Today at the tunnel 18/Jul/23

Some of the satsuki are now big enough to start with their first wiring. Over the next few days I will be sorting through them and arranging them into two groups. The ones that will be destined for being bushy and those that have to be wired.

This also gives me an opportunity to assess the health of the plants overall. So far I can say I am very pleased with the results from the new azalea soil mix I have been using for the last couple of years. It helps to cut down on the expense of kanuma without sacrificing any growth. In fact I would say that the growth is better than it usually is in 100% kanuma. It is the recipe used by Robert Z. Callaham who has many years of cultivating Satsuki under his belt and has written a great book on satsuki azaleas and their care. I can highly recommend the book to anyone that has an interest in growing satsuki azaleas.

Some of the larger Saotome azaleas ready to go to their new homes. If they don't get snapped up I will be making small bonsai from them myself.