Copyright © 2006 by Peter Adams. All rights reserved. Photographs and drawings by author unless otherwise noted. Published in 2006 by ‘Timber Press, Tne ‘The Haseltine Building 133 S.W, Second Avenue, Suite 450 Porlland, Oregon 97204-3527 wavw-timberpress.com 2-The Quadrant 135 Salusbury Road London NW6 6RJ wwwtimberpress.co.k Second printing 2010 Designed by Susan Applegate Printed through Coloreralt Ltd, Hong Kong Library of Congress Cataloging-in- Publication Data Adams, Peter D. Bonsai with Japanese maples/Peter Adams.— [2nd ed. | pen. Innlules inde. ISBN-13: 978-0-88192-809-9 1. Bonsai, 2, Japanese maple. I. Title. '$h433.5.4287 2006 635.97772-de22 2006013486 A catalog record for this bookis also available from the British LibraryPreface & Acknowledgments 9 CHAPTER ONE Care and Selection of Japanese Maples 11 Acer palmatum, Japanese Maple 11 Acer buergerianum, Trident Mapke 14 Preferences as Bonsai 15 CHAPTER TWO Bonsai De ‘lopment Methods 30 Developing ‘Tinks: The Basic Structure 30 Fast Trunk Development: Trunks with Large Diameter 34 Development in Boxes: Slimmer Trunks but with Character 39 Layering Methods 42 Making Groups 46 Creating Raft Trees 50 Root Over Stone Trees 52 CHAPTER THREE Refinement Techniques 57 Scar Refinement: Trunks 57 Scar Refinement: Roots 59 Enhancing Roots 61 Coymetic Grafting 62 Root Grafting 63 CHAPTER FOUR Developing Small Specimen Maples 65 Shohin 65 Summary of Fast Trunk “Beginnings” 67 6aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.Tam writing this book in response to literally hundreds of requests from bonsai enthusiasts over the years who could not find a copy of the first edition. Readers will recognize some themes from the original book though these reflect a more current approach. Here the developmental process has been simplified and emphasis placed on the practical steps involved in leading “finished” bonsai towards the next levels of refinement. There is however a deliberate mix of bonsai at different stages in their training, so the less experienced person can also identify with less completed trees and hopefully find some ideas to help him/her also evolve. Iris not a beginner's book; there are enough of those out there. I honest attempt to look at bonsai as art objects and to critique and assess them from an artist’s perspective. If you gain some small insights here and there, I shall be delighted. is anaa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.Close up, spring color of Acer palmatum ‘Seigen’. Typical ‘Seigen’ maple from Japan potted in red soil. Close up of interesting damaged trunk. Photo by Kate Adams. Photo by Kate Adams. and Selection of Japanese Maplesaa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.of soil removed from between the main surfaced roots. This is normally carried out only on well- established trees with a solid root pad. The dwarf cultivars with their dense root and branch growth often need this treatment. Repotting frequency Young trees are repotted two to three years. ‘Older trees can probably go another year. Watch. for declining vigor. Signs of declining are early autunmn coloring, water draining suggishly and dieback of some finer twigs. Because of their dense growth, dwarf cultivars should be repot- ted every two years or x0, Repot ay the buds swell in spring, Root rot Check also for any desiccation of branches thar shows up as indented wrinkled lines in the bark running in parallel lines along the limb. These lines are usually signs of root rot and if found, extra care should be taken 10 cleanse the roots, Plant the tree in the light mix or even pure gravel, using a large wooden box raised well off the ground forair flow. Until roots can grow again normally, they may be helped by watering with a vitamin B1 solution. Place the tree in shade and delay watering again until the soil is dryish, then repeat the vitamin BI treatment. IFthe treatment hasbeen successful, new growth should appear in about four weeks or so, Optimum time for treat- ment is spring, but if outside of this period, pot- ting the tree up into a large wooden box with ultra fast draining soil, will offen save it. Think of the treeas a big cutting that needs support until the roots appear Soil Japanese well-drained soil with mixed sand. The choice of gravel texture has a prime role in determining the nd trident maples grow bestin o light, 16. Care and Selection of Japanese Maples nature of both roots and branches. Smooth gravel particles allow the root tips to pass smoothly ere- ating strong and undivided root growth. Contact with weathered or coarse gravel particles causes a cutting action and root tips divide and mul- tiply. These two conditions are echoed in the branch growth above. So with maples, ifa mix ture of smooth and rough particles is combined ir will encourage the formation of vigorous but diverse branching that shows progressively finer lines with each successive division of root growth: 80% smooth aquarium type grav to 20% rough textured gravel would bi a good proportion for y be varied to suit local conditions, bur should make the total gravel mix. The organi¢ material m up 40-60% ofthe whole. Sieve the ingredients which must be perfectly dry. You are aiming for an overall particle size of match head plus. Grip a handful of the wel-stirred soil and if it sticks to- gether, add more aquarium gravel. All fine pow- der must be removed. Remember the grip test and add more mixed sand as necessary sou atx 5 parts mixed sand (sce below) 2 parts trade brand soil-less compost, like composted peat 2 parts leaf mold + peat, or fir bark 1 part fine pumice (lava rock) 2 parts fine grade aquarium gravel 2 parts coarse textured gravel or decomposed nite 2 parts grit + sand Grip a handful of the well stirred soil and ifit sticks together, add more aquarium gravel. This is typical of the soil mix used by my Japanese bon- sai supplier of 30 years, Fukukaen of Nagoya. ‘The old ‘Seiger’ (Tree 13) and raft trident (Tree 9) shown in Chapter Five were imported from Fu {as the firm was known then in the ’60s and 70s), and were found to be growing in a mix of 7 partsaa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.Plan view of branch before thinning— Plan view of branch after thinning. redundant growth shown in red. Profile of branch after thinning. 20. Care and Selection of Japanese Maplesaa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.After shortening a pronounced change of direction appears in the branch. Photo by Kate Adams. The tree after grooming is completed. Photo by Kate Adams. Stimulating budding from heavy trimmed terminals showing the first cut. After a period of growth the second cut is made close to the replacement shoot shown in red. 24 Care and Selection of Japanese Maplesaa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.ported. You will soon see recurring themes and solutions that work well and ifthese please Ou, they can betaken as a base on which to build your own choices of porand even to train your tree. Diseases TAR SPOT Symptoms: The appearance of large black spors with yellow zones. T: spor can occur swith warm spring weather, or late in summer when temperatures and humidity are high and the leaves are not well ventilated. Tre reduce leaf bulk by pruning to admit more air. El- ment: Spray with copper fungicide and evate the tree to encourage air circulation. Moni- tor soil watering and refrain from watering the leaves. MILDEW. Symptoms: Whitish gray are: con leaves and twigs and the tree develops a tired appear and wilted appearance. There are wet and dry forms of mildew ‘Treatment: Remove and burn damaged leaves. Improve ventilation. Elevate the tree and if neces: sary meve its location to an aitier spot. Spray with a broad spectrum fungicide, Also clean down and spray the adjacent growing benches and area. CORAL SPOT Symptoms: Masses of pink dots like pinhead-sized pods appear on dead timber. The danger is that live tissue can become infected, leading to di dead wood killed by frost. Live branches wilt as ack. The fungus often invades a the fiungus chokes their water vessels Clean out dead areas and prune back to sound wood, spray with fungicide and seal all euts with good quality wound paint, Ven= Treatment tilate well and use vitamin BI as a root support- ing agent. GRAY MOLD Symptoms: Light gray fuzzy mold appears on buds, twigs and leaves. Wilting dis- 28 Care and Selection of Japanese Maples colored leaves and die-back of shoots and twigs often follows. ‘Treatment: Cut out all affected growth. Be careful to clean off old leaves in winter as these, if still attached, can rot and enable the gray molel to attack fine twigs and branches, Seal all pruned tissue with Lac Balam or a similar quick drying wound paint of sympathetic color. Try to avoid tar based paints as these look very obvious fora long time, but if you must use tar lor any reason, the obnoxious shiny black can be painted over with artist acrylic paint, blended to match the bark color. Ma ain good light and ventilation. Move crowsled plants apart and guard cessive moisture, Pests APHIDS Symptoms: Round bulbous insects about 2mm [Yioin,] in size infesting new shoots and the backs of leaves. Aphids may be green, brown or black. Look for sticky honeydew and black mold it attracts on the shoots and leaves and check for ants. Aphids are likely to appear in spring and throughout the growing season. They are quite mobile, ‘Treatment: Spray with systemic insecticide. Cigarette butts steeped in soft soap can make a mild nicotine spray ifthe solids are filtered and n added to water SCALE INSECTS Symptoms: Scale insects resem ble flattish or domed pods and vary in size and form. ‘They usvally range in size between 1-3mm [!25-Vs in], but can be larger. Colors vary but brown is common, All scales are quite mobile and females are identifiable by their white egg sacs Seale is most wonderful at natural camouflage and the varieties are limitless and plant specific Be cautious. They are sap suckers and again pro- duce abundant honeydew as with aphids, Leaves can yellow substantially in dappled areas. Theaa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.August pruning to create step two in the trunk and to shorten the first branch. to look believable as a tapered step in the teunk Then upper buds are chosen to become the new trunk line and companion shoots are left on for fattening. The August pruning forms step two in. trunk development. Ifthe new trunk extension is not thick enough, to work convincingly as a tapered step in the trunk, a second or even a third growing year may be needed, but it is worth the wait. If the tree is. developed in a balanced fashion right from the start, a very pleasing result is almost guaranteed. But, ifthe tree is eagerly pinched back in the rush to form the bonsai over the same period, the thickening process slows right down and after the same three year period has passed, the original lower trunk and new trunk line will still display too great a difference of thickne Ifthe new trunk line is to be pruned, make sure to prune above pairs of buds and twigs creat- inga new trunk section which is shorter than that of the lower trunk. The idea isto make a zigzag, cly smaller intervals between form with succe: them and the branch planes they support. Year two ‘New buds erupt from the trunk in the spring Allow several buds to grow round the base of the cut for step two. These should be allowed to 32. Bonsai Development Methods 1 In the spring the new upper shoots grow away developing step three. develop freely as they body-build the wood and fatten it faster. Wire the new growth on the first branch after it has made four pairs of leaves and allow it to develop as described before. When wiring the new growth on the branch, the new lines are encouraged to spread sideways and begin the process of building the branch plane. The terminal shoots are developed to create the next ted when the ter- trunk section, Step three is eres minals are pruned in August. FIRST BRANCH The new growth on the first branch may be trimmed afer amonth or so taking, the lines back closero the wired area. New buds will develop again and these are treated in the same fashion and once again spread sideways, The process will probably be repeated twice or three times if growth permits before growth is short ened back in August. Check and remove all tight wires and remove wires altogetherin August. NEW TRUNK LINE The new trunk lineis cither to be growa-on without pruning or has been pruned back in August of year one. Ifit is to be grown-on the following process is carried out when the desired girth has been attained and not before. Upper buds become the new trunk line and companion shoots are left on for fattening.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.YEAR TWO In late winter look at the tree and work out which of the shoots is going to form the new trunk line. Always leave a couple of com- panion shoots in case the selected one fails to grow. Trim the others shorter but do not remove them alrogether—they are sacrificial branches and allowing them to grow away strongly each year ensures.a general fattening of the base. They will ultimately be sacrificed but are one of the keys to rapid trunk expansion. Seal all cuts. Light trim- ming means that buds will start up again after a brief delay, whereas heavy pruning always slows growth right down. Remove the polythene tent after frosts are over. Feed and water the tree and do not prune the new growth. Switch to 0-10-10 formula fertilizer in July and August. By the end of the summer, there should be a pronounced increase in trunk girth and basal flare. The clusters of companion and sacrificial branches constantly build the lower trunk as they grow rapidly, and the echoing rapid expansion of Iateral roots also pulls the trunk base outwards, Tapia snope top gowthwins —/ kT protective film : S RL ‘Trident maples will often exhibit strong surface jing of the trunk where a direct vascular line shows up as a prominent rib connecting root and trunk and this of course adds a pleasing age to the image. Finally, reduce the length of the shoots so they fit and replace the polythene tent. car two Seal all cuts. YEAR THREE In late winter check how the trunk developing. Ifit has performed well, the tree needs transplanting in March, If the tree is slow, in thickening, delay transplanting until year four. In March after the buds break, lift and root prune the tree lightly. Prune back plunging roots at the point where they slide over the tile and head off downwards. Make sure these hea ier root cuts face upwards so the water runs off them. ‘Trim the sacrificial branches back harder than be- fore, but maintain about 2.5em [1 in.] at the base rather than trimming flush. This promotes fur- ther compound budding. Seal cuts ‘The new trunk Line ean be built up as a zig- Strong shoots have formed. The same tree with roots spread on a tile and planted in a box. 36 Bonsai Development Methodsaa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.trunk steps should diminish steadily up the tree, so any cut that is made must be followed by one that creates a shorter step and so on, A.shobin tree for example might have: lower trunk line 7.5em [3 in; step one might be Sem [2 in.}; step two, 2.5cm [1 in.J; step three, 1.25em [0.5 in.Jand other steps closer together. Once y paint code the tree for later pruning but do nor out have decided on where to prune, prune or disturb the tree, Feed and water as for year one and over winter as before Year three In March lift the tree as the buds break, Re- move the ties securing the tree on the tile and root prune the tree. Afier all the roots have been, sorted out and their tips trimmed or they have been shortened back as appropriate, replant the tree over the tike and spread the roots out as radi- ally as possible, Prune the shoots as indicated by the paint code and seal the cuts before watering in. This prevents the tree from weeping. This cut ere ates the length of step one and fixes the location ofthe second branch, Water in and after a month resume feed schedules, In June the first branch is shortened back to promote lateral growth and inner budding. The Year three, March— tree is root pruned 40. Bonsai Development Methods £ Strong shoots develop. ‘\ Ps . Redundant material is pruned. Shoots are wired and pruned.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.The plantis detached and the stump is cleaned up. Producing a root connected tree. Prune the plant hard. The plant is potted into a large clay pot. The tree pro- duces many strong shoots. The treeis protected over winter. 44 Bonsai Development Methodsaa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.Greater distance can be implied by using really small and simple trees to the back of the over- all planting, Foreground trees should be alto- gether bolder and multi-tiered thereby increasing the power of the illusion. These additional plants are added one by one, considering the effect of cach trunk line and making fine adjustments to its situation. Once their roots are spread over the screen, they are quickly twist tied into place and the effect is checked again. In bringing trunks closely together it may well be necessary to shave away roots to promote the trunks fusing together and the trunks may even in addition be tied to- gether to keep them close, As the trunks are secured to the location grid, avoid placing them so one totally blocks the view The planted grid is transferred toa shallow box. 48. Bonsai Development Methods of another. Two slightly overlapping trunks seen from the preferred viewing angle is fine and may be used to thicken the apparent visual weight of trunk or to add occasional ac nts throughout the group, but avoid a mechanical placement like sol- diers on a parade ground. Even the ground plan can feature mounds, to add emphasis to the major trees Add more dry soil mix and check for elevation of the trees and add soil to raise the grid at these points if'necessary, When the planting looks satis- factory, the grid itself may be twist tied into place With the wire coming through the drainage holes. ‘Take care to apply even tension across the grid to prevent it slewing or tilting inappropriately. Fill in with soil mix and contour mounds as desiredaa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.Root Over Stone Trees This technique offers some of the most exciting images for bonsai maples, The idea comes from the appearance of trees with exposed root systems Se vere weather and sometimes seismic activity may often found growing in mountainous terrain have heaved the roots up leaving them draped over rocks where they remain after lighter mat- ter has been eroded and washed away. A lot of fun may be had visualizing different images: a soft meadow tree with its roots over a roundish stone, a group over a stone, a raftor root connected tree over a stone and so on. First gather and match your materials together. Like most bonsai, the effect will be berter and the project will be more satisfying and go more eas- ily if the subject is studied pictorially beforehand. Looking at and studying pictures is like using a sketchbook, itis a way of getting inside the prob- Jem and perhaps understanding better where the design is g 1g. Knowing about, or at least being aware of, combinations of line and mass that work pleasingly together is to be almost there in terms of being able to identify elements ina nice design So use the mental pictorial imagery you have gained fo assemble the trees and stones and your ideas will be related t good combinations and that will build your confidence. Assembling the right materials will tell you how far from or near to being possible your idea really is! Stones In general terms you are looking for a stone or rock ofa given shape, perhaps suggesting a clift or eroded escarpment. You may even want it to have an nbedded ribbon of quartz symboliz- ing a waterfall. The texture should be somewhat weathered, but not particularly rough. Fissures and creases are attractive and some, but not all (it 52. Bonsai Development Methods is important not to mask too many of the stone’s, natural features when planting the tree) may be used as future pathways for the roots. Stones in muted gray tones are pleasing and do not com- pete for attention with the tree, The idea is to cre- ate a unity of elements without one hero fighting for cent stage. Do not use stones that are soft as these will crumble under the cramping of the roots which really act like wooden muscles once the tree is established over the stone. Meadow tree designs, groups and raft-like designs look pleasing planted over stones with strongly horizontal movement. A metamorphic rock, with a smooth surface suggests a tranquil feeling in keeping with the mood of the planting. “These may also show a quartz stream or waterfall to add to the image. ‘Some stones may need slicing with a diamond saw to stand at the desired angle. Others may be chiseled or ground flat to stabilize them. The im- portant thing is to make sure itis stable before planting is begun. ie “KX A suitable rack is selected. ‘An appropriate tree is found.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.all sorts of images of 1 planting develops some of these suggested quali- ties can be worked into the design. A grove on a rocky escarpment is one, trees rooted over and in the wild, and as the growing alonga stone wall is another—the list is, endless. The cushioned plant and roots are secured over the stone, The tree after ten years’ development. 56 Bonsai Development Methodsaa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.their counterparts in the branches and this makes balancing the structure that much more difficult. A technique that works under these circum stances is to redirect the energy from the over- thick root lines by pruning them shorter. First rotate the tree and identify those roots that are dominating the others, then lift the tree, comb out the roors and cut the strong, ones back, mak: ing cuts that taper down fiom the trunk to the soil. Seal the cuts. As the outer root portion is removed, look for younger surfaced roots growing out from the The root base on the tree is good but come of the surfaced roots are too heavy. The heavy lines are pruned. After pruning the wounds are sealed to retain moisture. 60. Refinement Techniques sides of the shortened root. These will take the place ofthe heavy root and correct the appear- ance of the surfaced root formation. Transplant the tree and after a year orso the scars should be almost healed—certainly so in the case of trident maples that heal very quickly. Very large cuts may take another year to finally heal over. Variations on this technique can be used to correct the scars left by the removal of most aber- rant root formations ial roots and so on, suchas crossing roots, aer~aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.The bare place is now covered with pleasing surfaced roots. 64 Resnement'Techniques As the young material fattens up it grafts itself into place just like the thread grafted branches. In this case, approach graf ng just means bringing a branch either back on itself or to another place on the tree for cosmetic reasons and allowing it to grait to the tree wherever needed The new root/seedling-eutting may also be attached using the groove method mentioned in thread grafting to locate and position its angle and growth direction. Drawing pins may be used as with the branches to se c the grafts. Allow at least a two year period before removing the top growth. In that time the graft will have Knit it self strongly and will send water and food to the branches like the more established roots,aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.‘Shohin trident maple after some thinning out. Photo _The tree is potted in very open sandy soil. Photo by by Kate Adams, Kate Adams: Another shohin maple after wiring in early spring, Photo by Kate Adams, The following spring the tree is repotted. Photo by kate Adams. 68 Developing Small Specimen Maplesaa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.rim of each saucer. This enables you to spread the roots and to locate them. Thin out minor roots: spread over the saucer in the way used for tree over stone root selection, but cut no others. Re- plant with fresh soil YEAR THREE Continuc to develop squat trunk bases by growing the trees on and allowing the lateral roots to expand freely. Reduce the height of the trees a little in August of the third year, Che shoots/trunk lines back to those points. Seal the cuts. k for low side branches and trim the upper YEAR FOUR Transplant the saucer and tree units as the buds break. Untie the roots round the edges of the saucers. Break the saucers and re- move the shards. There will be an upper and lower root system. Remove the lower roots if the upper roots are strong and dense enough to sup- port the tree. Inot, prune the lower roots short and replant with fresh soil. Ifthe upper roots are well grown and radially placed, any traces of the heavy lower roots can be pruned off. Replant the tree back in the box with fresh soil. Concentrate on building trank and branch forms in this final year of really free Year three—the trunk is pruned in August. 72 Developing Small Specimen Maples ‘Year five—the transplanted tree with its powerful trunk.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.TRIDENT MAPLE Group Height: 63cm [25 in] Age: supposedly 40 years—realistically 10 years! Root establishment The group was imported in 1982 from Fukukacn, in Nagoya. It was potted into the present bigger buff glazed pot, measuring 59 x 36 x 4em [23 x 15 x 2.5 in] in 1987, Trunk development The group was started from cuttings and a commarlike ground plan placement used to site the trunks. Standard grow-wire-chop techniques had been employed to produce tall trees with nice Winter 1985. Photo by Jonathon Harrison. 76 branching. The group was fed freely from 1982~ 87 in an effort to maintain progress. REACTION Ir would have becn better to increase the pot size immediately but to use the milder feeding regimes suggested. This would have helped trunk development and branches develop evenly, without excessive coarsening of the growth, Branch development Branches were wired out flat to correct the slightly ascending lines given them in Japan prior ‘Summer 1986. Notice the difference to the branch arrangement. Photo by Jonathon Harrison.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.Tree in 2004 ‘The new owner of the tree has done a geeat job over the last 20 years! The trees reversed from its original position and this gives a better appre~ ciation of the natural trunk formation—which is anything bur natural of course, but rather the result of careful and ongoing eare, and the twig display is now restored to its full glory as the most enjoyable aspect of a fine winter-viewing tree. ‘The roots and trunk flare are also working better now and there is significant gripping of the stone to the right, while at the left, the roots are beginning t0 web on the surface ‘The oval potis by Gordon Dufete and its form Tree in 2004, Photo by Bill Jordan, 80 and color are very well suited to the proportions and design of the bonsai. Future directions If the lower left branch is redirected so its new position moves inwards towards the trunk, it will shorten it to the left and in the process appear to make the middle left hand branch mass longer. ‘The branch also needs lowering and broadening so its plane contributes to a more diversified unity in the negative space to the left of the trunk, cre~ ated between the surfaced roots, trunk line and the first branch. Moving this branch also elevates the main part of the middie left branch complex and emphasizes those gnarly and fabulous rising lines. ‘The same left middle portion also needs a little more extension to the left, so that its lower lines can extend far enough to swing upwards and align their peripheries with the general line of the branch plane. Think oft like an arm of a candela- bra Following the same logic, the upper part of the branch system to the left, if also extended and raised, will broaden the uppermost peripheral line and make the head appear flatter. The simple wide dome will add a lot to the form of the tree, A few negative windows cut here and there in the twiggy mass of upper branching, particularly close to the trunk, willadd contrast and natural interest to the mass. Projected time scale Taken slowly, the changes can be made in five years.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.Root establishment “The tree was established for two years in open sandy soil using a temporary bonsai container REACTION I imported this tree in 1981 at a quoted age of 15 of writing. I was always taken with the image of the Katos’ tree in Mansei-en, their nursery in ‘Omiya, and each shipment of trident maples that came in was carefully checked for one with a simi- lar basic form. [ eventually selected this one and then commissioned Gordon Duffett to make a pot resembling the Japanese original, but with his own twist given to it, In the end he made a number of pots in that shape and glave of differing sizes. years, making it 39 years old at the time Trunk development Little development ws REACTION The existing, crunk form was close enough to that of the model Japanese tree to serve as an easy foundation for the desired shape. necessary, Branch development ‘The branches were built very fast, taking fall advantage of the tremendous growth rate of the species REACTION I should have built the branches at my. usual slow rate of Sem [2 in.] per year in lateral spread. But instead, each time the new growth ex- ceeded four pairs of leaves, the initial shor section was wired and curved and then was allowed to spread freely. Once enough shoot thickness devel- oped, the shoots were pruned back but left quite long. Then the nest flush of growth grew unwired. and was cut back, alowed to grow and was wired and so on, but in my impatience Ter the branches grow too fast and they never developed tapered character. Thad hours of relaxed fian trying to refine the outline of the tree, following the photograph and trying to make it doser to the original. The evalu ating process is fascinating and teaches you a lot abour how the artist shaped his tree and that really ‘was the important thing. Eventually I managed to achieve a pretty good facsimile of my Favorite tree. It looked acceptable in leaf, but in winter, the branch planes looked roo evenly curved and hat no real structure. Root development ‘The root pad was firm enough to support the heavy trunk in two years but the lack of minor surfaced roots was bothersome, REACTION Work was begun on raising small roots to the surface at each repotting and these gradu- ally added some credible infrastructure to the root base. Tree in 1985 ‘The picture taken in summer shows the tree at an interesting stage in its development, but as I said before, the glimpses of the infrastructure of the branches reveals really thin lines. The tree isaa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.Future directions Projected time scale ‘More fullness in the branch planes coupled with Maybe three years from the stage in the photo- a slight reduction in heightas the apex blendsin graph, better will make this deceptively simple tree into a wonderful example of an elegant trident maple. The tree in three years. aaa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.‘Summer 2005. Photo by Kate Adams. ‘The progress shot taken in August 2004 shows where the middle left branch was removed so the evolving second trunk could occupy its position. ‘The new trunk will be grown 10 feel like part of the general branch formation, but will have more visual weight and structural importance in the design, Root development ‘The surfaced roots are already quite good, but are buried just now to encourage thickening of their lateral lines. The technique of shortening the lower roots and leaving the top ones to spread. will quickly build better trunk flare as the sur- faced roots form their buttress-like connection with the trunk. The webbing process of the sur- 98 faced rootsis one of the most enjoyable character- istics of trident maples and is easy to encourage and great fun to watchin development. Future directions ‘The branch lines ate full and spreading and per- haps point towards the choice of alonger pot to provide a wider visual platform for the spreading trunk base. The present pot will better suit a tree with less branch spread Projected time scale Ir will take at least five years for the branches to achieve the desired spread (ar the controlled rate of Sem [2 in.] per year) and enough thickness for them to balance with the strong trunkaa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.Winter close up 2004, Pheto by Bill Jordan. 103aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.away freely after having been wired in the first of three grow-vire-chop cycles carried out in the second and subsequent years. ‘The second picture was taken in the winter of 1986-87 and shows how once they were pruned way back in August, the branches emerged as fledgling tree trunks. The planting was developed exactly as described earlier in the text. Root development ‘The neyt step to consider was how much, if any, of the original root ball to retain. There were new surfaced roots growing all along the sides of the trunk and combined, these equaled ifnot es: eceded the mass of feeder roots still coming from the original base root system. Having thought about the options, I decided. to reduce the vestigial knob of the old root base that still looked awkward. I sawed it shorter and hollowed it out to look like old natural damage. With this very strong lamp removed, the tree trunk nearest the old base was really developed and created more relative perspective through the design. Future directions ‘The tree tilted to resemble the previous tree! It could be a lot of fun to reconstruct this design from an earl Projected time scale About 20 years, So he be looking pretty good by now, Has anyone se iv?! 2005, that tree should 107aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.JAPANESE MAPLE ‘eigen’ informal upright Height: 63cm [25 in.] Trunk diameter: 7.5em [3 in] Age in 1970: 80 years Root establishment This “Scigen’ maple was imported ftom Fu in 1971. Unwrapping the root ball revealed fabulous roots and showed it to be another tree grown in the 70% sand to 30% light organic material mix I put together the same type of soil using 70% mised sand, 10% peat, 15% leaf mold and 5% loam. The tree was planted in the gray rectangle picture from Japan Jit greenhouse or shed until shown in the original offerir and placed in a wel the frosts were well past. Offering picture from Fukukzen dated 1970. 112 Trunk development ‘The original pot measured 45cm [18 in.] and over the years the tree was transferred into progres- sively larger pots until it was planted in a 95cm. [37in,] Japanese containerin 1980. The trunk form and it sits very form has a pleasing slow § well on the root base. The upper part of the trunk shows old damage at the point where it abruptly changes disection. This indicates the original top of the tree was lost and there is a cement filled cavity to the rear of the new right facing upper trunk, In 1980, the trunk diameter had slowly in- creased to 10cm [4in.] as a result of giving the tree lateral root run and pruning the lower roots more heavily than the surfaced ones. The increase was in no way & response to the chosen feeding program, REACTION ‘The fertilizing program used early on ‘was inappropriate I realize now but it was fol- lowed in an attempt to try and restrain the heavy top growth, now known to be typical of Seigen’ After this period 1 used different feeding combi- nations and this early experimentation led to the triple fertilizer program I now use and have ex- plained earlier. Ie was not easy caring for an old specimen of a variety largely unknown in cultivation at that time, ‘There was certainly nobody in Europe to ask and so little by litle I fitted things together and cameaa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.reasonably light humidity, The air flow must be good bur not a howling draft. The key factor is to provide these conditions until the tree has set its first flush of leaves as the tree is rery susceptible to damage arising from buds being brushed, wind bumt, insect attack and frost—all of which pro- duce the same result: coal black shriveled leaves. Ifthe tree suffers such damage, the restoration of the plant to a place with the listed conditions, the removal of all damaged tissue and diluted feeds with half strength Miracle-Gro will recover the tree. Root development ‘Work in exposing the root flare has revealed sur- faced roots extending way beyond the measurable trunk base of 25cm [10 in]. The strong growth of the surfaced roots and the flare produced makes a base with a total spread exceeding 46cm [18:in.] seem reasonable, The tree is planted in a much deeper con tainer (made specially for me by Bryan Albright) to build up the root pad and strengthen the ‘Summer 1994. Photo by Jonathan Harrison. 116 branches after the tree sustained damage when it left my old garden in Surrey. For a brief period the tree was grown under very different condi tions, leading to both winter and summer prob- lems, ‘The tree may easily be controlled and restored. as the picture reconds—even ifthe worst hap: pens—by utilizing the factors described under Placement. All ‘Seigen’ needs as bonsai is sym- pathetic observation so that the grower is aware ‘of problems and reacts to them before they reach chronic levels Future directions If the lower right branch wer the middle right branch lowered slightly, a more asymmetrical form is created. So treated, the plant will achieve superb balance. cto be removed and Projected time scale Te will take about three years to reach the form ex- pressed in the drawing,aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.JAPANESE MAPLE Informal twin trunk Height 62.5em [25 in.] ‘Trunk diameter: 75em [3 in] Root base: 22.5cm [9 in] ‘Age: approximately 20 years Root establishment ‘One ofa large batch of seedlings developed in the ground in Canada the tree was imported into America in spring 2000. Itwas selected in the pre the tre jious winter from a field when the bases of were covered with soil and leaf debris, so the status of the roots was uncertain. Straight from the field! ‘The soil in the plastic pot was 90% heavy field clay and alittle bon- sai mix was added around the ball. I washed the Winter 2000—the tree as imported from Canada. Photo by Kate Adams. 120 roots off and found a massive lump of knobby, twisted roots originating from when the tree had. been planted in the ground without any untan gling and radial placement of the surfaced roots, so Thad to removea number of the heaviest and most malformed roots. I prepared an open, light sandy soil of the usual type and planted the tree in a Gordon Duffett pot, generously carried over to the States and given me by my old friends Jim. and Mat .arural fir and the tree rapidly generated a real y MeCurrach. The tree and pot wi root paul Trunk development: winter 2002 A record shot taken in gray light during a styl ing session. ‘The tree has been drastically reduced in general outline. I rorated it many times before choosing this angle. The trunk has not much, taper and in an effort to alleviate this a little, the highest part was removed and an upper branch loosely wired up into an apical position to create movement anda step in the taper. Trunk development: winter 2003 ‘The posture ofthe trunk is improved. I inclined it more to the left in the last repot and while still lacking conspicuous taper, the eye somehow for- gives this now that there is more flow in the line. Note where the branch scars have been tinted with a cylic paint to match the bark.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.Summer 1985. The tree before trimming. Photo by Jonathon Harrison. Summer 1993. The tree before trimming. Photo by Kate Adams. The tree 10 minutes later. Photo by Jonathon Harrison. Trimmimg. Photo by Kate Adams. 125aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.Root establishment “This tree was imported from Japan in 2002 From the drawing, the roots appear to be fairly compacted, but the pot is big enough to have pro vided some support until the tree can be repotted in spring 2005. In terms of looks, the brown oval containers nor bad in general form, but itis a touch too shal- low. Whena wide base is placed against such a thin line, an unfortunate optical illusion is cre- The tree in winter 2004. 130 ated whereby the wider mass appears to push. down and bend the thinner one. (Artists such as Mondrian often use this illusion in their paint ings.) Ifthe pot used has the same length and width, butis slightly deeper, a reassuring feeling of grounding and anchoring is restored. The sur- faced roots appear to be well formed and there is ice root flare at the base of the trunk. Trunk development The feeling of balance and sympathetic move- ment between the two trunks is good and has been thoughtfully utilized. The tranks appear to move together well and while not exactly rhyming with each other they do make a nicely unified image. REACTION As was true of Itce 15, the major trunk does not have much taper except right near the top. In the former ease the problem was alleviated by spreading the canopies so they appeared to need the support of a stocky trunk. Perhaps a similar so- lution might work here too. Branch development Basically the branches need a lot of selective pruning and wiring to add the illusion of age to the dense bunches of terminal twigs. The general form and structure is very attractive but would be greatly improved with detailed styling.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.when the tree is repotted by lifting the root mass refining such details. The tree is then planted and combing away some of the compacted soil slightly higher, or, with a minor drop to the left round the smaller existing roots on the right 9 that raises the right hand side, Approach graft enhance their modeling. When the tree has the _ing seedlings or cuttings will also correct the old soil washed off, it helps in working on and deficiency. The tree in winter 2004. 136aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.Area A The main (lower) part of branch At is removed at the junction with the minor line. The periphery of tthe red zone is brought in by about 10-15%, carefully pruning as you go to add spaces, changa twig dirac- tions and simplify knots of twigs. Some flattening of the domed contour would be nice. The blue zone by contrast is brought in more to make a steeper curve. Notice that the position of the red terminal is much higher than the blue, Area B The low left branch and its side branches are wired, and then the main line is cushioned and gradually raised up via a slow turnbuckle technique. As the side branches are spread and positioned, a convincing sec- cond trunk complex wil be set up. Area Pruned back ta the dotted line C. some of the rear branches can be used to continue the upper pro- file of the second trunk. Notice how the terminal of C is highor than that of B, this croates an opposing angle to the underlines of A. The central negative space is an integral part of this design. The green line highlights its diverse shape. Obviously the space will look stark to begin, but the trick in styting maples is in knowing when to allow then to relax a bit and dangle some leaves into such a gap. 141aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.‘The tree in three years.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.3, 128-129 shohin, 13, 15, 37, 39-40, 6! soil mix, 16, 112 stones, 52-56 ‘groups and rafts over, 46-51, 55-56 transplanting, 15, trident maple, see Acer buergerianum. trimming, 17, 20~ 5-68, 138-141 1, 70-73 branches, 6: roots, 30) trunk development, 30, 32-35. See also entries for trees in Chapter Five. 156 viramin B1, 16, 28 watering, 15, 40 dwarf cultivars, 15 winter care, 26 winter ‘paint pruning’, 26 wiring, 25, 30-31, 40-41 hand clamping method 25 wound seal Lac balsam, 17, 28. 35 yama-momipi, U1