Azalea Cascade

David Chauvin

I bought this azalea in February 2001 and it was wired into the cascade style (photo #1), but it left a lot to be desired (too bushy). I had to make a decision this spring. Do I let it flower and prune after or do I prune before flowering to take advantage of the tree's charged battery? Before asking my teachers, I knew what the answer would be. Why wait? Why lose a year of development? Why not go for the best tree possible now? So with that advice in mind, it was pruned (photo #2) and wired (photo #3). I brought it back to the bonsai nursery (Guy Guidry's Bonsai Northshore is only 30 minutes from my home!) for a critique and it was suggested that the crown be further reduced to eliminate multiple branches emerging from one point. It has budded back nicely (photo #4) and there should be lots of branches to choose from for the next phase of development. (13"H, 1.5" root base at soil)

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"With the death of the Shamen, artists are the last interpreters of the Divine." Joseph Campbell

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David Chauvin

#2

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"With the death of the Shamen, artists are the last interpreters of the Divine." Joseph Campbell

David Chauvin

#3 wired

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"With the death of the Shamen, artists are the last interpreters of the Divine." Joseph Campbell

David Chauvin

#4 potted. Critiques and comments appreciated.

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"With the death of the Shamen, artists are the last interpreters of the Divine." Joseph Campbell

TreeBay

I like the direction you're headed and you have a great source for advice. Getting in early with the pruning and wiring really lets you see the entire tree without the distraction of foliage and flowers!

I think this tree could do equally well as a semi cascade, but either way I'm sure it will do fine.

Do be very careful about wire marks. The azaleas have skin that's so thin it's scary, so check frequently!

Regards,

Matt

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Adam

You did a great job. I like the way you decided to go with it.

Your Friend,
Adam

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[Adam]
"Cass Bonsai Gardens"
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David Chauvin

Matt,

I don't think this pot is quite right but I had it on hand and it was about the right diameter for the root reduction I wanted, so there it went. Cascade or semi cascade?.... That's for down the road. And yes, I do have a great source for advice, guidance and inspiration at Bonsai Northshore. A casual down to earth, non-elitist atmosphere does wonders for the learning process. Not to mention hundreds of great trees to study at your leisure. Everyone should be so lucky.

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"With the death of the Shamen, artists are the last interpreters of the Divine." Joseph Campbell