Different phases in the life of a bonsai

Posted on 14-Feb-2012 by Neil Padbury

We regularly hear of special pruning techniques for bonsai but before rushing off to try it out you should ask: What is the aim of this technique? And, possibly more importantly: At what stage in the life of my bonsai should I use this technique?

As I see it, a bonsai goes through a number of phases in its life.

First phase is ‘Growth’.

Second phase I call ‘Development’.

Then as the tree is close to ‘finished’ it goes into ‘Maintenance’ phase

Each of these phases have different aims and require different techniques to bring about the desired outcomes. Continue reading →

January 2012

Posted on 30-Jan-2012 by Neil Padbury

January and February are the hottest months of the year here at Shibui Bonsai. So far temperatures have not reached 40 C but it’s still hot enough to make watering my most pressing priority. Continue reading →

Welcome to Shibui Bonsai

Posted on 29-Jan-2012 by Neil Padbury

Look who has dropped in to check out the bonsai

I’m developing this site to share the results of more than 30 years of bonsai experience and my tips and techniques for developing and maintaining really top quality bonsai in Australia.

My aim is to add new material once or twice each month to build up a comprehensive library of practical and up to date bonsai techniques and ideas.

While much of the material here relates to my experience growing bonsai in south eastern Australia, many of the comments will also apply to growers in other areas and other climates.

For those who are interested I will also feature a few of the trees for sale in Shibui Bonsai’s nursery.