Journal
295 care entries
July 202562 entries
# Mary's Jade - Prop Photo Shoot Here are all the pictures of the props I took from Dwarf Jade 1 (AKA Mary's Jade). So many!
# Mass Planting I planted all the props this afternoon in bonsai media. - All small props in one Anderson flat - All the loose leaves in another Anderson flat - All medium sized cuttings 3-5 to a pot in midsize deep pots - 9 large cuttings in their own gallon deep pots I have them in the back corner of the yard under the shade of my European Smoketree. Pictures coming tomorrow. It got dark this evening.
# Getting Down To Business Since there were a few branches already broken in transit, and they needed to be cleaned up with a sharp knife, dried for a day or two (to prevent rot in the medium), and planted to root, I decided to quickly research the timing on when to do rooting of Dwarf Jade cuttings. Turns out it's okay up to early August, and I'm just in time. Otherwise they may not establish well enough before they go more dormant for the winter. I took a number of cuttings - to say the least. They will keep me busy for a while getting them potted. All the little ones I'll put in some larger trays. The larger ones will go directly into some deeper pots to give them the best chance. What is left is far more sparse. If Polly saw her now she'd probably cry. I know that it's going to burst back. It's one of the healthiest Portulacaria afras I've seen. It's going to push new growth hard. I'll let it recover in my warm courtyard for a couple days then give it some good hot sun in the warmest part of my yard. She has multiple nice thick trunks. Once she's exploded with new growth and come back, I can look for opportunities to prune back more. She's still a little leggy and could use some additional work. I'll do a repot and find the nebari before that though. Another update coming soon with all the props. Then the next time you see them will be with the ones that make it and become starters or pre-bonsai.
I picked Mary's Jade up from Polly, who lives in the Wedgewood neighbord of Seattle. \"Planted a cutting when my daughter was born, and she is now 50 years old. I keep it indoors October to May and outdoors June to October. Now I need to downsize...\" Polly planted it in January 1975 and said the plant is in honor of Mary, her daughter. She is now preparing to relocate to a retirement community and was seeking a good home. In training as a bonsai as of today. ($105 on CraigsList)
This has been floating around the internet since forever. Perhaps this is how things will work out?
General cleanup, try to encourage branching.
This poor gingko has been sunburnt and eaten by the slugs or some pest. Despite all that it has been pushing a bunch of new growth on a number of new branches. Happy to see this for sure. I cut off the damaged parts of the leaves and pruned the end 1/3 off of the largest other leaves to let light through to the new growth. I also pruned the new shoots back to 3-4 leaves and applied cut paste. After all this work I put it back under my European smoketree to give it some shade. I'll keep it watered well and check on it daily.
General thinning and reduction of course growth.
The canopy was getting quite thick so I took the opportunity to thin it out quite a bit and prune back some of the heavier branching. Lots more light getting into it now and a more compact silouhette.
Really bad scarring. Will need to be trunk chopped.
I noticed that the wire up the trunk was biting in quite a bit so I took it off today. It left some really bad marking as seen in the photos. I am going to let the tree recover as much as possible and my give it a good chop later with a much lower leader.
Back to building a good trunk worthy of the nebari.
There was so much confusion going on here. I started from the bottom and began pruning out all bar branching from the trunk and 3 to two branchnig on all branches. I really didn't like the total lack of taper. I made the decision that the only good approach for this tree was to take many steps back and do a full trunk chop. So I did. Back to the pre-bonsai group for this one. It never really deserved to be called a bonsai anyway. Long term this will be for the best.
Cleaned up some of the leggy growth
This gorgeous forest has been growing out really well. I'm pleased with how much healing over has occurred around the drastic cuts from this spring. Not as much new branching as I'd hope for, but it's been good. I pruned back in a few places to encourage optimal growth.
I reviewed the leaves which were wilted and didn't see any real change. It seems like the tree is pretty stable now. I noticed that the wiring on the tree was starting to cut into the bark so removed all the wire. I added some back on some of the younger straight branches which were no wired previously. There are some wire marks. Super unfortunate. Not happy about it.
Chose a single leader, pruned for taper.
I make a couple directional decisions with this tree. Identified and promoted a single leader to tell the tree what to do. Also pruned some for taper.
Very minor pruning
Did a little pruning and deciding on what to do with this tree. It presents a bit of a problem. In the future I'll air layer off the bigger side for what will make a nice little tree. Perhaps the other side too. Then do a full trunk chop and work on getting some taper.
Pruned leggy growth. Needs back budding.
Cut back some of the leggy growth. Hoping to see some back budding or it will not really be a viable tree.
Pruned back tight to encourage ramification and appearance of height.
Reduced the overall bushiness. Buds have swolen well and I think it will give a nice flush to start getting some ramification.
Photos taken of where it is planted now. Looking well. Initially there was quite a bit of dieback, but that is likely because of being dug up for the nursery. It also got a couple hot days before I got it planted.
This tree is pushing nicely this year. It's clearly happy with the repot that was done last year and is quite happy in the pot now.
Photos after the air layer is in place. It appears to still be pushing new growth, so fingers crossed that this works.
My leaf reduction technique was well-executed. Removing ~¼ and reducing the rest encouraged internal light, better airflow, and controlled backbudding. The flush of new growth afterward? An amazing good sign. But: New leaves are tender—they don’t yet have the waxy cuticle or lignin support to handle heat. In a heat spell, transpiration outruns root supply, especially if the roots were already working hard post-defoliation. There was some wilting, likely transpirational stress, not failure. I'm giving the tree some additional watering and some shade in the heat of the day.
Completed grinding of two channels for 044-001-JuniperKishu and its twin trunks to be added in (front and back). Plan is to attach it via zip ties or cotton string, and monitor for when the tree is grown into the channels and ties can be removed. To be continued in the history for 044-001-JuniperKishu.
Partial Defoliation
Removed 1/4 leaves, trimmed most others in half, curved across the tip. Want to allow light and airflow to encourage health and budding.
June 202517 entries
Air layer added to top
1 of 2 major remaining branches broke off after just getting bumped while moving the tree to my new bench. This tree is so brittle! I'm going to try to air layer the last branch in an effort to save the tree.
Pruned
Had lots of development all over/back budding. Pruned back to only desirable locations to channel energy in good directions
Planted in ground
Planted it in the ground to thicken up. When I removed it from the pot it had barely any roots. Hopefully it will get more vigor in the ground.
Pruned
Pruned back leaders to control height and reduce stress after bare rooting to plant in ground, had minimal roots, pruned thicker couple
Focused future growth
Refined work to focus future direction, pruning back to 2 buds
Purchased from 2025 PSBA Auction for $440 (Millie, client of Eric Ridgeway)
Purchased from 2025 PSBA Auction for $35 (Nicky Ducommun; Yamadori?)
Purchased from 2025 PSBA Auction for $40 (Fire Cracker variety)
Planted in ground
Planted it in the ground to allow it to strengthen/back bud/thicken
May 202525 entries
Moved from hot courtyard to backyard
Moved from the courtyard to the new backyard bench
Moved from hot courtyard to backyard
Moved from the courtyard to the new backyard bench
Moved from hot courtyard to backyard
Moved from the courtyard to the new backyard bench
Moved from hot courtyard to backyard
Moved from the courtyard to the new backyard bench
Moved from hot courtyard to backyard
Moved from the courtyard to the new backyard bench
Moved from hot courtyard to backyard
Moved from the courtyard to the new backyard bench
Moved from hot courtyard to backyard
Moved from the courtyard to the new backyard bench
Moved from hot courtyard to backyard
Moved from the courtyard to the new backyard bench
Moved from hot courtyard to backyard
Moved from the courtyard to the new backyard bench
Moved from hot courtyard to backyard
Moved from the courtyard to the new backyard bench
Moved from hot courtyard to backyard
Moved from the courtyard to the new backyard bench
Moved from hot courtyard to backyard
Moved from the courtyard to the new backyard bench
Moved from hot courtyard to backyard
Moved from the courtyard to the new backyard bench
Moved from hot courtyard to backyard
Moved from the courtyard to the new backyard bench
Moved from hot courtyard to backyard
Moved from the courtyard to the new backyard bench
Moved from hot courtyard to backyard
Moved from the courtyard to the new backyard bench
Moved from hot courtyard to backyard
Moved from the courtyard to the new backyard bench
Moved from hot courtyard to backyard
Moved from the courtyard to the new backyard bench
Air layer added to top
Added air layer for top of tree, Ben B instructor at Eastside PSBA study group
Bought from Squak Mtn Nursery for air layer bonsai study group next day ($175)
Anderson Flat with many cuttings
Check for cuttings viability, placed under bench now for shade/moisture
Initial pruning and some wiring
Initial thinning and pruning, some wiring
Initial pruning and some wiring
Initial thinning and pruning, some wiring
April 20254 entries
Planted in ground
Planted in ground and it actually flowered for the first time. Removed from felt pot.
March 20251 entries
I ordered two Dremel bits from Kutzall on Amazon and started grinding two channels for 044-001-JuniperKishu and its twin trunks to be added in (front and back). Unfortunately two pieces have broken off the tree, one partially rotted part near the base, and one of the twigs. I need to get this into a pot soon to protect it. Anyway, since this is going to be Tanuki, a little glue won't hurt.
August 20241 entries
Died after collection during hot dry weeks due to heat and insufficient collected roots
July 20241 entries
New clean pummice mix and NO Irish Moss remaining
This tree was not draining at all and I couldn't get the roots the moisture they needed. Upon inspection and after some research I determined that it has Irish Moss instead of the typical moss. It apparently sends out deep roots and chokes the soil. See what PSBA member and YouTuber BenB says: [Bonsai Tip: The beautiful but deadly Irish Moss](https://youtu.be/7_P6Sg0edkM?si=I7ReG0dlb24fXrw1). I did an emergency repot and Irish moss mitigation. I didn't have any calcined clay on hand to mix into the soil and give it some moisture holding ability, so it is planted in pure pummice. Following the repot I'll watch it closely as we head into hotter days, but I think it will be better off being able to get moisture despite the root disruption this late in the season.
June 20249 entries
Yikes, this tree is super brittle, at least it is in June. Sadness.
I tried to do a bit of wiring on this tree and felt that uncomfortable "SNAP!" way too many times. I'm pretty sure I'm going to lose a couple branches, if not the whole tree. So sad. So brittle.
Purchased at the 2024 PSBA Silent Auction from Millie
Purchased at the PSBA Annual Bonsai Auction's Silent Auction. It was being sold by Mille Russell, who lives in a retirement community in Gig Harbor. As I was running the silent auction it broke my heart that this was the only lot that wasn't going to sell, so I bid the minimum $25 for it and picked it up. I was looking around and found [this blog post about Millie's ocean-front garden](https://outlawgarden.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-gig-harbor-garden-of-millieand.html) prior to moving into the retirement community. Perhaps this tree once enjoyed these views from her garden..
May 202421 entries
Photos taken of the big leaf maple I'm trying to make into a shohin raft. Either it will look stupid or maybe it'll minimize the leaves and not look too crazy? We'll see how it goes.
Purchased as it was already dead and browning for use as a Tanuki
I picked this up from Janet Payne in her estate sale after losing her husband. Lee Cheatle from the Portland Bonsai Association facilitated the sale and I was a volunteer helper there. This has wonderful age and both tells a story and presents a problem. The thickness of its three branches are reverse - the top is thickest and bottom thinnest. Also, the top branch crosses itself in it's current composition. Still a great tree and an interesting project. I'm pleased to make its aquaintance and glad to be entrusted with its care moving forward.
April 202441 entries
Air layered the tree to see if there is anything to do with it. It presents a challenging design problem.
January 20241 entries
August 20235 entries
July 20231 entries
June 20231 entries
May 20238 entries
Dehydrated
Took some photos after it was underwatered and in the hot courtyard during a hot spell. Hope it makes it. We'll see.
April 20231 entries
March 202340 entries
Photos taken
Pictures of the cuttings and the air layer on the parent tree.
PSBA Eastside Study Group repotting event- Split into 4 plantings, 3 Anderson flats and a single tree
took cuttings from trunk of this seedling (now JapaneseMaple-Batch-001). It had terrible nebari, and may never be suitable for bonsai, still have cut off trunk planted in small plastic starter pot
took cuttings from trunk of this seedling (now JapaneseMaple-Batch-001). It had terrible nebari, and may never be suitable for bonsai, still have cut off trunk planted in small plastic starter pot
Tiny sprouted seedling in pot of JapaneseMaple-002. Gave its own starter plastic pot.
Planted in Anderson flat to grow; next pruning Mar 2024, after new growth and foliage to cut remaining longer shoots back to 2 leaves, put in backyard
Pruned a couple branches (some by accident -snap-), wired an internal crossing branch to move it outward. Moved to backyard
Pruned a couple branches (some by accident -snap-), wired an internal crossing branch to move it outward. Moved to backyard
Chopped top off, took 17 cuttings into rooting hormone and potting soil. Straightened and reduced roots, exposed nebari. Considering taking remaining cuttings with rooting hormone and water, and discontinuing work on this tree since it has a graft onto Deadora Cedar (probably) root stock. . Grafted a couple blue atlas cedar branches into deadora cedar trunk, could be interesting if they succeed.
Chopped top off, took 17 cuttings into rooting hormone and potting soil. Straightened and reduced roots, exposed nebari. Considering taking remaining cuttings with rooting hormone and water, and discontinuing work on this tree since it has a graft onto Deadora Cedar (probably) root stock. . Grafted a couple blue atlas cedar branches into deadora cedar trunk, could be interesting if they succeed.
Chopped top off, took 17 cuttings into rooting hormone and potting soil. Straightened and reduced roots, exposed nebari. Considering taking remaining cuttings with rooting hormone and water, and discontinuing work on this tree since it has a graft onto Deadora Cedar (probably) root stock. . Grafted a couple blue atlas cedar branches into deadora cedar trunk, could be interesting if they succeed.
Started training- nebari, new bonsai pot, new bonsai soil, major thinning/styling
February 202318 entries
January 202314 entries
Final bit of pruning to favor specific buds, left some shoots for leaves, will trim them back to 2 leaves after other growth fills in; next pruning in March 2024
December 202219 entries
Lanky one, maybe a source for props.
Excited to see if I can propogate this tree. It's grafted, probalby on a deodor cedar.
October 20212 entries
September 20212 entries
July 20211 entries
