David Nguy Workshop Demo for San Pu Kai Bonsai Club(Vista, California)

“We learn from our elders, learn how to choose material and take care of it and turn it into something special.” -David Nguy

San Pu Kai was once again honored to have Bonsai Master David Nguy as it’s guest demonstrator this July. He was able to work again on the same collected California Juniper that he styled from raw material at the club meeting in June 2014. It will be auctioned off at the club’s annual raffle this September's meeting.

Last year he kept as many branches as he could to see which direction the tree would take. Seeing the tree’s progress David decided to go with modern style as opposed to traditional. He said, “Modern style is achieved by creating trees like you see in nature, not so traditional with formal left/right, back/front structures. We still respect traditional style because without it we wouldn't have modern style.”

David took a minute to remind us that when working with juniper we really need to avoid pinching tips. This will keep the tree healthy and full of energy. He demonstrated how to clean up the inside of branches to reveal the trees structure then showed us how to wire for style.

David’s Wiring technique- With aluminum wire use 1/3 the size of the branch. A little bit thicker gauge if trying to bring the branch down. Move the branch as much as you can before applying the wire. This will make it easier to manipulate. His lovely wife, June, helped him move some branches while he showed us how to apply the wire.

“Walk down the branch with your fingers as you go.” It’s a much smoother movement than jumping down the branch each section. He recommends to practice on branches you have trimmed off to gain confidence and speed.

Soil Recommendations- David says a good soil mix is 70/30-50/50 scoria/acadama. He mentioned that heat treated acadama is better than sun dried. It is harder, lasts longer, and holds moisture perfectly without becoming muddy or water logging the roots. Too much water in the roots can cause rot and disease.

After care is critical. Water into soil twice a day and apply an organic slow release fertilizer.

David says this would be a good tree to treat with Lyme sulfur. Remove excess bark. Clean with water and toothbrush. Treat with Lyme sulfur and put in shade away from wind and sun for a couple days to allow it to absorb. The dead wood turns white and the live wood turns red making beautiful contrast.

At the end of the demonstration David was happy with the progress made on the tree. The side branches had all been beautifully wired into place and the tree had a definite apex. Still a bit wide, but will trim back more next time. Still needs to bring more energy to tree.

When asked about why he arranged the branches as he did David responded, “The front branches lean toward the inside and apex leans slightly forward to welcome and bow to you. Makes you feel happy to see it. Just like with people.”

We were delighted by David and his generosity to share his Bonsai knowledge with us. We look forward to seeing him again next summer and wish him well in all his Bonsai endeavors.

Please visit Bonsai at the Shinzen Japanese Friendship Garden website
www.shinzenjapanesegarden.org