2 Years in the life of a Japanese Black Pine

[Scott Martin]

Hi Mark,

I use Seasol and Charlie Carp on a pretty regular basis being at least once a week. I also use the Dynamic Lifter pellets. I did try this year to make a 'mix' of fertiliser balls but the smell nearly killed me and if that didn't, my wife would have! So now it's much easier for me to use off the shelf products like Nitrosol.

I do try and mix it up though and I like the Charlie Carp as it's got Trace Elements in it already.

Any of the trees that have been recently transplant I only use Seasol on until they settle in their new pots, then they get fed like all the other trees.

[Scott Martin]

Here's an update on this tree after some autumn cleaning. I happy with the development so far. Still more to do but it's come a long way in 4 years.

There's some obvious flaws with the tree but it's starting to show a little age in the bark now which makes it appealing.

IMG_4064.jpg

IMG_4067.jpg

[JR_J]

Well done mate, great progression with a very good result. It'll be a nice tree in no time
I'm getting out of needles, but still like looking at them!
Cheers,
R&M

[Haydenmc]

Great work and amazing to see in only 4 years, that first right branch really makes the tree.

H

[squizzy]

Hi Scott,

well documented and well grown.

I think you have a knack for JBP and I am learning a lot from your threads.

Squizz

[Scott Martin]

Thanks Rudi.

Haydenmc, that right bottom branch does make the tree. I plan to thicken it up and make it a little more dominant.

Thanks for the kind words Squizz. Black pines are my favourite along with tridents.

[jimbo_rees]

Hi Scott,

Would you mind posting a couple of different angles for this tree. The whole tree looks great and I'd like to see a bit more of where the branches come out. It looks like the first two branches come out at the same point but it doesn't have that handlebar look at all.

I've often read that you really need to understand the rules, to know how to break them. I'm guessing this is an example here where two branches coming out at the same point just works with the overall balance of the tree. I'm just getting started on JBPs, so really like to see how others are doing them.

[Scott Martin]

Hi Jimbo. I will take some more pics for you when I get the chance.

Those branches do come from about the same spot and ideally the one on the left side should be about 10-20mm higher and bent down into the same position. I've been able to hid it a little initially with the trunk bend. The bottom right hand branch will be thickened considerably over the next few years so the attention will be drawn to that point on the tree. THe branch on the left will be insignificant and just help form the silhouette I'm after. It may go but for now, I'll keep my options open.

I take your point about the rules but for me it's about what pleasing and what I think the tree should look like.

It's great you're getting into pines. I heard some fantastic advice from one of the Ausbonsai members the other night at a club meet. He said, "With pines, the worst thing you can do it nothing". I love it and it's so true.

[jimbo_rees]

Cheers Scott. The look of the tree is really good and the bottom left branch seems pretty essential to that overall sillouhette. So it looks like an example of one of the times that breaking the rules really works.

[craigw60]

Beautifully styled tree Scott
Craigw