this is the top half of a tall bougainvillea collected earlier this year. what this is essentially, is a large cutting which has rooted and is flourishing. decided today to look at the tree with an eye towards developing a future design. assets include a tall trunk with nice movement. old bark and an abundance of new growth from which to create the beginning of a future bonsai. the wiggly trunk suggests moyogi or bunjin. the trunk forks at the top (see bushy picture). the righty hand fork is an extension of the main trunk-meaning the top of the tree to the right its as thick as the bottom. this side has the most growth. a thumb sized branch growing off the main trunk at an angle comprises the left fork. this side has a few usable branches but not many. now what? a sharp saw is pressed into service. several branch stubs growing from the main trunk were cut off flush. the thick right hand fork was also cut flush. the wounds will be cleaned up and sealed. the left fork now becomes the top of the future tree. by selecting the left fork we accomplished something very important-we created taper. one of the top branches is wired to create a future apex. the remaining two branches are wired and shaped to lay the foundation for a future canopy. done for now, fertilizer bags are put in the pot and the tree left to recover and grow.
best wishes, sam
best wishes, sam
