Rock Planting Maintenance

Since posting the following clip to social media I have had many requests for some additional detail on the process of the repair work.

I have always used a mixture of fine clay (from sieved Akadama) and fine pulverized cow manure. When mixed with water it forms a strong and flexible 'Muck' that I work into the repair area.  It forms a reasonably thick layer for the tree roots to penetrate and 'Air-prune' as they exit the moss layer.  Additionally, the Muck makes a great bed for the moss layer which is pinned in with large copper 'staples'(just visible in the following image RHS).

This technique works for most species of bonsai from Swamp cypress to Japanese Black Pine.