Swamp Cypress on a Rock !! 

 Yes, Swamp Cypress on a Rock.  I have had so many conversations about "how to maintain Swamp cypress bonsai" ...."You must keep a tray of water under the bonsai pot to keep them healthy".

Well, I will say it again... this is absolute rubbish.  A soil mix rich in 2-4mm akadama is perfect for keeping these bonsai in good health and growing well.

Here I have created a border of 'Muck' (a 50-50 mix of 'akadama dust' and well composted cow manure), covered with a layer of ground moss (I find that ground moss is the most resilient). 

This border will last for a number of years.  Over time, roots will penetrate the border and 'air-prune' as they emerge from the border.  This will cause the roots to branch within the thick border.

Although this swamp cypress is over 40yrs old it is still possible to bend the trunk.  When this tree settles in I will be adding a slight bend in the trunk lifting the apex to the left.