AusBonsai

G'day mojo Crackenback is in the snowy mountains. Between Thredbo and Jindabyne. As the crow flys about 20ks from mt Kosciuszko. A good climate for growing larch.
Craig

I lost two during a heat wave about 3 years ago, now I have one larix and one pseudolarix. Over recent times I have hidden them under shade cloth but they do not thrive.
Thanks Bodhi for the post and Mojo for the excellent info.
I now realize that they need more sun especially through winter.

though i have no larch or plan to get any I would like to thank you mojo for such a great and informative response and hope in future when I ask for info on my own bonsai attempts some one will be so informative to me

thanks again from all of those with less knowledge than you have shown



Rintar

J

Sno wrote:G'day mojo Crackenback is in the snowy mountains. Between Thredbo and Jindabyne. As the crow flys about 20ks from mt Kosciuszko. A good climate for growing larch.
Craig

Hi Craig, just googled Crackenback I'm in love with the mountains where I live, as you may have guessed, your neck of the woods sounds beautiful. At about 1200m above sea level, Larch should do very well, as would Goyomatsu and a bunch of other species that most of Australia couldn't grow. What sort of summer temps do you get up there, are you lucky enough to have a decent length growing season?

Cheers,
Mojo

I just revisited this page and it's probably worth reading, despite being about Larix laricina, there is not much that Nick Lenz doesn't know about manipulating bonsai for desirable outcomes.

http://bonsaijournal.com/larch-with-taper.php

Cheers,
Mojo

Great reply Mojo,

I have only got one Japanese larch so could not respond with the sort of information you gave. Thanks; it will be a great resource for those of us who live where larch can be grown.

grant

G'day Mojo . The growing season here is quite short . Going on what i observe in Canberra their season is routhly 2 months longer. The mountains get in your blood . Fom snow to drought ,bush fires to mountain breezes the climate has its chalenges. Summer temps rarely get above 30c here.
I was wondering if you protect your larches roots fom freezing ie burying the pot ,glasshouse or shed etc? Also i saw some grafted japanese larches in a Canberrian nursery , do you know why they would graft them?
At the moment i only have the one japanese larch under development . I love the delicacy of the spring growth .
Craig

This is so interesting, fascinating...But sounds a bit like Chinese to me...He he he!
I hope to start my first bonsai and I hope U guys will guide me...
I am very green...as loving plants and newbie.

Whoo hoo it is out and in a training pot. I kept the pot quite large and i will go slowly with it. It has had a light trim only and i will not do any heavy styling until it settles in. The plan will be to keep it in its training pot for a two year period and then reduce the rootball further into a new and smaller home. I am excited.

Bohdi ,I agree this tree is exciting ! Please post a picture as the buds are opening .

I've always wondered about this deciduous conifer. Truly is amazing just how varied nature is. So many different versions of everything!

Great work so far mate, always looking forward to your work.

Speaking of your work, hows that contorted honeysuckle going? Heh heh heh...

Cheers,
Mo

Nice Bodhi

ill have to get a pic of my two at some time , they are breaking bud now . They seem to survive each year here eventhough they get burnt somewhat in summer .

The tree is now producing its little shaving brush buds, which is pleasing and seems to be powering along. It is an exciting project and i will be studying it a lot over Summer regards wiring, design etc. It will also give me time to come up with a decent pot for a good visual effect. At the moment i am happy to have it in this larger pot for optimum health and growing conditions. It is always nice to see a project come together when you have started a tree as a little tacker and encouraged its design and structure. I have a lot of collected Yamadori which are coming along nicely but to have been the instigator of a tree from day one is somehow different.

The tree has powered along all Spring/Summer and has now dropped all its needles. I will now spend a day or two pruning and wiring out the branches (as per Mojo's advice), select a leader etc. These are a great tree to work with and grow quite rapidly, making it an ideal Bonsai candidate. I will post once wiring is finished.

Coming along really nicely! Might have to get myself a Larch. How do you think they would they go as shohin size?

Regards,
Steven