Azalea - Ramification

This is an old Satsuki azalea, with its massive trunk and wild display of mixed up flowers.
Ramification just means branching. More specifically in bonsai  it is sometimes used to mean branch development or branch refining.
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BIB exhibition – conifers

Bonsai exhibitions are my best opportunity to simply enjoy the trees. During BIB’s annual exhibition, I make time to wander the hall as if I were a visitor. I study bark and branch placement, moss-work, accents, and display.
One of the first things that strikes me about a tree is its balance, or “baransu,” as Yasuo Mitsuya would say. The shimpaku below has it in spades. Dense and green foliage, wonderful course to fine ramification, and a silhouette that’s as Japanese in character.

Shimpaku

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Controlling Conifer Growth

These simple tips on triming and pinching are from an extensive article entitled ‘How to Train Coniferous Bonsai’ from Bonsai Today issue 42.

Books on the subject
Two of the best books on training conifers are part of our Masters’ Series: Growing and Styling Juniper Bonsai, and Growing and Styling Japanese White and Black Pines.




Here is another piece from the same Bonsai Today article. Pruning and pinching excess foliage are always a good idea when transplanting. Less foliage means less work for stressed roots.

We transplant all summer
As far as the until June part, here in Vermont we can transplant conifers all summer long because it seldom gets very hot. If you know what you are doing, you can transplant conifers all summer in all but the hotest and driest climates. Read more!