I suspect that this tree was created from an air layer. I found chunks of sphagnum moss in the roots and large stubs from branches. Because this was an out of season repot, I did not disturb the roots except to remove the sphagnum and cut back some dead wood.

proper tie down is shown; see alt text

this incredibly dynamic yew bonsai is a rather famous tree. It has been awarded the lifetime title of Kichou, or an important bonsai masterpiece.

the style here shows the unmistakable work of Kimura Masahiko. note the contrast between the leftward moving trunk and the foliage which goes right

i probably will get back to that, but i am working an internship this summer

so cool—i just quit my day job to do bonsai full time!

after tonights work of trimming and checking wire. notice that I have left the lowest trunk almost untouched, as that part isn’t finished yet. overall, the image is a little bit cleaner, but still messy—a bit like getting your hair cut without combing it

I have a soft spot for multi-trunked trees and this turtleback clump from Ezo spruce is one that I am often going back to. The tree astounding, but the whole composition with the pot and the stand makes it stand out.

Ezo spruce is a species that was thought unuseful to bonsai before the Kato family

The next page has another eye catching tree, but for different reasons—this is a California juniper which was presented by President Clinton. While a modest tree compared to the others, it is a good representation of how far we have to go in the states.

as can be seen in the finished photo in the greenhouse compared to the final angle mockup in the garage, I wasn’t able to get the angle there in one repot. thats okay—the tree is also overpotted to allow us to restyle it into a bunjin, and the angle will gradually reach the future design

with pruning completed, the tree is tied into the pot. I used three tie down points, one over some thick outer roots and the other two on bamboo stakes driven into the roots. changing angle requires especially stable roots.

the principle of repotting on greatest limitation is in the alt text

the tree and its root system were very healthy, though doubtless grateful for the extra room and trim. I also spotted a small patch of root aphids.

because we had planned on an angle change, I tried to focus on removing root mass first from the top of right side and the bottom of the left side

this specific technique is based on Michael Hagedorn’s lecture on Bonsai Empire for producing air layers—I recommend checking it out!

these pots will be watered similarly to a normal pot, and I will check for roots in the fall, at which time I will either cut them off or wait until spring