Page 104 - Ebook cây cảnh Art of Bonsai

104 Creating your own bonsai

Trim into shape: clip and grow

6 Prune back to a bud
that will grow in the right
direction and fill space; also
include a change from the
current direction. Allow a
short distance between each
change of direction, usually
no more than two leaves.

Mark the best front
view and stand back
now and then to
check your work
from this angle

7 Treat all the cut areas
with wound sealant
(see pp.108–109). If it
is a suitable time of year,
5 Prune to shape. Reduce branches extending consider transplanting
out of the silhouette; ensure they have leaves—or the tree (see pp.129–133).
visible buds—before you prune back to just above Improving the style
the first leaf joint. This encourages new shoots to and quality of the pot
grow, especially if you defoliate the tree once the will give you a lot
leaves have hardened (see p.127). more enjoyment,
so look for a better
The clip-and-grow method (directional pruning) choice of container.
is ideal for Chinese elms. Once pruned back,
the branch will grow out in the direction of the
terminal bud that is pointing off at an angle.