Cedrus Atlantica "Glauca"

[Andrew_Davies]

I bought this tree from Ledanta Bonsai nursery last weekend. After the preliminary wiring I thought I would post it here for any advice/criticisms members could think of.

[Andrew_Davies]

After Wiring:

[Andrew_Davies]

Upon repotting the shaping will be further refined to suit the drum pot it will be planted in. Further branch ramification along with filling out the back of the tree are my major goals over the next 5 years. I think this will be a beutiful tree in the not too distant future. Now, onto the next one.

[marleeney]

I really like these trees. Has the tree had a lot of needle reduction? Is needle size reducing an easy task with these trees?
Marleeney

[Steven]

G'day Andrew,

Thanks for posting these beauties.
Your styling on the C. atlantica really has done the tree justice and I look forwards to it progress as you get it into a new pot and further refine. I feel the length of trunk before the branching and the wire marks could be enhanced with a shari and a bit of carving.

The C. deodara is going to be a challenge and a reward at the same time. The tree has a great history and a lot of potential and I feel that it deserves a post of its own! It is going to take some advanced techniques if you are going for a dramatic restyle. I look forwards to seeing what you do with this one too.

Regards,
Steven

[Andrew_Davies]

Thanks Marleeny and Steven. Steven, I agree with your advice in regards to the need for a shari on the atlantica, there is in fact the beginnings of one at the base, its just a matter of increasing it over time. At the moment I am in baby step mode, I don't want to carve away until it is repotted and at it's correct angle.
In regards to the deodara it will be a fantastic challenge, once i get a good photo of it i will post it for any advice possible. I am a bit hesitant to move it, it is about 1.8M long and .8M high and very heavy.
Marleeny, I don't believe Leigh performed any needle reduction on the atlantica. just letting it grow and increase bud numbers has reduced needle length over time. The same is true for the deodara, it is covered in what i call "grow points" and until i bought it 2 years ago hadn't been repotted for over ten years, resulting in absolutely tiny needles and, for the moment at least, a definite lack of vigour.
Thanks again for your replies, it is always good to hear other peoples opinions of your trees.
Cheers, Andy.

[Leigh Taafe]

G'day Andrew,

Good start mate. I am not sure whether your plans for this tree include any of the visions I had for its future. Your tree has good structure for a future nice bonsai, but my thought, and the reason for growing out the branches, was to compress the foliage. Remember the pic I showed you, this tree was compression wired to get a full canopy that didnt need to be grown on to fill out.

Let me know if I have confused you mate.

Cheers,
Leigh.

[Andrew_Davies]

I may need another look at that picture Leigh, I can remember the overall shape and appearance, but not the placement of particular branches. Thanks for your opinion.
Cheers
Andy.

[Leigh Taafe]

Hi Andrew,

Did you have the same vision for the tree as I did? If you do, I will be happy to guide you along. I will try and get a copy of the pic up here shortly if it will help.

Cheers,
Leigh.

[Andrew_Davies]

Hi Leigh, I believe I have a similar vision to you for the future of this tree, to confirm that I would really like another look at that photo again. I can't actually remember the artist's name. You showed me that book the last 2 times I visited you, it is high time I got my own copy.
I understand what you mean by compression wiring, I am just trying to avoid a zig-zag effect in the branches as much as possible. And as you said it is a good start, I generally style at a snail's pace, a little bit then stand back for a while and move again.
The more I look at the tree the more small branchlets I will eventually remove in order to bring about deliniation between branches. The long sweeping branches will eventually consist of 2 or more areas of needles, as you see in natural cedars.
Yours and any other critiques are more than welcome.
Cheers,
Andy.

[Andrew_Davies]

Sorry Leigh,
I have been flat out, and kinda forgot. Here it is repotted into the drum pot.

Cheers
Andy.

[Leigh Taafe]

Wow Andrew - this one is coming along nicely! Good job Mate!