These links may help:
http://bonsaijournal.com/beginners-trunk-chop-101.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadwood_bonsai_techniques
http://www.bonsaiempire.com/train/deadwood
http://www.bonsaisite.com/deadwood-cr.html

Thanks! These look very helpful.

I admire your enthusiasm, but don't be surprised if your cuttings collapse. The energy needed to push growth from dormant buds is found in stored sugar/starches at the base of the bud. All that's needed is a supply of water to metabolize the stored photosynthate and push growth. If roots haven't made a vascular connection to the emerging foliage, the cutting will collapse before the second generation of leaves appears.

Al

Well, that makes me glad I decided to take the "wait and see" approach on this project. I will continue to monitor the new growth's progress and I'll post pictures in here every once in a while. Hopefully it survives!

(Off-topic, but thank you very much, Al, for your writings in the forums about soil structure in containers. Since I've been applying those ideas, I've been having much better success with my plants, and I don't feel like I have a "black thumb" anymore!)

~Pixel_Pepper

That's the best news I've heard all day ..... and it's been a pretty good day. Good for you!! {{gwi:6022}}

Al