Bonsai Plant Step 1

From the top, remove the heavy branches that obstruct the view of the trunk line using concave cutters. Mark the new front to avoid mistakes (see drawing opposite).

Bonsai Plant Step 2

Now the trunk line is more visible.

Next remove this thick branch to open up the branch structure

Bonsai Plant Step 3

Here the structure of the tree is visible.

Small shoots in the axels are removed

Bonsai Plant step 4

Cotoneasters are suitable for many bonsai styles; in this example we demonstrate how to make a moyogi style. There are numerous varieties to choose from, either deciduous or coniferous, and most of them are suitable for use. This tree is very easy to grow and will forgive many mistakes — an ideal shrub for beginners. Although you might think this tree is already a bonsai, it isn’t. It hasn’t the structure necessary for growing into a good bonsai.

We’re going to show how to make this shrub into a bonsai. ��

Bonsai Plant Step 5

Cover wounds with cut paste to encourage them

to heal over more rapidly

What to remove

It is always difficult to decide which branches to remove,

but if you have chosen a front, aim for a thick low

branch as the first one, the second should be slightly

shorter and at a higher level; then you will need

branches for the apex. Leave some spare just in case.

Bonsai Plant Step 6

The change is quite dramatic, the first and second

branches are in one line; wire will solve

this problem

Bonsai Plant Step 7

The branches are wired carefully with aluminium

wire, then bent into place

Bonsai plant Step 8

A well -rooted plant can be repotted in spring

leaving a third of the original root ball

Bonsai planting finish

FINISH

The structure is set, but the tree

needs to grow more densely

The Tools we Used to Planting Bonsai

The tools we used here are:

jin pliers, concave cutters, twig shears, root shears

and a root rake

Guide To Planting Bonsai

In this new series we give bonsai beginners a simple step-by-step guide to creating their own moyogi style tree

First of all, search for its root base, and select the front. This should be where the movement of the trunk looks its best