Pine Work with Blindness and Blinkers

Some very satisfying work o this old Japanese Black Pine. I have named this one Zaidan - 財団 .  It means 'foundation' and represents the beginning of my bonsai journey so many decades ago. 

This is a very strong tree both in it's appearance and in it's 'Shin', or heart.  It requires many hours of careful thinning, vigor balancing and wiring.

Just as an aside, I came across a Facebook thread that was very critical of those who "blindly follow Japanese traditional bonsai" and who have "the blinkers on" when it comes to bonsai styling.  There were so many comments agreeing with this opinion and none that challenged it.!!  I felt like 'wading in' but thought it futile to attempt to explain the absolute satisfaction and 'calm' that comes from following the traditional way of bonsai.

The bonsai in this image would, in my opinion', be a classic example of "blindly follow Japanese traditional bonsai" and having "the blinkers on".!

I revel in my blindness and blinkers.!!!!!

Restoration of an old Ficus Bonsai

This bonsai came in to The Australian Bonsai Gallery for some restoration. Low light and a lack of correct fertilising has weakened this bonsai considerably.

No new growth and a number of dead secondary branches tells the story.

Full sun and a fertiliser boost with Nutricote (my 'go to' for ficus bonsai) has done the job of producing new growth and getting the sap flowing.

Another week of this and it will be ready for a defoliation and repotting. 

Scroll down for a quick clip and appraisal.

Landscaping the New Bonsai Gallery

Now that the main build is done we are starting to landscape the new bonsai gallery. First up is the entrance way with some large stone placements.  This will set the stage for the landscape style in the remainder of the gallery area.

Lots of work ahead to soften the look of the gallery and give it a real Japanese 'Niwa' feel to complement the gallery bonsai collection.

Our Workshops are continuing between moving rocks and planting out so if you are interested you can enquire now.

The Australian Bonsai Gallery is examining the viability of establishing a comprehensive FREE Bonsai Club/Association Directory System on our website.

Most existing club directories fall short of providing a comprehensive representation of what is on offer in the Australian Bonsai community.

To this end we are surveying all of our contacts to guage the level of interest in this project.

The directory would be a free service but for it to work efectively it would require an 'All In' idiology.

Services included are:

• a banner page for each listing
•  an image gallery
• all contact details including website and social media links
• an events portal
• social media sharing
• a user Dashboard for easy updating.
• a contact form
• map location of meeting and events
• a powerful search engine strategy 

 We also offer a free suppory system to help you set up and maintain your listing.

The 'All In' phillosophy will create a very powerful presence on all search engins and help to drive traffic to and increase interest in bonsai in Australia.

If you feel that this project could benefit your association  or you require any further information please don't hesitat in contacting us.

Japanese Red Pine first flush

 This Japanese Red Pine is one of my favorite bonsai in the collection.  Not because it is a fine bonsai but because of the 'ordeal'(Shiren) it endured over the 48 years I have been learning the art of bonsai.  There are many mistakes still hidden within its form and branches.

This seasons first flush is pushing better than ever due, in part to a greater percentage of Akadama in the soil mix. 

I don't think that there is any substitute for a good quality Akadama, particularly for older trees.  It seems to promote fine and even growth in the roots... and this translates into fine and even growth in the foliage.

I will give this bonsai a few more weeks of growth to mature the first flush before cutting it all off..... and hoping for a second flush of buds and continuing the cycle. 

More info on this HERE

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.