Improvements to an Old Cedar Bonsai

Improvements to the balance and movement of this very old cedar are evident in the following image.  The lower branch has been divided to produce an additional layer and the upper part of the trunk has been exposed to enhance the overall movement in the tree.

The Australian Bonsai Gallery has been refining this old tree for over 16 years now.  We were delighted to have acquired it from Ian Hearn who had been developing & refining it for over 30 years.

We love working on this bonsai.  Atlantic Cedars are a great species for bonsai.  Very flexible branches,  very small needles, and compact growth habit.

 Shimpaku Bonsai Styled

Just a quick update on this Shimpaku (Kishu) styling.  

This bonsai has been for sale on the website for some time now.  It was due for some refinement so here it is.!!

A great subject for the 'initiated' to further style and refine.  For sale HERE. 

A Criticised Black Pine

Back in August 2019 I was 'slapped on the wrist' (via Facebook) for the first styling of this Black pine.

The RHS image here is an update on it's progress.  I must admit that it is not the best bonsai in the world but it does demonstrate what can be done with very few primary branches.

Yes, there are no back branches but this will be corrected over the next few years.

Buddha's Knee Pine Update

Continuing the transformation of this old 'Mikawa' Japanese Black Pine from a 'literati' style to a more Informal Upright style.

Even after some significant needle thinning and bud selection it is still quite dense.  A feature of this variety is it's prolific budding on old wood.

 2020 - 2023 Black Pine Development

This stock plant was purchased in July-2020.  At the time I regretted my decision to attempt to make something of this difficult and uninspiring black pine.

I am still in two minds about this tree so I will persevere with is for the next few years and see where it leads. 

Fuyu Momiji - 冬もみじ

Last day of Winter and this old Japanese Maple is still very dormant.  It needed some bud selection and thinning and some adjustments to the primary branches.

I often listen to Japanese Koto/Shakuhachi music when working on my bonsai and, in this case the music I was listening to today was called 'Fuyu Momiji' - Winter Maple.!!

This tree was purchased as small nursery stock from the Koreshoff Bonsai Nursery over 40yrs ago and has been developing ever since.  It has developed a good nebari and is really starting to show some refinement.

Bonsai Pot Upgrade

Another bonsai 'pot upgrade' for this old English Oak. The Australian Bonsai Gallery has been progressively upgrading the quality of the pots in the bonsai collection.

This bonsai looks so much better in this Tokoname Yamafusa pot.  

The connection between bonsai and pot is of great importance and requires considerable contemplation if the true character of the bonsai is to be realized.  

You can read more about the history of this bonsai HERE.

Black pine refinement

It is always a pleasure to reflect on the art of continuous improvement of your bonsai.

This old Mikawa Black Pine, from 1970 Japanese seed, is a great example of what can be achieved with time and a great deal of effort in needle thinning,  bud selection and wiring every year in Autumn/Winter.

Many of the workshop students at The Australian Bonsai Gallery are realizing the rewards of their efforts with their pines over time. 

The process is not a difficult one.  Most pine species are relatively easy to develop and refine.  All it takes is to sign yourself up for a series of Workshops with us, or any other reputable artist and see for yourself how easy and enjoyable pine bonsai can be.

Quality Bonsai Pot

The Australian Bonsai Gallery has been progressively upgrading the quality of the pots in the bonsai collection.

This one is no exception. Needle thinned, bud selected and wired, this black pine is now in a Bigei, Hirata Atsumi, Tokoname pot.  

First Repotting for the Season

The 2023 repotting season has begun at The Australian Bonsai Gallery with a pot upgrade for this old Swamp Cypress.

At over 100cm this old swampy is a real handful when it comes to repotting.  It only takes a few years in the pot for this species to produce a 'pot full' of roots.

We were fortunate enough to have acquired a superb oval Tokoname, Mazan bonsai pot of the right shape and colour for this old bonsai.

If you are interested in refining your repotting skills and learning about optimizing your bonsai soil mixes then sign up for one of our bonsai Workshops.