Notes For Bonsai Apprentices

by Joan Greenway, Matsuyama Bonsai Club

Working in committees seems to be a theme lately at the Matsuyama Bonsai Club. After a styling workshop, Norman Haddrick challenged us to design a bonsai by committee and in July as part of our summer workshops we did just that. So now follows an article by committee, as a report on Mr. Nakamura's visit. The result below is a collection of one liners to guide us through our apprenticeship with Mr. Nakamura.

He has said....

Gently brush the branches of the tree to help the tree grow. [Norman Haddrick] (Conifers, by the release of ethylene from the foliage) This was news for me, too!

The branch spacing allows the birds and the butterflies to fly through.

The top should bend towards the viewer. [Norman Haddrick] (Except in Chokkan, formal upright style)

Look carefully at the root it should draw the eye up the tree.

Old branches grow down in old trees.

Wrap a towel around the branch then you can use a thicker wire. [Editor](I think he meant raffia)

On the top of a display table the grain should be left to right.

Really look at the tree and to make the tree different, plant it at an angle, and check the side to see if the tree bows.

Elbows are not beautiful.

Do not make total Shari at the front of the tree. The tree needs the living section to show balance.

Make a jin if you do not want a big scar.

The jin points to God.

The apprentice must pick out that ugly moss. He does not like that!

Make variety in bonsai. The branches that are opposite should not be the same length.

This is an erudite tree, good balance over the entire tree.

" Take time ...study for best points of tree.î Prune with fingers, quicker with fingers"

"If we mistake, no problem."

"Tree expresses the owner's temperament."

"Curve of branch very important...look at it from all directions- take time to create interesting curves."

"Clean many young branches around trunk to see trunk."

Regarding the Juniperus procumbens ëNanaî that he styled "Charming tree...and complicated."

"Water from top."

"Feeding time very important." [ From Gay]

"Yes my friend, many potentials", with a smile at Perry's maple sapling.

One phrase that occurred several times last night and also at my 'garden partyí was "put it in a smaller pot, and have the style of the pot suit the style of tree". [Russell]

When asked to critique a fig tree, Mr. Nakamura said that this was an eatable bonsai and very good....he suggested that it be put on the snack table at the end, to make cuttings and share...

Mr. Nakamura brought decades of personal dedication, humility and growth to our club. Through demonstration and critique, he applied these elements not only to our plants but also to our personal experience. In his quiet manner, he provided encouragement for every member to improve technique and enjoy this wonderful pastime.

Written by Committee....Roger Caughell, GayLiddell, PerryShane, Russell Goodchild, Norman Haddrick and gently edited by Joan Greenway

Five Elements

During his demonstration and critique events, Mr. Nakamura outlined his five elements of good bonsai design:

1. Nebari: surface roots must be nicely shaped, supporting upper growth.

2. Trunk-line: movement in little curves, not zigzag, with sharp angles.

3. Branch Placement: alternating on sides, different lengths, and back branches for depth.

4. Taper: trunk must start thick and gradually get thinner.

5. Kong-itchi-wa: the bonsai must bow to the observer.

Mr. Nakamura was very respectful of trees. It was as though he were greeting friends, not vegetative material used in art. Friends will tell you when you are showing your worst side, so planting place and angle needed to be rigorously checked to achieve the best effect. Try to create a masterpiece. In Bonsai, as in art, there is no point in going half way - it should be stunning. The trees must be quiet, alone, and elegant.

On the horticultural side, trees need light, air, water, warmth to grow, and cool to rest. Sound familiar? To keep the tree alive, the soil should allow water and air to flow freely through. A moisture retentive mix, such as 30% sand, 30% loam, 30% leaf mould would make up the composition for deciduous trees; and little or no organic material for pines and evergreens, which will grow in drier conditions. Acadama, pumice, and lava rock in the correct proportions, also make a good mix. Correct watering at different times of day and times of year was encouraged by Mr. Nakamura.

He also made a discussion of branch styles. There are different branch styles for deciduous and coniferous trees. These need to be studied in advance of the activity of pruning. To give the appearance of age, all branches should be trained to a downward angle. Take off large upper branches, bar branches (opposing branches, joined at a node), keep small branches.

Sharpen your tools every time you use them, so that you do not do more injury than necessary when pruning. Acquire a sharp knife for smoothing the cut area, so that the trunk heals quickly and seamlessly Use Bordo and a comprehensive spray program to counteract fungus and insect evolution. Wait for the cool of the day to apply sprays.

On the lighter side, with his jokes and humour, Mr. Nakamura gave us an excellent example of how to enjoy the very serious subject of Bonsai!