June 2010
This is a white satsuki azalea from Rosade's. The tree was admittedly a bit neglected and really needed some close attention. I immediately removed the grown-in wiring and set the azalea aside in the garden for a couple weeks to determine it's needs. During this time, I did some basic maintenance pruning and thinned out 1 or 2 areas of unrestrained growth.
Well it sort of sat there soaking up water fertilizer and sunshine, and when it began to show tiny buds on the base of the trunk I felt I was ok for some action. Inspiration hit and I whipped out a neat pot with an interesting glaze that I think will really set off the white flowers next year.
So here's the re-pot, new wire and a bit of further trim.
Sept 2010
Just three months later and the tree is beginning to take form. It still hasn't recovered full vigor despite frequent feeding. A bit lower pH seems to have perked it up a bit recently, so I'm feeling better about that. With some careful wiring, and precision pruning with a pair of cuticle scissors (!) this azalea's major branch structure is now in place.
I have to acknowledge a bit of inspiration from John Naka's sketch below. Apparently, the sketch was printed on folding auto windshield sunscreens to raise money for the National Bonsai Foundation.
...and then, with becoming swiftness, the branch was simply removed, and I was pleased.
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