So we had our first freeze this past week, earlier than normal and earlier than I would have wanted, but that’s the way it goes. What that meant in practical terms is that it was time to bring in the tropicals I’m planning to keep for myself. A couple ended up on my desk where they’ll keep me company through the winter. One was this nice Green island ficus, Ficus microcarpa.
I’ve been looking at this tree for almost a week now, and frankly it’s been annoying me. Why? Well, though at first glance it just looks healthy and full of foliage it’s overgrown and in great need of pruning. If you spend a minute or two studying the tree, you’ll see the usual suspects: branches pointing downward, branches pointing upward, interior foliage that obscures the trunk or branch base, branches overgrown beyond the proper profile of the tree. This makes for a disorderly bonsai – in fact, you could argue that it makes for a not-bonsai but rather a little bush in a shallow pot. It’s why we put effort and rules into the endeavor in the first place.
This was the toughest decision I had to make today. Looking at the first (left side) branch on this tree, I have a shoot jutting forward that emerges from the bottom of the main branch. I can keep this one, but if I do I’ll have to lose the one above it. If I do that, I’ll need to wire the keeper and position it properly, as it can’t stay where it is. I think the best choice is to just take it off.
And after the final touches. I took out some interior growth to open up the tree. Now the structure is a lot easier to see, and I’ve got the profile back in perspective for a tree this size. Of course, it’ll grow a lot more next year (and even some during winter), but that’s okay. It’s all part of the process of creating a bonsai.
Good eye, Jim. That small forward-pointing branch may stay or go next year. I’m thinking of either wiring it more to the side or clipping and directing it leftward, if it stays.
I really appreciate this sequential layout. It helps to see the progress in such detail. I do have a question: if I’m seeing this properly, there is a small, multi leaved branch coming forward at the bottom layer of foliage. If it were removed it would open the tree up even more. What do you have in mind for this branch?
Thanks, Jane!
Yes, it’s easier to look back to see what you’re talking about.