At the risk of repeating myself, I like to wire and shape my deciduous bonsai in early Winter.  The branches are bare and it is easier to make design changes.  Branches are still pliable enough to make significant bends.

Swamp cypress branches are particularly pliable and easy to shape.  They are a great subject for both the novice and professional bonsai artist.  Quick to develop some character and very forgiving of mistakes.  They can be significantly carved without many problems. They will bud very well on old wood.

All the Swamp Cypress bonsai in the gallery have been developed in the open ground.  They grow rapidly in the ground so you must keep a close watch on them when developing a good nebari.