Bonsai – Good comes from bad.

One thing that is for certain when it comes to Bonsai as an art form is that it is never static due to horticultural and climatic influences. Then we have to throw pests, disease and the odd mishap into the equation as well. This little Thuja did meet up with a bug or two one night and the Thuja came of second best. Yes, whatever it was, ringbarked one of the branches and the first sign was that one branch changed colour. Obviously unhappy and on its way to Bonsai afterlife. What to do?

The damage and the discolouring of the affected branch.

Change direction and from an informal upright change character to start the next phase of its life as a wannabe literati tree. The on its way to death branch comes off and becomes a jin.

Next step is to wire the trunk to the top, give it a bit of a change of direction and reduce the foliage as with the potting comes a reduction in root mass.

The tree is healthy otherwise and with good aftercare will grow into its new life and again stand tall as a proud Bonsai somewhere in the future.

On its way! Twenty centimetres from the top of the pot.

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3 thoughts on “Bonsai – Good comes from bad.”

Reblogged this on Wolf's Birding and Bonsai Blog.

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Love this post of your little Thuga. I was so fortunate to have had lots of Thuga volunteers in our gardens in Ithaca, NY when I started my bonsai hobby, now passion. Many pots of Thuga moved with us to our new home and gardens in Rockwall, TX. Thuga is a great tree to work with because I find it ‘wants’ to be a bonsai and often ‘helps’ me with it’s styling. Thank you for bringing back some great memories to me.

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