2009 – Bonsai Succulent Workshop

New York bonsai expert Susan Amoy outlined basic bonsai concepts as she demonstrated staging techniques during an informative August 2009 HSCSS meeting. Amoy initially touched on tools then quickly launched into sometimes major restagings of member plants. While respecting traditional bonsai “rules,” she encouraged creativity in applying a bit of color or adding natural materials. Her initial restagings – done after previously studying the plants – were just “foundation work,” Amoy said. Bonsai plants require ongoing shaping and trimming, and may not be ready to show for several years.

Images by Ralph Olliges