In last week’s post we left off in 2017 – about 10-15 years into the development of a black pine that was field-grown at Lone Pine Gardens in Sebastopol, California.

Here’s the tree two years later.

March, 2019

Because the tree hadn’t been wired in several years, the large gap between the lower and upper branches had become pronounced. You can see this gap clearly in the next photo.

June, 2020

Although the branches look rough, the bones to form a full silhouette were mostly in place.

A year later the tree looked similar, but more dense.

December, 2021

That winter, a few wires made their way onto the lower branches, but the upper half of the tree remained unstyled.

November, 2022

After spending too many years not wiring this tree, I was adamant it wouldn’t go another year without attention.

Fortunately, a friend, Adam Toth had recently returned from a three-year apprenticeship with Taiga Urushibata at Taisho-en in Shizuoka, Japan. Adam was up for the job and I’m thrilled with the results.

Black pine, 16″, styled by Adam Toth

Right side

View from the top – note the even branch distribution

And here’s a reminder of what the tree looked like fifteen-plus years earlier.

The same tree in the early 2000s

It’s heartening to see trees move along from year to year, but to step back and chart progress over longer periods of time is one of the more satisfying feelings in bonsai.

Thanks to Adam for helping this tree through it’s “first styling” of sorts, and thanks to you all for joining along for the ride!

For more info about Adam – he’s based in Northern California and available for club presentations, demonstrations, and client work – say hi on IG @adam.jp.bon.

Adam Toth after wiring the pine

News and updates

• I hope to see you this weekend at the Bay Area Bonsai Associates annual exhibit on January 14-15 at the Lakeside Garden Center in Oakland, CA. The show opens at 4:00 p.m. on the 14th with a demo/presentation (by me) at 6:30 p.m. Sunday hours are 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Small and medium pumice is back in stock on the Bonsai Tonight Online Store so stock up now on repotting supplies.
• It’s not too soon to start thinking about the 8th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition in Rochester, New York. I won’t be able to make the drive this year but I’m happy to help coordinate the trip – let me know if you have any questions or are thinking about driving, I’ll be happy to help!