not be disappointed. It is at the Ramada near I-4 and Rt192 in Kissimmee
I decided last minute to take a workshop at this years Bonsai Societies of Florida’s Convention in Orlando. The Fukien Tea material that they had was very nice and I had been wanting one for a long time since my previous one died (that’s another story). Anyway the instructor was one of my favorites, Boon Manakitivipart, and I had participated in one of his intensive training programs a while ago.
great material
The first issue I notice was the trunk line, and how it went horizontal at one point. I knew that had to be addressed. Then I realized that by changing the angle of the tree a lot of the branching problems would be taken care of as well.
Fukien Tea and my new Tokoname Pot
I think the change in angle changed everything. I was so excited about the tree that I brought out a pot that I bought in Japan and have been waiting for the perfect time to use it. It has an unusual finish which looks like the pot is decomposing. That combined with the lumpy textured trunk of the Fukien Tea and we have a nice pair. Many of the branches will be changed in teh future. I am just trying to develop roots this year, and get the tree to a healthier state.
