Funny but the most often asked question I get when doing a class has nothing to do with care, watering or even the dreaded "can I keep a juniper inside". It is about that little piece of wire that we use to bend branches.
Just how big should that wire be in order to do the job.

At one time I patiently explained the standard response.

1. 1. Aluminum wire = about 1/2 the thickness of the branch to be bent
   2. Copper = about 1/3 the thickness of the branch to be bent

But it seems even armed with this information people still use too small a wire and it will simply not hold that branch.

A while back I came up with what I think is a better answer to that question.
Grab a piece of wire as shown in the picture below. Leave about 2 inches sticking out. Push the wire down on the branch. If the branch moves then the wire will hold it. If the wire bends, guess what, It wont.

An easy solution and it will work no matter what kind of wire you use.
But even after they do the test they still ask. Is this wire ................
So how many of you will now run to the wire rack to see if it works or not ;o)

Ron Martin
Tokonoma Bonsai
105 Lee St.
Summerville SC 29485
rmartin41@sc.rr.com
Phone 843-875-6567

Permission is granted to the recipient of this Email to freely use this article with the writer's blessings in what ever means you think best.They are written to further the art of bonsai but, it would be nice if I at least got credit for them. For better or worse they are my thoughts.Those wishing to be added to the list to receive this newsletter should contact me at rmartin41@sc.rr.com