Tim,
Do you have a current photo? When was the last one in the album taken? I would trust your friend in Portsmouth. A lack of vigorous growth can indicate weakness in the tree, but any action you took right now would be precipitous. Keep a close watch on it.

When you say a free-draining akadama mix, how big are the particles you use? (Please bear in mind that I do not own a JWP at this time.) JWP, according to my sensei, and other alpine conifers, don't like too much water, so we use a very large grained soil, and top-dress with the regular stuff. That way when we water everything at once, each tree keeps what it needs.

Good luck, and let us know how things proceed.

Chris

P.S. Corgies rule!
{{gwi:6914}}

Tim, how hot does it get? My knowledge is pretty limited, but they don't like hot roots. They are a cold climate mountain tree (if that phrase makes any sense).
Good luck,
zube

Thanks for replying to my feeble attempt at a "Dear Abby" letter chaps.

If you go back to the album I've stuck up a front? and front? view.

Fish (the pal in Portsmouth) reckoned they won't do much til April so maybe I'm being paranoid. After all, this was my first serious bonsai purchase and am trying not to bodge it up completely.

I'm pretty confident that the 50:50 grit and fine akadama (3-4mm) is OK and I've hardly watered it. Just a splash once in a while when it hasn't rained for 4 or 5 days.

Did notice a little fresh resin bleed from small pruning wounds yesterday so it looks like things are on the move.

Hopefully some of the UK guys will post re how their's are doing and I think I'll take a wander to the local bonsai outlet to see how their stock is doing.

Maybe they're late bloomers but there's no visible signs of growth at all.

Here is a link that might be useful: Latest Pics

Okay, Tim that's all I need to know. If Fish told you something about your Japanese white pine, take his word for it. He's the guy to know. I have great respect for his knowledge and bonsai spirit.

Chris Johnston

Corgies rule!
{{gwi:6914}}

Yeah, I second Laird Fishie's advice. It's hard for us to give any better info, since he's local and knowledgeable.

I understand the anxiety with the "Major Bonsai Purchase" thing. The best thing you can do, however, is take a step back. Stop trying to anticipate the tree's possible difficulties just because it cost alot of money. Take a longer view.--it's just one of your trees and in need of no special aid. Being overly attentive can create the problems you're trying to avoid...

EUREKA!

Here is a link that might be useful: Pic

For info.

Now that the panic is over :-), did a bit of corrective wiring to straighten the top of the trunk.

Makes quite a difference I think. Doesn't look too much like a wonky ladder anymore!

Still needs to straighten a bit more but seeing as this tree has more wire on it than the Somme in 1917 I think I'll give it a rest til Nov.

Here is a link that might be useful: Latest Pic