AusBonsai

But i did This Arbutus unedo came into my possession from our clubs last dig. I saw it, said i did not need another tree, it was offered, The desire overcame me and then i could not say NO Heck, now you know i am easy. This will be one helluva Nebari though. I call it the Octopus.

bodhidharma wrote:This will be one helluva Nebari though.

Already is mate, I remember spotting this one when I was up last month, the size and even more so, the multiple and vibrant colours of the bark on the nebari is a real eye catcher! I'll be keen to see how you go building the rest of the tree's structure from scratch ... thanks for sharing, Ryan.

If you are "easy" I'd hate to know what I am! I wouldn't even consider leaving this tree behind.... Can't wait to see what you turn it into. I read they are slow growing?

Joel

Interesting tree

Very nice start to a possible bonsai of the future. If they are slow growing, then how lod must this one be?

cre8ivbonsai wrote: I'll be keen to see how you go building the rest of the tree's structure from scratch .

As will i Ryan. I have left a lot of branch and leader selection but taper will be the thing as i dont want a tall tree.

Joel wrote: I read they are slow growing?

Watto wrote: If they are slow growing, then how lod must this one be?

I dont know if they are slow growing but it has not been my experience with this guy. The new shoots grew very quickly. The other one i have throws new shoots quickly too but the branching is painfully slow to thicken.

Bretts wrote:Interesting tree

Yep, and that is why i took it on I gotta learn to say ..NO

First serious wiring and carved the apex for taper. Lots of branches to choose from later. The photo of the other tree is my inspiration and goal.

You have some ridiculously amazing stock Bodhi.

Can't wait to drop by one day...

Yes that would get anydody into trouble !!!

Boics wrote:Can't wait to drop by one day...

look forward to meeting you one day.

anttal63 wrote:Yes that would get anybody into trouble !!!

Yep, i am in heaps of trouble and loving it

I have done a lot of work to this guy since last posting so i will update I did a lot of root work to this last year (reduction) and put it into a fancy pot I fed the heck out of it and it powered on. I defoliated it but have left some foliage on the end as i feel i left it a little late. I had no choice as i am way behind on my trees and this guy was screaming at me to get the wire off (see wire marks) it is about to flower but i will now cut them off. It will be a great tree this one and leaves will spoil it but that is the way of things. I have all bottom branching now and will hope for some new top branching in the near future. At 320 base and height at 450 it will be impressive to say the least. I have no idea of a pot yet but am leaning towards a cream oval. It will have to be large so i will start searching.
The tree has come a long way in two short years and it shows me that a good regime of feeding heavily and regular maintenance works wonders.

Looks like you need an apprentice! Unfortunately the commute would kill the joy for me...


Cheers
EZ
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi Bodhi,
That's a fairly serious trunk with plenty of character. Seeing as you've gone to the trouble of wiring the branches, I suggest working some equally serious up and down, left and right bends into them, which would then suit the character of the trunk.
Luke

trident76 wrote:Hi Bodhi,
That's a fairly serious trunk with plenty of character. Seeing as you've gone to the trouble of wiring the branches, I suggest working some equally serious up and down, left and right bends into them, which would then suit the character of the trunk.
Luke

Hi t76, my usual M.O is to wire into place to see what the tree will look like. I usually let the branches extend to thicken them at the trunk connection. I then cut back to the first or second secondary for movement and then wire them again. I have found i get better movement that way. I know it can be a slower process but the results are much more natural looking.

The tree is very healthy with wire cutting in so time to defoliate and rewire. Here is a before and will post an "after" next week i hope. This tree will be a beaut.