The Work of Michael Hagedorn

This week I'd like to feature some posts that were written by Michael Hagedorn, a bonsai (and other) artist with a ton of talent and just as much skill. Not only can he style the trees - having been apprenticed for seven years in Japan under the bonsai master Shinji Suzuki, he had first spent nine years as a potter. (something I tried my hand at and would love to have the time and the talent to really pursue making bonsai pots)

Here's an article by Michael on a very important subject when to remove bonsai wire> If you've ever left wire on too long (and I expect that almost everyone with more than one tree will be caught by this at least once) this is something you should read.
Again on the cultural- practical side comes this very important piece of advice on when NOT to bend a branch

Here's an interesting progression on a rocky mountain juniper restying I'm not sure if I don't get super enthusiastic about this level of styling because to my eye it's crossed a line and no longer looks natural or if I'm simply totally intimidated by anyone with the eye and the talent and the skill to accomplish this. What do you think?

If you're very new to bonsai, or you're researching because you just got a new tree this post (not one of Michael's) on your new bonsai might be of interest and some use.

Have a great week

Lorraine Craymer