Last Years Second Flush becomes this Years First Flush

 Confused.??  So was I until I realized that if you remove the first flush so late that the attempted second flush results in only bud formation that:

• you can skip one years growth, and
• the following years first flush is actually last years second flush..... shorter branching and smaller needles.!!!!!!!!

 Still confused.??..... So was I, STILL, so some years ago I started experimenting with this idea of a late first flush cut on my old Black Pines ( every second year) and realized that:

• I could maintain the current design longer by effectively skipping a years growth, and
• only have to deal with a single growth flush the following year.!!!

The bonsai in the following image is a great example of this technique.  What you are looking at is 'last years second flush buds opening as this years first flush needles'.  

It should be noted that this technique, logically, can only be applied every second year.

 The importance of Summer Pruning of Bonsai

 There are many reasons to prune most deciduous bonsai in Summer.

Firstly, a heavy pruning in summer reduces the 'transpiration load' on most broadleaf deciduous bonsai.  This reduces water stress.

The resultant 'Summer flush' of this pruning is Important to the design and development of deciduous bonsai.  If you get the timing right this late flush can produce smaller leaves and finer branching; increasing branch ramification. 

Christmas Gift 

This Japanese white pine has been discounted for a quick Christmas sale. For more info on this bonsai click HERE.

 Azalea alba magnifica 2020-2024

Bit of an update on this very old Azalea.  A Summer prune and the application of Lime Sulphur to preserve the dead wood.

It is developing well, so far.  Next season it will be repotted and further refined.

We are more than happy with it's current pot; a high quality Zheng-liang pot.

White Pine For Sale

This large White Pine is For Sale at The Australian Bonsai Gallery.!  

It has settled into it's Japanese, Tokoname, Marushi Shigeharu, Mr SAWADA Shigeharu pot and is punching out some very dense, glaucus blue foliage.

 Dedicated Bonsai Student

It is an ongoing pleasure running our 'one-on-one' bonsai workshops.  Particularly when the student is dedicated to improving their bonsai skills.

There are many time consuming and laborious jobs involved in the development and refinement of bonsai; some of which can test the patience of even the most dedicated.  It is satisfying to see my students embrace these tasks and learn so much in the process.

The Australian Bonsai Gallery workshops are totally focused on the needs and asperations of the individual student resulting in a high level of satisfaction for both the student and teacher.

Find out more or sign up for a workshop tailored to your needs HERE. 

One Sold & three to go

This bonsai is now sold and going to a good home for a new phase of it's life.

Sad to see it go as it has been apart of the gallery collection from a tiny seedling.

It is strange how we become so attached to these trees.

 Occasionally The Australian Bonsai Gallery offer up some of the gallery bonsai for sale. 

All bonsai for sale are of exceptional quality.  For more details on these bonsai go to the Sale.

Tour The Australian Bonsai Gallery

Take a tour of the early Spring growth at The Australian Bonsai Gallery.  The video clip is attached below.  It may take some time to load and is best viewed in 'HD' and 'Full Screen'.

We are open to the public 'by appointment' most days.

If you would like to sign up for a Spring workshop you can register HERE.  Remember that your workshops are 'One on One' so that students can take full advantage of their time.

 The rewards of Correct Pruning

 It is gratifying to see the results of last Summer and Winter pruning on our Swamp cypress bonsai.

Late Summer pruning of extended Spring growth and a Winter branch selection has resulted in stronger tertiary branches developing now.

Correct Summer pruning on Swamp cypress bonsai was covered in a previous article HERE  if interested.