While the trees are on display at Epcot, members of the local clubs go in once a week to maintain the trees.  Since the show lasts 10 weeks, its a long time for a tree to go with out the attention needed to be on display.  I went in today just to check on the trees and look at Mary Madison’s Trident Maple.  I had heard it wasn’t doing all that well and I needed to check it out myself.  I’m glad to report that the tree is doing fine and will be on display for the rest of the show. 

We are fortunate enough to have the staff at Disney to take care of the watering and general care of the trees while they are there.  I was lucky enough to bump into Alison today while she was doing the watering.  I had to click this picture because it just shows how nicely they care for these trees.

Bonsai watering - Epcot

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I decided last minute to take a workshop at this years Bonsai Societies of Florida’s Convention in Orlando.  The Fukien Tea material that they had was very nice and I had been wanting one for a long time since my previous one died (that’s another story).  Anyway the instructor was one of my favorites, Boon Manakitivipart,  and I had participated in one of his intensive training programs a while ago. 

great material

The first issue I notice was the trunk line, and how it went horizontal at one point.  I knew that had to be addressed.  Then I realized that by changing the angle of the tree a lot of the branching problems would be taken care of as well. 

Fukien Tea and my new Tokoname Pot

I think the change in angle changed everything.  I was so excited about the tree that I brought out a pot that I bought in Japan and have been waiting for the perfect time to use it.  It has an unusual finish which looks like the pot is decomposing.  That combined with the lumpy textured trunk of the Fukien Tea and we have a nice pair.  Many of the branches will be changed in teh future.  I am just trying to develop roots this year, and get the tree to a healthier state.

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This tree made the transition to a bonsai pot without any problems.  In fact it is doing very well.  The candles are opening and the color and movement of this tree are looking great.

Shohin Pine

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The Trident maple has begun to fill in but as you remember I opened this tree up pretty well.  So I have a lot of bare areas that need to fill in.  Also I broke the first main branch as I was trying to bend it, so now I need to develop a new one.  This tree really needs a lot of work, but I think it will come along quickly.

Trident Maple just leafed out

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