Highlights of the March Intensive workshop and the tree’s origin.
It goes without saying in Bonsai that the vast majority of everything we do is in the preparation. Something I’m sure I’ve said on many of occasion by now. Today we take a glimpse into the journey from performing an air-layer in Aug 2023, to its separation; its repotting and then cutback in preparation for its first styling.
We also take a look at the recent Intensive workshop held and summarise some of the key points of day.
The foundations of the intensive workshops are rooted in it being a hands on learning experience. Members will be guided through every action and decision. Discussions and ultimately decision making will be driven by, the use of proven techniques and the sound knowledge of design and horticulture principles.
A good picture to get a sense of scale of the original trees , approximately 3.5m tall.(April 2024) The tree’s origin. Separation of the air-layer, having performed the air-layer in Aug 23.(April 2024) First view of the tree after having been potted up. I discuss in previous blogs as to why I left so much foliage on. (Dec 2024) First cut back, removing branches that would not be useful in future stylings. This is approached by reviewing their placement, where taper can be introduced and their value ie does it have secondaries and tertiary’s attached to it. You will notice I’m already drawn to this being the front. (Dec 2024) A great view of the small plates of bark. It’s estimated the original trees are approximately 25 yrs old having been grown slowly in their nursery containers. It’s further estimated that the original trees were topped approximately 10years in. (March 2025) Intensive workshop. After already having a freak accident of tearing my meniscus in the first 30mins of the day! The intensive then started off with a detailed discussion on design and the possible front of the tree. Key points such as trunk planes, angles/ lines, special features and what hindrance’s there were to achieving the design were discussed. We agreed to keep the length of the main trunk as there was a slight elegance to the movement. We touched on a tree’s journey, and the possible iterations it may have in the future and that we may need to think what design would be suitable 10/15years down the road. We then noted that the main lower branch on the right was key in the design (special feature) and so the initial work began compressing the angle between the main trunk and the key branch to shorten the length of the branches. With a taller more elegant trunk we need to consider bringing the design in, creating a narrower silhouette. If we were to extend on the lower branch the trunk would feel too weak to carry that weight.Working the structure first. Having a detailed approach to the wiring of the structure is key. Knowing where you want to move the branch and consequently wiring in the direction of the required movement. This was a key move in the design and required the biggest bend. With the use of a clamp and guy wires we were able to compress the length of this key branch into the main tree to allow for a narrower silhouette. Having a good time is just as important! The end result of the day, the guys having done a great job! We ran short of time on the day to do the finishing touches but the guys did incredibly well having performed the vast majority of the work themselves under the guidance of myself. The value in the discussion of the design, talking through the required structure movements and then seeing that come to fruition was extremely important for the guys to experience.
Following the workshop each member is also advised after having observed them throughout the day on what they should work/ focus on in the short term, a bit of their strengths and weaknesses at that given time. This provides a continuation of the learning for members to take into their own garden/ trees.
Two Islands Bonsai 
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