azalea – Expressions of Grace Bonsai

Azalea Bonsai

Xavier Martinez — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 11:11:21 +0000

Azaleas produce incredible flower displays and last year was fantastic. Let me tell you the KEY dates and Tasks that I ALWAYS follow to ensure my Satsuki Bonsai thrive.

A few Fun Facts about Azalea Bonsai.
What about the Flowers?
When is my BEST time for pruning?
What about Cuttings?
Repot: Spring or Summer?
When do I do my Wiring?
What are the issues with pests?

God Bless & Happy Bonsaiing
Xavier

Bonsai in Bloom – Spring Catwalk Display

Xavier Martinez — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 11:43:49 +0000

"Baby Ficus Bonsai is banned from all future competitions after admitting the use of performance enhancing wire."

Despite this shocking revelation there are still some exceptional bonsai gracing today’s catwalk displays. Allow yourself 9 minutes to relax and enjoy the spring show. The fashion is dazzling and opens with three Dwarf Azalea sisters at the peak of their abilities. They are followed by twin Fuji Cherry models – each survivors of near catastrophic separations at birth!

A couple of aging elite bonsai models then take the applause by showing off their curves – well done Lucinda Larch. With the crowds in raptures, sudden and unexpected complaints are received from the Forsythia camp, when she notices that the youngest entrant – a baby Ficus – is clearly using performance enhancing 1mm wire. An instant lifetime ban follows with further threats that fertiliser will be tested…

Thankfully, the bonsai display is saved by the late entry of Zita the Chinese Elm and her cousin, Twin-Trunk Maple – surely stars of the future?

Several other complaints have been lodged after enquiries suggest some ‘insider trading’ has unfairly advantaged many of the bonsai dress choices. The designer of the costumes – Dawn Isaac ( of deiCeramics), has been unavailable for comment. More information on this uncertain situation may be found on her website: deiceramics.co.uk

It is also worth noting that this is the first competition allowing both disability and LGBTQ+ bonsai to compete on an equal rooting. Definitely a step forward for diversity :()

I hope you enjoyed this light hearted approach to showing my bonsai in bloom. Regular informative videos are being uploaded to YouTube so please subscribe and keep on watching…

Happy Bonsaiing

Xav

It is a deceased Azalea…it is no more

Xavier Martinez — Sun, 30 Apr 2017 08:31:59 +0000

A deceased Azalea

Not the first and most definitely not the last…but it is a first for my business. Last year’s successful (I thought) air layer has given up the ghost and become the first to join the queue for the ‘Bonfire of Shame’.

A short but eventful life, it lived it to the full. Having made it through a traumatic birth – cut from its mother without warning! It struggled to establish any real root system or leafy growth. Words of encouragement fell on deaf bark so finally I accepted the truth and said farewell…

The mother is also looking a little ‘stressed’ and I feel it can’t be too long before she follows her offspring into the flames. I have to admit my success with azaleas is a little disturbing – especially cuttings and air layers. All the books suggest it is easy so any words of advice feel free to comment.

On a cheery note…it will mean I will have two free pots available to any new leafy prospects on the waiting list making the transition from potensai (Potential Bonsai) to bonsai

Happy Bonsaiing, Xav