In Search of the Perfect Nebari – part five 4/24/09

This post is a continuation of In Search of the Perfect Nebari –  part four.

From the bottom….

…and the top. After combing out and pruning the roots, there are still a few things to do before potting.

A final washing with a concentrated stream gets rid of stubborn soil particles. When that’s done, it’s time to carve the base of the trunk. This allows for a lower, flatter planting and discourages roots from growing down.

The carving is finished. Notice how Mr. Miau carved the bottom of the nebari in several places.

Now it’s ready to plant…

…into a very low pot. Notice how shallow the soil is and how all the roots are lying flat on top.

Left: before the rest of the soil is added. Right: after all the soil has been added. Notice how the nebari is exposed but all the roots that extend from it are covered.

In Search of the Perfect Nebari parts four and five are from Bonsai Today issue 64. There are several photos from the original that have not been used here, as well as most of the text.

Part one of In Search for the Perfect Nebari is comprised of An Ingenious Technique parts one and two taken together. For the rest of In Search of the Perfect Nebari, see parts two, three & four.