by Doug Philips

Simply stated, the process here is nothing less than a large “approach grafting” project. Approach grafting is generally for single trees used in orchard or landscape venues. Here, the process involves the use of many trees applied to a pre-formed frame that bond together over time. This creates a starting point for a bonsai tree that might not be possible in a century when you consider the shape, taper, movement, branch structure and ramification that can be manipulated and accomplished in a matter of years, rather than lifetimes.
This workshop will consist of two meetings, one to design and build the frame or chassis, the second to actually tie the seedling trees onto the frame and pot up the new creation for future growth, development and refinement.

In the first class on January 10th 2009 in Louisville at the Cave Hill maintanence shop, we will discuss my experience and observations in this process. This will include, but not be limited to, the evolution of the base/frame designs over the years, as they relate to different styles of bonsai and the variations of tree design that are available or best suited given the materials that are/were available at the time of construction. There have been some wonderful discoveries from "mistakes" or "short falls" that have happened over time. We will create a frame from copper wire and solder. You will need a mini torch, a re-fill and some thin, acid core, lead-based solder. Do not buy lead-free solder. This is used in copper pipe drinking water applications and is much more difficult to work with when building a wire frame. Also, you will need some new, untouched copper wire from the hardware store…keep your hands off of it, and this includes the store clerk who will un-roll and re-roll the bulk wire from the spool. A pair of cheap clean cotton gloves works wonders here. Wire sizes 12 and 14 will be best suited for 6 inch base tree frames. About 20 inches of 12 and 5 feet of 14 should do the trick for a base that measures 6 inches in diameter and is 7 to 8 inches tall. [ED. NOTE: The mini torch can be found at Lowes in the plumbing department. This is not a standard torch that is normally used in plumbing.   The one I got cost about $10 and uses a cigarette lighter as fuel. You might want to consider bringing a piece of fine grit sand paper. This can be used to clean the wire at the spots where the soldering will be done. For those who have not soldered before, there will be several people there who will be able to help you.] Caution should be used when considering the size of your frame. The larger the frame, the more trees you will use to cover it…the more trees to cover it, the greater the initial cost will be. A 6-inch base frame will use approximately 75 seedlings that are ¼ inch diameter at the root crown, more or less depending on available plant material base diameters/calipers. Other tools needed include wire cutter(s) and bonsai wire plier(s). A cinderblock brick will come in handy to use as a work surface while soldering with flame.

The second class on February 14th 2009 in my studio (in New Hope, KY - directions given at the first workshop) will be mostly construction oriented, with discussion about future growing strategies and growing options to shave time off of container growing. Be prepared to spend some time doing very detailed and meticulous work in organizing raw plant material onto a wire frame. Time spent here will pay off in the years to come. Bring a lunch. This class will start in the morning and be done when you are finished. It would not be uncommon to spend 5-8 hours on this phase of the project. Tools needed here will include: wire cutters, wire pliers, tweezers of any size length and angle. Supplies needed also include paper twist ties and thin, long plastic cable ties for the stubborn/larger trees. Also bring a 18-24 inch wide, 6-10inch deep shallow plastic or metal "tub" for dunking a root mass into periodically to keep the roots moist while tying. The container you use for dunking can be modified with holes for drainage and used as the pot for growing. Bring enough of your favorite soil mix to fill the container of your choice. A spray bottle, while not as effective, would be the second choice for keeping roots wet. Material prep prior to tying will include washing all the soil off the seedling trees. You must be able to see all aspects of the young trident to best place it on the frame. After potting, we will discuss in depth aftercare and growing strategies related to growing in the pot and in the ground. I will provide all the other facilities needed for you to do your project. I will have coffee and drinks available.

Overview: this is a long term, Bonsai tree creation project. One of the rewards is appreciation for the small, periodic, incremental changes that happen along the way, Here, the journey is as much fun as the destination. Like anything else, what you will learn from the class and what you will teach others in the class will benefit your and my bonsai experience immeasurably.

Lastly, I will make myself available anytime for future advice along the way as your new tree develops. Again, we will learn from each others’ experiences and results. Authors note: I have only been doing this for 14 years and there is no book to reference when I run into problems. I’m still learning as I go and discovering almost daily. Now, after this class, we will be learning as we go. Isn’t boldly going, where no man has gone, fun?

Additional information can be referenced in the 2003/NO.2 issue of International Bonsai Magazine, page 20. This shows the old ways and touches on new things of the day…so much more has happened since then.