Recent content by capnk

Davetree, I'm assuming you mean the groundlayer is still in progress. If so, one of the keys to success is to have the top of the tree growing as much as you can get. So, here in Oregon, the trident would definitely be in full sun, and fed lots. No pruning. Hope that helps, Chris

The recent BSOP show at the Portland Japanese Gardens included a tree like the one in this thread, and it was labelled "Alpine Willow". We have been developing a tree that came to us as "Dwarf Arctic Willow". See the attached picture. Chris

Why slow the leader? I should have set the stage. This process usually comes when you are satisfied with the size of the base/nebari. Removing foliage from the sacrifice leader just allows more "energy" to go to the new leader. Second rule of thumb: consider removing the sacrifice leader...

Our basic rule-of-thumb is to leave the sacrifice branch until the new leader has a diameter about 2/3 that of the main trunk. Also, you need to slow the sacrifice leader, so remove all the needles except those at the end. Good luck, Chris Kirk Telperion Farms

Jason, Sound like you have covered most of the bases. Two things to add: 1. You might mist the tree a couple of times a day 2. No pruning or styling this year. Let the top grow strong to help with recovery. Good luck, Chris

Manny, Email seems to be working: tfarms@wvi.com. Or call me 503-881-1147. Thanks, Chris

Manny, We have a couple tons of kanuma, but we have also been experimenting with growing them in Oregon pumice, and we like it. Come on down. Chris

We have satsuki cuttings here at Telperion Farms. Come visit. Chris

Bonsaiman, We have field-grown crabapples. There are some restrictions on shipping. Where are you located? Email me at tfarms@wvi.com, and I can send some pictures. Thanks, Chris Kirk Telperion Farms

Hey!! Where are the current pictures? I want to see how my baby has grown up. Thanks, Chris Kirk Telperion Farms

JKD, We've been working with Scots pines for a few years now. When Ryan Neal first returned from Japan, I took some Scots to a club meeting where he was speaking. He quite frankly admitted that they didn't work with Scots pine in Japan, and he had no idea of what to tell me. To his credit, the...

Kevin, Easy to do, if you have the right setup. The key is keeping the leaves moist after you stick the cuttings. We have a propagation house with misters on timers, etc., but most people don't. But, if you want to try, take a cutting in the spring, put some rooting hormone on, and stick it...

Go for it Goosetown, Smoke's treatise on the use of rafia, etc is excellent. But, you don't need rafia to bend a tree as small as yours. We do a couple hundred every year. Chris Kirk Telperion Farms

Not too young. Especially if you want big movement close to the ground. Go for it. Chris

Logan3, Will you be attending GSBF in Sacramento? You might contact some of the vendors and see if anyone has akadama available. There are usually a couple of vendors offering akadama and kanuma. Chris