Month January 2025

Photo Story: Gardenia Bonsai Update January 2024

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This tree started its journey from throw-away tree to Bonsai in February 2021. I wrote about how I got to be in possession of this tree back then. https://bonsaiplace.net/2021/02/28/off-the-back-of-a-truck/ .

Here we are, four years later and the progression is slow but deliberate. This is within the principle of Kaizen which means doing small bits of work over time. In this case towards maturity as a Bonsai. The photos below are of the main phases of the progression with the last photos of what it looks like today.

The full story is at the link above. In short, this tree came of the back of a truck on its way to the rubbish dump.
A few hours later, branch selection took place and the tree was potted up in mostly pumice.
This is the progression on 5 June 2022, roughly 15 months later.
At this stage it was thought that the bottom branch on the right was out of place and not needed to develop the Nebari and was promptly removed.
January 2025. Today saw a bit of secondary branch selection and a bit of wiring in the apex.
Very happy to see some back budding.
Another flower bud is in production.

Overall, the progression is slow, but steady. The back budding is a welcome addition compared to the previous year.

Next steps:

  • Keep fertilisation going. This is a very hungry feeder and shows very quickly if it is in need of something.
  • Cut back to minimise long internodes.
  • Wire more branches over time.
  • Pot selection. This tree will be ready for its first Bonsai pot come August. Any suggestions? I am thinking a glazed pot, not sure about colour or shape. Feel free to leave a comment on your thoughts for the pot.

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