Bonsai Therapy

05/05/2026

This little Bald Swampy Cypress was getting some love today. That weeping character is starting to show nicely. Different for a Swampy in weeping style but was an experiment at first. Can't wait to see where this one goes over the next season or two…🩷

06/02/2026

Crepe Myrtle – Lagerstroemia Acoma (Development Phase) Before & After Pics

This tree has just gone through a structural refinement prune, but it didn’t start out smoothly — and that’s worth sharing.

Early on, I actually struggled with pruning this one. I wasn’t confident where to cut, how much to remove, or whether I’d lose future options if I went too hard too soon. So instead of forcing decisions, I stepped back, observed, and let the tree show me what it wanted to do.

The direction we’re now developing this toward is a natural informal upright with a broad, calm canopy — a tree that feels mature, balanced, and unforced rather than tight or overly stylised.

This recent work focused on:
•Reducing long, dominant extensions
•Opening the canopy to improve light and airflow
•Leaving selected shoots long on purpose

Why?

Because this stage isn’t about locking in a final silhouette — it’s about building strength, balance, and future ramification.

By shortening dominant shoots and allowing weaker or interior growth to respond, the tree is now encouraged to:

•Activate inner buds
•Strengthen secondary branching
•Build fine ramification closer to the trunk

Over the next 3–4 weeks, new growth should start appearing in areas that were previously quiet — that’s the tree responding naturally to correct timing and restraint.

When that happens, the next step will be a selective follow-up prune:

• Choosing which new shoots support the informal upright structure
• Gently drawing the canopy inward
• Refining branch pads while preserving movement and character

This is how good pre-bonsai becomes quality bonsai — not by rushing cuts, but by learning when not to make them.

•Not rushed.
•Not forced.
•Just guided.

This tree is doing a few really important things for me right now:

•Teaching restraint
•Teaching timing
•Teaching me to trust observation over impulse

Don’t ask “how do you prune crepe myrtle?”Ask “what does THIS crepe myrtle want to be?”

Acoma says:
“Let me be wide, soft, and expressive.”
Indica says:
“Give me structure and I’ll behave.”
Fauriei says:
“Refine me slowly and I’ll reward you.”

Pre-Bonsai Available
Chandler, Brisbane
Appointment only
Card facilities available

04/02/2026

A quiet moment working today on a tree called Roddy's Tree...

Spent some time today working on this very special juniper — a tree that I bought just over a year ago that Dad tried/pointed his finger many times, started to help me style the day he was taken to hospital. It is a year today since he passed away.

There was:
No rush.
No heavy cuts.
Just careful pruning, observation, and knowing when to stop.

This one isn’t about perfection or finishing a bonsai in a day. It’s about respect, patience, and letting the tree keep telling its story.

Sometimes the most important part of bonsai is recognising when the tree has said “that’s enough for now.”

I’ll let it rest, grow, and show me the next step in its own time.

Thanks for following along on the journey — this is why Bonsai Therapy exists.

Quiet work. Honest trees. Real connection.

Missing you heaps Roddy…🩷

Kel

Chandler, Brisbane
Pre-bonsai available
Appointment only/Card Facilities Available

Swipe for before shot taken 20/1/25 - after pics

23/01/2026

🌿 HOW I SELL PRE-BONSAI AT BONSAI THERAPY 🌿

At Bonsai Therapy, I specialise in pre-bonsai trees — not finished bonsai.

Here’s what that means, and what you can expect when buying from me:

🌱 WHAT YOU’RE BUYING

All trees are sold as pre-bonsai:
• Grown and maintained for bonsai potential
• Structural pruning, branch selection, and planting angles already considered
• Not styled to completion on purpose

They are kept in training / grow pots (200–300mm squat pots) so the tree can:
• Continue thickening
• Develop better roots
• Be styled and refined by the buyer when ready

This gives you control over the future design, rather than locking you into someone else’s decisions.

🪴 WHY I USE GROW POTS

I don’t rush trees into bonsai pots.

Grow pots allow:
• Faster development
• Healthier roots
• More forgiving learning for newer bonsai enthusiasts

Once you feel comfortable, the tree can be refined and repotted into a bonsai pot in your own time.

✂️ HOW MY TREES ARE WORKED

Each tree has had time, thought, and hands-on care:
• Unwanted crossing or competing branches removed
• Trunk movement and hierarchy established
• Future apex direction considered

I leave enough growth on purpose — bonsai is a journey, not an instant result.

👤 WHO THESE TREES ARE FOR

These trees are best suited to:
• Bonsai enthusiasts
• Beginners who want quality starting material
• Anyone who enjoys the process of bonsai, not just the end result

If you’re after a finished display tree, these may not be the right fit — and that’s totally okay.

📍 HOW TO BUY
• Appointment only (7 days a week)
• Pickup only at Chandler 4155
• Credit card facilities available

Prices vary based on age, size, and development.

I’m always happy to talk through:
• Future design ideas
• Care and next steps
• Flower vs structure goals

Thanks for supporting Bonsai Therapy and a small, local, one-girl bonsai operation 🌿💚

If this approach resonates with you, you’ll feel right at home here.

07/01/2026

🎉 Happy New Year, Bonsai Legends! 🎉

Starting the year with a proper before ➡️ after glow-up ✨

Same Juniper Procumbens… just a little less “nursery shrub” and a lot more future bonsai 😏🌳

Front and back shots included — because bonsai doesn’t hide its mistakes 😉 This one’s now got structure, movement, and a clear path forward.

If 2026 is the year you:
• start bonsai
• fix that neglected tree
• or just need some quality plant therapy
You know where to find me...

📍 Chandler, Brisbane
🕒 Open by appointment only — 7 days a week
💳 Credit card facilities available📞

Please call, email, or message to arrange an appointment.

Grow slow. Prune with intent. Enjoy the process...✌️

25/12/2025

01/12/2025

If you reckon it’s warm, imagine how the pre-bonsai feel… no wonder I wet my plants! Grab a pre-bonsai and cool ‘em down...👊

What more can I say except Happy Summer to you all...🩷

29/11/2025

Sorry to you all that I haven’t replied as yet. I am not being rude just been another busy week here Bonsai Therapy after the hail storms on Monday.

With Channel 10 News and Channel 7 News here on Wednesday morning all has been a little hectic ever since.

Here is the footage from Channel 7 News for those who have asked me to post cause they hadn’t seen it.

My hail nugget will be taken for research sometime this week and apparently I will receive a 3D replica which wont melt! Phew…🥵

Btw I so hate the camera…🤣

29/11/2025

Sorry to you all that I haven’t replied as yet. I am not being rude just been another busy week here at Bonsai Therapy after the hail storms on Monday.

With Channel 10 News and Channel 7 News here on Wednesday morning all has been a little hectic ever since.

Here is the footage from Channel 10 News for those who have asked me to post cause they hadn’t seen it. Channel 7 News footage to follow on separate post.

My hail nugget will be taken for research sometime this week and apparently I will receive a 3D replica which wont melt! Phew…🥵

Btw I so hate the camera…🤣

Disclaimer: The name is Bonsai Therapy not Bonsai Trees…🤣