AusBonsai

nice mate, look forward to seeing it in the near future, i have just bought one myself to see how i go with them again. my first effort was rather sad to say the least.

jamie

They are a species that requires patience and a little knowledge.
Once you have those two things they are a really rewarding species to work with.

to true mate, to true.

i think i will go alright with them this time, i now realise that candle pruning and needle plucking need to be done at the right time of year, i beleive i made the little starter i had very weak by doing it at the wrong time and it didnt have the strength to recover.

i will definately be taking this one slow as it isnt a cheaper tree and i want it to work right

Health is the foremost thing when it comes to pines. To do candle work on a moderately healthy pine can turn it pretty quickly into a weak pine.

Candle work should only ever be done on really healthy trees as it is a stressful process.

Have fun with your new tree... i hope we see some pics of it in the future.

yea i didnt have a clue when it came to pines when i had it, thank god it was only a small 5 dollar tree. i didnt know what i was doing with it at all.

you will definately see the pine, if everything goes right it will be tomorrow but not untill late as i have to go to brisbane in the morning, again.

Any chance on an update Joe?
S.

This tree has been growing well and has developed some much needed branches up in the apex. It is in desperate need of a wireing which i hope to give it soon, I wil post some pics once that is done. Hopefully that will happen in the next couple of weeks.

Thanks for checking up on it.

Joe.

Finally got some time to work on this tree. The apex is starting to fill out and a few more years ramification should have it getiing close to being ready for showing. The pot will also be somthing to think about in the coming years. Im not entirely sure what to put it in but i am sure something will turn up. Any one have any suggestions?
There is a more detailed update on my blog http://nichigobonsai.com/2011/09/12/Japanese ... e-re-wire/.

Joe.

wow this has come a long way! looking so good jow

Starting to look good. Filling in well. Looks like the energy is starting balance out!

I think a dark unglazed, rectangle, very plain, straight sides and wide feet.

Thanks for the comments Jarrod & jarryd.

The tree is shapeing up nicely. I find it really satisfying working on JBP, they are slower to take shape than other species but they really respond well to seasonal work and every year they become better and have more evenly distributed energy. They really show the results of the owners hard work. You cant grow a good one without putting in the hours of wiring, pruning, needle thinning etc. and when you do they respond with good growth, backbudding and short needles.

Jarrod, I think you are spot on with the pot choice although i think a feminine lip could also be an option. I have a tokoname pot that i was considering (see below). I quite like it but not 100% if it will be the perfect match for the tree (not sure i have any other trees that would suit it either.....
The version of the pot i have is a littel shallower in relation to its width which i think will suit the tree better. I also quite like the detail on the bottom of the pot. You dont see it very often.

Hi Joe, thats a lovely tree, I really like the exaggerated length of the main branch. Are you going to grow it longer ? I would.
I reckon this tree needs a more chunky pot than the one you have showed us. May be something like one of these two
Craigw

You may be right Craig,

I will try to take a pic of the tree with pot super imposed to see how it fits and if it doesnt match up i will have to start the hunt for something more suitable.

The one on the left Craig, that's what I was more heading towards. Maybe a fraction shallower?

I think its a bit of a mistake putting young pines in too shallow pots they take so long to develop, I also think with that long main branch the tree can cope with a slightly deeper pot
Craigw