I bought this Shimpaku from Evergreen Gardenworks in 2011, and it was a massive tree when it arrived. I didn’t do the best job planning for its future, and as a result, it only has a single live vein. For years, the front was this: That lowest-left branch is actually pulled down from above and… Continue reading Finding a new front

I bought this Shimpaku from Evergreen Gardenworks in 2011, and it was a massive tree when it arrived. I didn’t do the best job planning for its future, and as a result, it only has a single live vein. For years, the front was this: That lowest-left branch is actually pulled down from above and … Continue reading Finding a new front →

In 2014 I purchased this Itoigawa from Bjorn. Years later, when I was visiting Chikugo-en in L.A., Gary Ishii recognized it as one he grew. So it has some cool history. Originally, we styled it to move left: During Covid, I sent several trees to Bjorn to wire. Among them was this Itoigawa Here is… Continue reading A neglected Itoigawa

In 2014 I purchased this Itoigawa from Bjorn. Years later, when I was visiting Chikugo-en in L.A., Gary Ishii recognized it as one he grew. So it has some cool history. Originally, we styled it to move left: During Covid, I sent several trees to Bjorn to wire. Among them was this Itoigawa Here is … Continue reading A neglected Itoigawa →

This one is pretty well developed, but needs some tidying up every year to keep it in balance. here is a shot from before work started. Branches getting relatively too thick for their position on the tree, congested branches, and raising branches all need to be addressed. Look below and see which ones jump out… Continue reading Chishio Japanese Maple maintenance

This one is pretty well developed, but needs some tidying up every year to keep it in balance. here is a shot from before work started. Branches getting relatively too thick for their position on the tree, congested branches, and raising branches all need to be addressed. Look below and see which ones jump out … Continue reading Chishio Japanese Maple maintenance →

This is a “mature” tree, in that it has been in development with me for the last 12 years. Over that time, I have established an entirely new branch structure, wired it several times, and developed the broad canopy you’d expect to see a ficus display. Over the years, several heavy and redundant branches have […]

This is a “mature” tree, in that it has been in development with me for the last 12 years. Over that time, I have established an entirely new branch structure, wired it several times, and developed the broad canopy you’d expect to see a ficus display. Over the years, several heavy and redundant branches have … Continue reading Ficus Nerifolia continued →