A Note from Will Heath

Sensei,

I was pleasantly surprised to see the emails from Chuck and yourself today. I spent the last week at my cabin in northern Michigan relaxing and collecting Larch trees for creating bonsai forests. While in the woods I spent some time thinking about my experience at the dojo. Strangely, an old Great Grey Owl that glided through the Jack Pines bordering a marsh I was walking through brought you, the workshop and the people attending to mind. Aikido, Nature, they are not that far apart.

Your hospitality and kindness did not go unnoticed and was greatly appreciated. Your actions and those of your students spoke more of the essence of Aikido than any other subject matter on the martial art ever could. My only regret was that the time went so quickly, there was so much more to share, I certainly hope I passed along enough to spark the interest in your students so that they will continue with bonsai.

Please pass along the following information on the Ficus retusa's used in the workshop. First, let the trees recover, we stressed them by wiring, pruning, and transplanting. The tree will tell you when it is recovered by pushing outnew growth, which will look like spikes at the tips of branches. Until newgrowth starts, the tree will use less water than normal and the water usagewill pick up dramatically when the growth starts....care should be taken to not let them dry out at this time. For branches that need thickening, let them grow unrestricted. Once the desired thickness is reached, cut the branch back to the innermost set ofleaves, new growth will start now close to the trunk, buy continuing cuttingback, foliage can be forced back. Once the branch is at the desired length, simply pinch off new spikes as they occur, this keeps the shape and causes fuller growth. No branch should be allowed to grow straight up or straight down.

Most importantly, I love getting emails; everyone is welcomed to email me at any time with questions, no question is unimportant.

I am still searching for the perfect tree for your dojo, I will find it. Meanwhile, In a few months I will be down that way again, and since I will be in the area I would be more than happy to follow-up if your students would like to bring their bonsai in. No charge this trip.

I am creating a blog and I am always seeking photos of workshops I have given for it. If you would not mind sending me a few with your permission to use them, I will add these as long as information about your dojo.

Again, thank you, I think I may have taken away more than I left.

- Will Heath
will@artofbonsai.org
http://www.artofbonsai.org/
http://www.knowledgeofbonsai.org/