Sketch!

[MoGanic]

Going to be working on this stock soon! (Actual pictures to follow)

Below is a sketch of how I would enjoy it to turn out .

[evenings]

Cool ^_^ weirdly, I've always loved drawing trees. Looking forward to photos.

[Andrew F]

Going to be working on this stock soon! (Actual pictures to follow)

Below is a sketch of how I would enjoy it to turn out .

Hi moganic, might wanna address the reverse taper in the trunk above the soil line. What sp. of tree will it be?

[MoGanic]

Don't remember the species at all right now, but I'll have the stock after work today so I'll post pics up. Hopefully get an ID! Also - wouldn't holding it down via mesh/wiring at the base of the pot solve that problem? I kinda like the slanty look!

[Andrew F]

Its not the style that could be a potential problem its the trunk, gotta replicate nature. So start from the ground up when designing a tree, build foundation ie Roots, base and trunk:




Tapered trunk:

[MoGanic]

Its not the style that could be a potential problem its the trunk, gotta replicate nature. So start from the ground up when designing a tree, build foundation ie Roots, base and trunk:




Tapered trunk:

Ah I see, so basically let it grow out a bit and develop a good root system and a sturdy base prior to styling? (Sorry if I sound like a newb , am lovving how much I'm learning though!)

[MoGanic]

Just a pic of the actual plant from the above sketch

[Andrew F]

Ah I see, so basically let it grow out a bit and develop a good root system and a sturdy base prior to styling? (Sorry if I sound like a newb , am lovving how much I'm learning though!)

Its a balancing act really. Basically you'll want to dig the tree [i dont know what sp. it is so i cant offer advice on the best way to dig it or when] and then go straight from there into a grow box or into a grow patch in your back yard. Learn basic horticultural techniques before trying to apply bonsai styling. But in a sentence, yes, develop the base of the tree before worrying about the crown and branch ramification.

Sorry that i cant offer anymore advice, Im only a year into bonsai myself, but its amazing what can be learnt in a year.


Your signature is a very appropriate analogy of where i was 6-12 months ago. Its only been lately that ive grasped the real time frame it takes to develop a tree.

Best of luck. Drew.

[MoGanic]

Thanks for that Drew - definitely will plant it in a grow patch/box.

I really do wish I knew the species though, would help on looking up notes on soil preference, sun tolerance, cold tolerance etc... I'm hoping to pick it up today as I dont really have time most of the week. Lets hope it holds out till I get an ID!

[kcpoole]

Collect and then ensure recovery first.
the worry about what to do or how to style it:-)
a minimum of a year usually between collection and working on the tree (depending on species), so plenty of time to consider options.

Ken

[MoGanic]

Collect and then ensure recovery first.
the worry about what to do or how to style it:-)
a minimum of a year usually between collection and working on the tree (depending on species), so plenty of time to consider options.

Ken

As this is a woody tree/shrub, should I soak the root ball in Seasol/Water solution?

[Andrew F]

Collect and then ensure recovery first.
the worry about what to do or how to style it:-)
a minimum of a year usually between collection and working on the tree (depending on species), so plenty of time to consider options.

Ken

As this is a woody tree/shrub, should I soak the root ball in Seasol/Water solution?

You might be better off going back to it and getting detailed macro shots of:

Bark.
Flowers.
Underside/top side of the leaves.

And have a little dig around it to see what sort of root ball it has, might be loose, might be tight. Probably should dig and retain as much of the root ball and surrounding soil to be on the safe side.


From one white belt to another can i suggest ficus to start off with? lol

[MoGanic]

Collect and then ensure recovery first.
the worry about what to do or how to style it:-)
a minimum of a year usually between collection and working on the tree (depending on species), so plenty of time to consider options.

Ken

As this is a woody tree/shrub, should I soak the root ball in Seasol/Water solution?

You might be better off going back to it and getting detailed macro shots of:

Bark.
Flowers.
Underside/top side of the leaves.

And have a little dig around it to see what sort of root ball it has, might be loose, might be tight. Probably should dig and retain as much of the root ball and surrounding soil to be on the safe side.


From one white belt to another can i suggest ficus to start off with? lol

Seems to be in quite good shape re-root ball, is loosish but is about 3/4 the size of the plant itself at least (not including the really lengthy branch).

I have actually got a Ficus - pic below! It has a friend too, got him for 7 bucks and he seems super happy with that one fish he's caught!

[Ray M]

Hi moganic,
Yes, soak the tree in Seasol for several hours before planting. After planting feed the tree with Seasol each week until you see new growth appearing. You can then give the tree liquid fertiliser. I use Powerfeed and Chaliecarp. I alternate the feeding between the two fertilisers.

I hope the tree goes well for you.

Regards Ray

[MoGanic]

Hi moganic,
Yes, soak the tree in Seasol for several hours before planting. After planting feed the tree with Seasol each week until you see new growth appearing. You can then give the tree liquid fertiliser. I use Powerfeed and Chaliecarp. I alternate the feeding between the two fertilisers.

I hope the tree goes well for you.

Regards Ray

Thanks mate! Will post pics re: progress soon as things start moving along. Very excited to see this one pull through and judging by the tree itself, it's in very good condition!