......i like to work the eqation backwards........i have x number of patients, so i need x ammount of finished product.....but am legally allowed only eight plants, so each plant needs to yield x amount.......now if i need each plant to yield say 12 zips, i need each plant to have around 16 donkeys each......etc........now, i want my plants as small and strong structurally as possible, without compromising too much on yield......and on it goes......i am still figuring this all out, but each year has been getting better and better, and more and more efficient, and with that, more enjoyable.......i have some physical limitations from my Lyme disease, so some of this comes from that.......esp. the heavy lifting, and dealing with large plants etc........also, for me the process itself is my medicine......the bonzai work is a meditation for me, and time spent with my ladies is pure therapy for my soul.