REFINEMENT OF A COLLECTED PRIVET

[Dave54]

Hi everyone,
this tree caused a bit of debate in this forum, when it was recently offered for sale on e-bay.
You may like to see its development along its journey so far.
cheers
Dave
In October 2007 I purchased a Bonsai from a mate who became tired of it.
There are some tips to keep in mind when carving softwood.
1. Don’t create any hollows in the carving that will hold water and not drain.
2. Treat the carved wood with “lime sulphur” as soon as possible after carving.
3. Use “Earl’s” wood hardener on the same area. This product can be used on already rotted wood but is best used as a preventative treatment and is used to treat rot in boats. (available from “Bunnings Warehouse”)
4. When watering try to avoid continually wetting the deadwood unecessarily.

The tree was collected in 2005 and only one trunk was used in its design .
Some severe bends were created in its new trunk line.
Standing over one metre tall, it is very wide across its base.
After I purchased the tree I carved out some soft wood and gave it a couple of doses of lime sulphur and wood hardener.
I removed the lowest R.H.S. branch as I believe that for balance, the primary branch on a slanting tree should be on the opposite side to the direction of the slant. Further, I felt that the tree was too heavy for the very thin trunkline.
Did this tree fit in to a design category and could I improve it?
In spite of what some people may think, I don’t just cut branches for the sake of it.
To my eye, the tree lent itself to a “Literati” style, and if that is the case, not only did it require branches be removed but the base of the trunk required refinement as well. Further, the L.H.S. primary branch was wired down to follow the trunkline.

Some more carving refinement to the L.H.S. of the base, more branch refinement and the thought has crossed my mind that the bottom 3 branches could be removed to highlight the lovely trunk line on the top part of the tree.
What do you think?????
……………………………………………….
On reflection and looking at these photos I think I might “regrow” some foliage on the L.H.S. primary branch as in the December photo.

[Asus101]

I like this tree, its very graceful. Foliage is neat, well balanced, its shape matches the flow of the trunk.
The only issue I feel need to comment on is the carving. While I am photo commenting, it looks like tool marks still are visible.
Perhaps I am jaded thanks to millions of hours aimlessly surfing the web...

[MelaQuin]

I would like to see a different choice of pot, much less blue and less semi-cascade in feeling. I don't feel the glossy pot adds to the intended age and wear of the bonsai. I am sure a more natural colour and lower to the ground would enhance the tree in a way this pot cannot. Also, the design has been well done but I can only think 'snake head drawn back to strike' with the long neck of the tree leaning way to the rear even tho the foliage pads have been trained forward to compensate for this. It is one of those faults that cannot be trained out of the tree and the best has been done to compensate but I see it as aggressive.

[Dave54]

Hi guys,
just noticed that I didn't post a photo of when I purchased the tree. Sorry for the oversight as you wouldn't have seen my handywork since purchase.

The carving can always do with refining and I think pot choice is a personal thing. A little bit of colour livens the garden
Funny how we are supposed to follow the unglazed pot for evergreens theory, then suddenly a "Master" is brilliant for putting a Black Pine in a purple glazed pot !!!!
cheers
Dave

[Hector Johnson]

Just a question on privet, if I may.

I have had a couple of them die, possibly because the pot was too shallow.
Is that something on which you might share your thoughts, [Dave]?

[Dave54]

Hi Hector,
it is a topic that may be of interest to others, so I will post it under a different thread some time today,
cheers
Dave

[Dave54]

Hi Hector,
I just posted an article under PRIVET-LIGUSTRUM, hope it helps
cheers
Dave

[Steven]

Thanks Dave,

For those interested, Dave's article can be found here viewtopic.php?f=38&t=765&p=6769#p6769

Regards,
Steven

[MelaQuin]

True, that pot will definitely liven the garden but the question was.... does it benefit the tree, does it enhance the tree's character, does it strengthen the feeling of survival over hardship that the tree gives? No.