This Hinoki is beginning it's 5th growing season. It has come along way from it's humble beginnings. This tree has been part of Michael Persiano's "Superfeeding" regimen". To some this regimen is labelled as "superfeeding" but to most it is just common sense. Let me explain!
Bonsai cultivation has come along way in recent years. Fertilisation of our trees has not grown as exponentially as soil components. In the past we fed moderately. Now with the advent of almost totally inorganic substrate we need to feed our trees more aggressively in order to sustain the trees nutritional requirements.
For those that have been following my bonsai journey, they know that I have been employing Persiano's "Superfeeding" program. His program has a 2 phase approach: the developmental phase and the maintenance phase. Although Michael recommends 2 years in the developmental phase, this tree has been "superfed" for 3 years. The results are obviously seen. Now that this tree is destined to it's final pot, it will be placed under the maintenance program beginning with this growing season.
A little refresher...
This Hinoki was my third purchase in May '05. I named it Lazy because of its laid back disposition. At the time I thought it was something special. I had kept as much foliage as I could, considering they do not back bud on old wood, and tried to maximise the trees height. The results a tall and lanky tree, nothing else.
Circulating the net I was convinced the best potential for this tree resided in the movement from this view. Although not convinced at the time, it is something that I have kept in mind ever since. Late August '07, this view was selected for a final styling in the penjing style. As depicted in the first picture in this update.
During the winter of 05-06 I toyed with the idea of reducing the trees height, being fully cognisant of the trees growth patterns, that I needed to keep as much foliage as possible. In February of '06 I went to work. The trunk was wrapped in raffia, two 5mm wires acted as spines against the trunk and the trunk was once again wrapped in rafia. The tree was wired and this is the result. Height reduction was possible and the tree looked more credible than its humble beginnings. Because of the length of the branches, in order to accomplish a credible silhouette Foreshortening Techniques needed to be applied, with the final result.
This shot was taken the fall of '06. The growing season was good and the fullness of the foliage apparent. Unfortunately the result looked more like a landscape juniper than a credible bonsai. The development of this tree can be followed here
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