It will come to no surprise to here that we have been very busy re-potting recently, as many people have been.
The other day we were finishing some of the last deciduous, of which included this (on the large side) Japanese Seigen maple.
The tree was originally was bought by Oyakata’s farther and he believes that it probably was started as a garden tree. It’s age is somewhere in the region of 100-150 years old.
It was a standard practice re-pot but, with a few extra things to address.
It’s a pain to move being big, heavy and long sweeping branches but, just about doable with two super deshi!
First job after moving it was for Oyakata to trim back the root grafts.
Next we cut round the outside to get it out of the pot.
The tree out of the pot
The bottom substrate was raked away and all roots growing down were cut.
Don’t worry, I did go and help hold after I took the picture.
The tree with the bottom done.
Next we started on the surface, removing substrate from the outside and trimming the roots back.
Me trying to avoid getting a face full of akadama, whilst Oyakata used the air compressor.
Cutting back thick roots
Oyakata used the next moment to address some of the root grafts which were done 4-5 years ago.
Here the graft had taken but the union still could be better so Oyakata cut in-between them hoping that the clauses will form both sides and join together better.
This is a graft that didn’t take so, bark was cut away on both the tree and the sapling an it was attached with a screw to the side of it.
After they were sealed with some wound sealant.
Pot ready.
Oyakata said there was no need to secure it in the pot so, we didn’t use any wires to tie it down. We aren’t going to be moving it for quite a while.
Next a drainage layer and some substrate was added to the pot.
Tree back in the pot and Oyakata making some fine adjustments, to get it in the right position.
Filling in with substrate and chopstick round, to fill any gaps round the roots.
Finally a darn good watering.
The tree done, at least for a couple of years.
After that me, Juan-San and Oyakata did the Ume which featured in the CBC post.
Just two, after shots of this one as I didn’t want to repeat myself but, it was nice to re-pot a tree with such heritage at Aichi-en.
Probably best to be weary if you ever see these two suspicious looking characters…
Thanks for reading.
John Milton Bonsai 