Michael Hagedorn worked on this spectacular Ezo spruce while I labored trying to follow his wiring instructions. He used copper wire because it’s a conifer (he uses aluminum wire on deciduous trees) and he frequently stopped to mist the foliage as he went, explaining that spruces are prone to dropping needles when disturbed and that spraying helps prevent this.
I don’t think it’s a secret that Michael Hagedorn is an elite bonsai artists. I know this in part because I spend a lot of time looking at bonsai from around the world. Also, when I talk to other world-class bonsai artists and Michael’s name comes up, the respect is universal. Finally, I just spent four full days studying wiring with Michael, so I have some first-hand, up-close experience to confirm what I already knew.
One of my motivations for studying with Michael was that I’ve been growing larches in the ground for years now and have recently started digging some up and thought that I should try to improve my deficient wiring and shaping skills before I go any further. In this regard (and in others), the time was well spent. Michael combines the aforementioned bonsai skills with an exceptionally good-natured and gentle disposition, a healthy dose of patience and more than his fair share of enthusiasm. I would heartily recommend him to anyone who wants to improve their bonsai skills and knowledge.
Meanwhile, I’m waiting for my larches to thaw so I can apply some of what I’ve learned.
An earlier version of Michael’s Ezo spruce (Picea jezoensis). An even earlier version is below. Both images are from Micheal’s Crataegus Bonsai.
Good luck with your larch wiring! I have been working through mine this last week. I pull them from my cold storage and and completely wire and do minor trimming then re-stash them. No other tree wires like a larch–lots of 18 gauge and 20 gauge copper get used fine wiring them, not many branches ever need wire over 10 gauge for me. I might put on a killer wire for a major branch bend but usually wait to actually bend it until summer. larch aren’t none too much flexible, that’s for sure.
Besides being an elite artist he is also on hell of a nice person. Much respect.