Last time, we introduced the ways and the attraction of Tsugiki (graft). This time, we interviewed Ayada Tadashi, the owner of Ryoshoen bonsai garden in Takamatsu’s Kokubunji town, about the care after Tsugiki (graft) and how to grow before shipment. You will find he takes a great deal of time and care to each seedling with affection.

Need much water

Graft tree just after Tsugiki (graft) is like a human baby. It needs to be paid careful attention until it has cambium and takes root on stock.

First, water needles to keep the graft wet. There is another way to cover it with plastic bag containing moisture because it is in very sensitive situation.

Graft tree grafted in February will have buds called “Rosoku (buds which is long and straight like a candle)” in May. Ayada said, “To come out ‘Rosoku’ is the evidence that graft takes a root on stock. When I see the trees grow well, I feel my work in winter season has been paid off.” He is waiting the season comes.

Ship in next fall

The seedlings grafted this year will ship in next fall. Until then, they will be taken much care in Ryoshoen bonsai garden. After the grafts take a root on stock with the careful watering as mentioned above, growers start to cultivate.

They cut the turion and shape the tree from fall to next spring. While Ayada grafts trees, Tadahi, his successor, shapes the trees. They do these works during this season and takes much care including watering in fall. And then, they shape the trees again before shipment.

Ayada said, “That’s all what we do. We devote all our attention to grow seedlings. Since then, we hope the trees will become masterpieces by some highly-skilled expert.” In his field, there are many seedlings grafted last year and this year. They grow so fast in a year beyond our expectation.

（By Shigeo Hano）