Time for a vitamin injection! I let the tree grow freely and intend to shorten each new shoot in the middle of August. This way, the tree will gain maximum benefit from the photosynthesis and will fill its reserves. It is necessary to give ones bonsai a rest period like this once in a while. If you always pinch for minimum needle length and force a second budding each year, then the tree will continuously weaken.

Next years buds will be very small and abundant which will give a good base for next year. The picture was taken at the end of July 2001 and this year's new growth has hardened. It goes quickly to convert a bonsai to a bush!