Mario's beforeshot
Cotoneaster The unusual structure of this Cotoneaster provided both opportunities and challenges. Clinton commented that it was unusual to find a Cotoneaster with such a good base and thick trunk. Mario had been trimming the tree ‘topiary style’, which had developed dense foliage pads, but now wanted to develop a clearer structure.
Mario's aftershot
Removing the stronger leader simplified and accentuated both the upright trunk and the unusual lateral growth (are they trunks or branches?). While not finished, the design plan is clear in this photo. The long first branch of the main trunk effectively balances the low growth on the opposite side.
Lorraine's beforeshot
Lorraine and Clinton discussed a few options that Lorraine had sketched out for this old juniper before the workshop. Material like this offers potential for a number of quite different styles
Lorraine aftershot
This cascade style made good use of the tree’s best features, especially the movement of the base and strongest leader.
MIchelle's beforeshot
This multi-trunk Shimpaku showed great potential for an interesting, complex style.
Brenda aftershot
Thinned and shaped, the foliage complements the direction and story of hardship suggested by the rest of the tree.
Michelle's aftershot
Shortening the three trunks immediately added to the illusion of age, which was enhanced by the movement and direction in the tree, creating the impression of a tree shaped over time by environmental forces.
Mike's aftershot
(no before shot) The windswept effect of this juniper was greatly enhanced by thinning and flattening the foliage pads and placing them to give stronger sense of direction in response to the prevailing wind.
Neville's beforeshot
Corky Bark elm The fabulous base of this plant flagged its potential as a star bonsai of the future. Advanced material such as this, which has been selectively pruned and trimmed while being ‘grown on’, can produce a good bonsai in a relatively short time.
Neville's aftershot
The shortened trunk highlights the beautiful base and movement and enhances the illusion of age. With further development and refinement of the branches over the next few years, this will become a superb bonsai.
Orietta's beforeshot
The compact growth and small leaves make this azalea a very appealing specimen, and added some interesting variety to the mix of trees brought to the workshop.
Orietta's aftershot
Thinning the growth, especially the branches near the base, made it look like a tree rather than a shrub and exposed the lovely tracery of the branches.
Ruth's beforeshot
This Leptospermum laevigatum had some shaping in its early days and was then allowed to grow freely, creating a messy tangle of branches.