Privet

[sreeve]

In 2004 I bought a Privet stump from a friend of mine.
Whilst one advantage of privet is that it is fast growing, one disadvantage is that it rots quicker than other trees.

Looking at the bright side, I suppose this is an opportunity for more carving (if the poxy curl grubs don’t beat me to the aged timber first…)

Any thoughts on further development for the tree?

Regards
Steve

Privet May 2009.JPG

Privet Feb 2005.JPG

[Dave54]

Hi Mate
LOOKING GOOD !
Just a bit of a gap under the apex on the right hand side could do with filling up.
It is highlighted because of the tight foliage pads down low
cheers
Dave

[sreeve]

Thanks for the suggestion Dave.
The privet sprouts growth everywhere so I am sure nature will help me with an appropriate branch.
I hadnt spotted the gap - what's the saying, something along the lines of ...standing so close to the forest that I couldnt see the tree's (the obvious that is)

I hope I can keep those poxy curl grubs out of the deadwood as the tree has a special meaning to me given that I bought the stump from Allan Rochester.
Regards
Steve

[Chris Di Nola]

hi Sreeve

Just done a quick vert on what i think might be a good future for your tree.
If you reduce the hight, the trunk will look even more impressive, but you must stop that rot, marine wood hardener from boat shops offten works well. As for the curl grubs, I submerg the tree into water for 4 hour & that will drown the buggers.

Cheers
Skip

[BonsaiBoy]

Sweet bonsai Steve! Youve worked it well in 4 years. Did you have the same plan for it when you first got it as it looks now?
BB

[sreeve]

Hi Skip
Thanks for your styling suggestion - it's good food for thought on the weekend.
I can see the Arbotech singing in the shed right now, it would get another crack at the Privet

I also use the dunking approach for curl grubs. The only problem with this bonsai is that it is a two man lift at minimum and I don’t have anything big enough to put it in……I have suggested the swimming pool, but my wife didn’t seem to appreciate my ingenuity


BB,
I hadn’t changed my opinion of the style significantly from when I first got it, – until now at least…
Eventually it will have to change as I think the wood will rot away one day and this will require a redesign.

Regards
Steve

[IRochester]

Hi Steve,

Noticed you posted a problem you were having with a Privot in 2009.

Noticed you purchased form Alan Rochester. I noticed you mentioned it was sentimential.

Why I am asking the Question I am the brother of Alan & curious did the Privot recover

Ian Rochester

[sreeve]

Hi Ian
I don’t post on here often nowadays even though I log on most days to see what everyone is up to.

However, your post can’t go unanswered……….Thankfully the privet recovered after the curl grubs invaded the trunk.

Looking back, I haven't made a lot of changes to the tree since posting this earlier message.

I notice this is your first post on here but presume with your pedigree that you have been into bonsai for quite a while. Alan was an absolute giant in bonsai, particularly given his age. His knowledge of Australian native bonsai and promotion of same was second to none and revolutionary – if only he could have seen where the bonsai scene is today.

I visited the old nursery a couple of times over the past years after it closed down and was always happy to see your dad still up there just as he used to be.

If I am correct and you are into bonsai, I would really like it if you would accept the privet as a gift. It means a lot to me now, but would mean a whole lot more if it were in the hands of another Rochester.

Best Regards
Steve

Privet Dec 2011.jpg

[kcpoole]

Nice Offer Steve
Update the thread here if you 2 meet up please

Ken

[bodhidharma]

Post by kcpoole » 10 minutes ago
Nice Offer Steve
Update the thread here if you 2 meet up please

Indeed a nice offer and a nice tree.