Bonsai

[smithy123]

Purchased my self two bonsai trees today got them home and gave them a prune, always thought they looked really cool! So why not go and get one and see where it goes....

I'll post some before and after pictures of the pruning still have some more wiring to do and trimming but I think they are starting to looking smart

What do you all think?

[KevG]

Kev (kce)is an expert on these,ime sure he will be along soon
KevG

[smithy123]

They still need a lot of work but I'll get there with them!

[KCE]

Hi Brad.

Welcome to the world of bonsai.
A few pointers for you as a guide.
1.A tree planted in the garden can take care of itself with the help of nature all year round but once in a bonsai pot it can no longer take care of itself it is down to you to care for it 365 days a year or it will die.
2.Identifi what your trees are and learn what they need and where to put them on display in order to help them progress in time.
3.The first pic of the tree you have is known as a Hinoki Cypress which has been bought from a garden centre and put into a bonsai training pot but it still needs a lot of work done in the next week or so but do not do any form of cutting or pruning this time of year or you will get branch die back.
Work can be done with the right tools and some light Jin work with sealing paste will help it on its way but the potting media I see in the pot is of no use to that tree at all.
It should be potted up with Akadama/kiadama/Pumice/peat which will be free draining it also needs this time of year some pellet feed or a good quality liquid feed which I have here.
It needs to be placed in morning sun but not afternoon sun so find a spot which is best fitting for that tree.
Do not water the foliage or that will lead to more problems down the line for you only water the top of the pot this time of year every 2 days in the evening once sun has gone down.
The 2nd tree you have is known as a Blaws Juniper also bought from a garden centre and put into a bonsai training pot which is the wrong pot for that type of tree.
That tree needs to go in a tall pot and wired and trained into the Cascade style but there are a few branches to pick from which I can advise you on what to keep and what to sacrifice and turn into a nice feature on the tree.
All the juniper trees bleed so need to be treated on each cut with sealing paste and never prune with shears they need to be shaped over many years by the pinch n prune method which I can also show you.
All junipers like to be pot bound for about 5 years or so before repotting and like full sunlight but need water each 2 days this time of year and also need pellet feed for the next 2 months or so.
Look forward to meeting you and Kernal in the next few days when you come up to see me.

Regards kev.