AusBonsai

CK>

Any thoughts, opinions, Suggestions, ideas?

Its a pretty 'odd/strange/unique' trunk system!! Found it OCT 2009, Alongside some new road works where a bridge width extension was made.. (already dug up!). It had major damage about 300mm up the trunk but a good root system considering.. LUCKY Weather was overcast and rainy.. flukey much

It has been through quite allot! But it never seems to stop pushing new growth everywhere ! Started in a 30cm black pot with standard potting mix. . . Then moved to a large terracotta bowl in a more gravel mix where it remained for 2 years.. (very regular new growth clipping!)
I took some pictures today with the aim of showing off the trunk utilising the sun.. (There is a strong leader amongst the canopy somewhere).
Any input is very welcome..... Both on the tree and my photography.
CK

To my eye the tree sits too far out of the soil. Normally a root spread like that would make the tree look very old - but I find the gap under the roots disconcerting. If it were mine I would bury the roots a bit deeper in the mix. I would also grow the apex out a bit further with one leader to increase the taper.

I have never really liked trees with exposed roots. Even when they are long and twisted liek they are supposed to be
I'm with Bougy. The gaps under the roots are not a good look and should be dropped back down.

Ken

I agree,

I would bury the tree deeper in the pot and then ground layer to develop a new root system to replace 90% of the old ones.
This will give the tree a better look of stability in the pot.

Regards,
Mike

I like this tree. I agree about the exposed roots, though I wouldn't mind it staying up high so long as soil was packed in under those roots so it looked like it was on a little hill or mound.

My other thought was that I'd rather one of the two main branches was lower than the other, to look a bit more natural and less symetrical. Nice tree though!

Hey peoples,

Firstly thanks for the constructive criticism!!!
Because I've had the tree so long and it was one of my first, I think I've been looking at it "through a mothers eyes" so to speak
I always knew the root/trunk system was a bit odd!, but over time i guess i became of the perspective that it was unique and cool. I do see exactly where you guys are coming from now and cheers for helping to widen my perspective and leed me back to the path!


So this is my plan to rectify the problem-
Suitable sized grow pot, ground layering-raising the root mass, removing existing root mass. (with a time frame of 2 grow seasons maybe??) . . Sound correct? Opinions?
All going to plan.. when the soil is at a better height, the tops of those roots could become a nice "Natural" looking buttressed root flair??


CK

Although, "On the other hand", if i had no real urgency to turn it into a true bonsai now,, and it had some sentimental value as it is? (even just as a reminder of my bonsai beginning),,,,, I may keep it as is, and just for me.

I can always find another Lilly Pilly into which pursue a true Japanese style!

CK

The-Calli-Kid wrote:Although, "On the other hand", if i had no real urgency to turn it into a true bonsai now,, and it had some sentimental value as it is? (even just as a reminder of my bonsai beginning),,,,, I may keep it as is, and just for me.

I can always find another Lilly Pilly into which pursue a true Japanese style!

CK

That works too
We all have trees that are nice and do not qualify as bonsai tho.

Ken

kcpoole wrote: That works too
We all have trees that are nice and do not qualify as bonsai tho.

Ken

So true Ken .. Not exactly sure what I want to do with this one yet but I think if I lowered it just a little and carefully filled the spaces between the roots with soil and moss... it could become much more stable, natural and pleasing to the eye..?? what you think?? (Utilising the exposed roots rather than hiding/covering them.) I have a week away on holidays to think about it and my other trees directions.

"Love is all you need!" JL

CK