Are you comfortable making the difficult decisions?
To catch up on Part 1 from spring 2024 see the below link. In that blog post we discussed when confronted with hard choices, the importance of making the big decisions early on.
Looking back I can understand why you may have been hesitant making these bold moves, but now nearly two years on we can study the results and plan for the next stage.
(Spring 2026) A lot can be deduced from an image…A striking difference from 2 years back! The Azalea received its 1st styling this past autumn, wiring up all the branches. When studying a progression image like this, your first thought should be to look for signs of continual development work. If this ‘tree,’ had a nice clean silhouette then you know the tree is not being developed to a high standard. Most if not all of the elongated shoots have a dual purpose of healing and creating future branch/ trunk structure. I am however very aware of the limitations of healing azaleas in a containerised environment, although, that doesn’t mean we don’t start the process. We can always review and adjust in the future by possibly in ground growing for a couple of years if need be.A closer look at the flowers.
Let’s understand the journey is not always plain sailing…and that’s okay!
Back in 2024, Azalea leaf gall had overwintered in the previous owners garden and then reared its ugly head in spring. Not a threatening disease but it set the ‘tree’ back a bit. I treated it by removing the infection and continuing with my general spray routine. It hasn’t since appeared.A wound at ground level (in contact with the soil) was constantly wet and the wood was rotting out, so in autumn of 2026 I removed the pithy wood and applied a thin layer of cement to allow for the callus to roll over. That branch above the cut site will be a very important asset in assisting that wound to close and by letting it elongate to thicken up it will also become a trunk line in the future design of the tree. Seen here during the growing season of 2025/2026. Note the start of pruning back the apical areas and letting the lower branches run. The tree had multiple flushes during the growing season. This photo is a couple of months prior to its initial styling.
What’s next?
The main focus is healing and new lower branch/ trunk development. Growth up top will be kept in check.
In terms of styling, I would like to explore the presence of long powerful lower branches that allow for the canopy to be broad and exaggerated to a degree.
I hope this post emboldens you to make the important and often difficult decisions early on.
See you for part 3 in a couple of years! Happy developing!
Two Islands Bonsai 
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