Michael gave an excellent demonstration last month which was much enjoyed by all present. Using an old yamadori olive with terrific exposed roots (Neagari) that he collected 4-5 years ago, Michael walked us through the process of getting collected material to this stage and then where to go next. When collected, this tree was growing […]
We have had a very wet and cool spring in Sydney this year, but conditions are likely to change very soon, with (hopefully) many hot, sunny days ahead. Summer is a very busy time for the bonsai enthusiast. For many species, growth spurts will continue through the season, so one must be mindful of keeping
Lovely trident, upper structure well developed and ramification coming along very nicely. But the nebari looked like two legs doing the splits. A couple of years ago I cut a path all along the front nebari, brushed on rooting hormone and covered it up. A few roots developed but grew straight down. Which, while understandable,
I took over care of a Japanese red pine in December of 2017 from a very good friend who had had the tree for many years. It is an old Koreshoff pine that was grown from seed planted in 1951. I have come across quite a few 1951 Koreshoff pines with a number living in
During November spring growth will continue, and one must be mindful of keeping vigorous trees trimmed to encourage short internodes. Fast growing trees can be trimmed back to two leaves per branchlet, whilst less vigorous to four leaves. Australian natives can be pruned relatively hard after flowering. Lockdown this year has meant that I ‘almost’
At this time of year a lot of azaleas and camellias have or will be finishing their flowering period. It is important that if you want to have them for bonsais, there are a few things that you must do straight after they flower. Cut off all the old dead flowers and seed pods. Trim
Michael has been practising bonsai since 1995 after working a few days at a bonsai nursery. He was then lucky enough to study with Lee Wilson for several years. For the past fifteen years, he has been working alongside his brother Sean, in congenial sibling rivalry, developing outstanding trees. Yamadori is a particular interest. Michael
As of Monday 11th of October- Bonsai Society of Australia will again be holding our usual meetings. First is our club workshop on Tuesday, 19th October. Then, our monthly club meeting is on Tuesday, 2nd November. This meeting will feature a demonstration by Michael Hood. Please note that we are obliged to follow the NSW
Spring has most definitely sprung and this is the time when most growth happens on the trees in our bonsai collections. Watering should now be done daily, unless rain occurs. Check afterwards that the soil is moist, and the rain has penetrated the soil, as showers combined with wind may mean that you still need
An elm that has greatly benefited from GoGo Juice. March 2018 – Well, the lower trunk was nice, and I thought the lower left branch would be the new apex. However, it thought differently and died, the little devil. I stripped the bark off the jin but obviously left a remnant because I have a
