Sorry John for the late reply, I worked late last night.  But I wanted to Thank You very much for elaborating on this issue and in such great detail.  I've got a lot to learn about the whole pot selection process.  I knew the pot might be a bit large based on the "rules":  W=2/3 ht, L= 1/2 ht and D= Diam. of trunk.  But thought it would work (and I was concerned about going to small, too fast, considering the 6" depth of the pot.)  

I broke out "The Magician" to see Mr. Kimura's pots...didn't pay attention my first read thru to be honest.  I now see what you mean.  The pots do harmonize very well with his bonsais.  And now that I think about it more deliberately, I think I chose the pot more for the 'harmony' to the tree and less thought about the sizing.  It looked good to me at the time despite the "rules".  I'm at least glad that the pot will work for me and the Cypress for now.  And what a good idea to change the pot over time for a new look...interesting to learn it came from Boon

I looked at the your little Trident.  First off, really nice bonsai John!  Secondly, the Erin pot is very nice! But I see what you mean considering it's only 6" tall.  Shohin bonsai with large fat trunks must be a bit difficult choosing pots, esp. if you go by the "rules".  

And I also wanted to let you know I appreciate your long term styling tips for a Cypress:   I think Boon posted a sawara here somewhere, the key is that you want it to be dense enough to give the feel of ramification, yet open enough to allow light, air, etc in to the core of the tree.

The key point is to wire it completely, develop the pads and then pinch and prune as appropriate to form the density and silhouette. If you don't get in to the rhythm of wiring, pinching, pruning, repeat, you won't get the tree that you expect to.


This bonsai DOES need wiring and some pinching and pruning right now.  The pads are weak, as well as the ramification.  It's not what I envision as 'finished' right now.  Good branch structure, but needs working.  Do you think it's a good time to wire it up and leave it on over winter, or wait till late winter?  And start the pinching and pruning next spring?

(I'm going to track down Boons Cyress thread now.  Thanks for the info, I'd love some examples of well done Cypress')

I assume this is the thread you're talking about?

http://bonsaistudygroup.com/conifer-bonsai-discussion/sawara-cypress/

Very nice tree. I have seen a couple of really nice boulevard cypress bonsai around here (Rochester area), including one formal upright that was spectacular. That tree prompted me to buy one last fall from a local nursery (not a bonsai nursery) in the hopes of creating such a specimen. Unfortunately it did not have the branch structure so I've had to go a different route entirely. I've read many places that they are not easy to work with due to the tendency of foliage/branches to die back if they don't get enough sun, and the lack of backbudding. We'll see...

Chris

Here they are.  The first was 3-4' tall.  The second, 2-3'.

i really like the thoes tree's Chrisl, but i really like the second pic...i like the way the trees lean...really nice work..how long have you had them for?

Can I wire and style the Boulevard Cypress now that fall is here?  I've cut back foliage on too large of branches, and left untouched, branches that need to thicken the branches as the branch size isn't great, I have larger branches above lower branches.  And it needs wiring.   

Anyone?

Great!!  Thank You John!  It is very strong and healthy.  I'll def. take some pics as I go along.  Plus, it's just been fantastic weather for working outside and not sweating my fanny off!  Which makes working with the trees even more fun.
Again, Thanks for the info!

I'll post some more pics of more of the wiring today.  Hope you like it Matsu!