Another Mario tree update. If you haven’t got a clue why I’d be doing this, CLICK HERE
First up is his Satsuki Azalea. It’s a variety called Subaru, so I’m told. I always thought the flower colour was equal throughout this tree, as you can see, I was wrong. Nice shades of pink.
Next up is his Japanese White Pine that has budded strongly this year.
His Korean Hornbeam that got a major haircut to produce back budding on some leggy branches. It’s working.
This is his Japanese Black Pine. It had been in a small pot and I thought that while he was away for a while we could get faster development from this tree by putting it in a bigger pot. I opted for a pond basket to improve the roots.
There you go Mario, that’s your tree fix sent all the way to you out in the sands 🙂
Bonsai Eejit 
Ian, what soil mix do you use with white pines?
Thanks.
Marcin
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Hi Marcin,
I’m generally not a big fan of JWP here in the UK. It’s just too wet. I tend to use a mixture of akadama and grit with a little kiriu. More grit than normal here, maybe 50% because of the rain here. Hope this helps.
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Thanks Ian, I live in Dublin, my seedlings which are 1 year old grow very slowly, neather look healthy. My mix is tesco cat litter, perlite and grit in the same quantity. I think it still stays too wet because of the litter. Will replace it (cat litter) with fresh, not composted pine bark this autumn before moving them to the glasshouse.
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Sounds like water would be the issue with that mix. Cat litter holds a lot of water. Your plan makes sense.
If you are ever up this way, give me a shout and you can come and see my trees.
Regards
Ian
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Thanks Ian! I am planning to visit NIBS one day and maybe join the club as well, pity don’t have enough time.
Cheers!
Marcin
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Pingback: Bonsai update (‘Irish’ part) – June 2012 | Mariusz – Bonsai & Travel blog
@ Marcin – you definitely have to do it! I met Ian once and started driving up the north every month. Great bunch of bonsai dudes!
@ Ian – your pics look stunning on my IPad! But I cannot find juniper anywhere…. Hope it’s not dead… 😉
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your juniper is now in the black pine pot for a little more space, seems to have worked, new growth after a slow start. no dead ones yet, but yer lavender is a pain in the arse!!
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Thanks Ian, and yes, lavender kept me busy all summer although we used it for cooking cos we thought it’s rosemary! Lol
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lol, It’s a serious pain in the arse! Watch the blog for a special update just for you 😉
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