"TURTLE" REPOT - A PHOTO ESSAY

Bonsai need to be repotted periodically if their health is to be maintained. Mike Ramina's "Turtle", a 1500 + year old Ponderosa Pine needed repotting in the spring of 2011, and Senpai George Wrede and I lent a hand in putting some new soil under the old pine roots. It was an honor and a privilege to work on such a mighty, old specimen bonsai. Here are a few photos of our endeavor.

The "Turtle" pulled from the pot.

Trimming the roots

Preparing the new soil.

Placing the pine back into it's Tokoname container.

Wiring the tree into the pot.

Working in the new soil medium with chopsticks.

The finished, repotted tree before wiring.