AusBonsai

Thought I'd start a thread on this Shohin sized Lepto laevigatum (coastal tea tree) I'm planning on potting up soon.

I don't seem to be able to locate the original photo of the stock pre first styling. The upper branch that creates the top of the apex was originally a straight branch growing almost straight up, but was able to get some movement into it rather than removing it. Initially the design was going to be moving to the left, but it was styles from both sides at the time.




As time went by I assessed the tree further. Due to a few minor factors I chase to rotate the tree 180 degrees to use the then rear as the new front. One of the main reasons I found was the small branch toward the base gave the tree better depth when set to the rear (Although this doesn't really show in a 2D photo). I was then beginning to grow a sacrifice branch mid way up the tree, with the intention of eventually jining the branch.



After a while I became concerned the sacrifice branch would just thicken the area it left the trunk and not the full trunk below, so in order to avoid a bulge forming I removed the branch to make a Jin. I had purposely grown the sacrifice branch against the flow of the windswept style so it would appear as it had naturally broken off from the force of strong winds.



When I pot up the tree the angle will be lifted as shown, maybe slightly less. I'm also intending to extend the foliage further out, with a possibility of reducing the height of the foliage only slightly. As the foliage increases leaf size continues to reduce, I might start pinching heavily to try reduce it further.

As always, all comment welcome.

Cheers,
Pearcy.

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Pearcy that has got a very promising future. What a great piece.

Squizzy

squizzy wrote:Pearcy that has got a very promising future. What a great piece.

Squizzy

Thanks Squizzy, I'm happy with where it's up to although I think the trunk is out of proportion to the foliage slightly. I'd rather thicken the trunk just a little, but I'm not sure if it will be possible unless it throws buds low. Thinking it will be more a matter of reducing the height of the foliage to match the trunk girth at this point. Will probably reduce the Jin a fraction too.

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So many awesome examples of LL on our coastline.
Whilst taper may be desirable for bonsai and depicting age, I note very little taper when admiring LL in nature.
I've always found this intriguing.

Nice tree!!

Spent a bit of time up & back to the Bellarine over the last couple of months which means I haven’t had a chance to do the work on my trees I want to but I have had a chance to check out some pretty amazing natives along the coast in the area. Yours would not be out of place, this tree is a cracker and over time I feel will only improve. Just love it, so in short - well done! Trunk size? I’m with Boics in terms of taper and I feel it holds itself nicely as is, it will only get thicker but if it takes a while... whatever, it needs a pot to advance to the next level and I think it’s ready!
So good...

This is ripper stock Pearcy. You've got an excellent tree already and it will only get better. I am with Boics, R3 and others on their thoughts.

Also - I don't think I have seen your name on this historical thread by Treeman. Check it out. https://www.ausbonsai.com.au/forum/view ... 06&t=20109

It's a super thread and might help your progress.

Fantastic work Pearcy ,have to agree with the other comments in regard to taper around the south coast they can extend a long way with beautiful movement. .This tree is a great example of one of the many Australian styles we are lucky to have. Cheers John.

Growth is still exploding on this one. I'm hoping a smaller pot might help keep it in cheque, but Melbourne has probably had its last warm day for this Autumn today.

Decisions to be made if a repot can be made now or not? Thoughts anyone with experience? Currently in a 150mm orchid pot. The plan would be to cut the soil down by 2/3 it's depth and just slip pot the remainder, maybe taking a touch off the sides.

Cheers,
Pearcy

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Hi Pearcy.
My 2c.

1. Wait till next spring when the tree is active.
2. If this is the first repot then I'd not go as far as cutting 2/3rds but gradually get to this level over a couple of seasons.

I've lost LL before and am of the opinion that this was due to overly aggressive pruning and too hot weather.
The stock is too good to rush/waste!

Hi Pearcy
Your tree looks good and I think can only improve with time, well done.
Rob

Cheers guys.

I've managed to get the foliage size down since the last photo. Will try take a new snap tomorrow. The foliage mass had doubled since the last photo and the reduction in both foliage size and foliage amount was what I'm after.

To be honest, it's probably more I'm rushing to get it into a pot as I purchased one the other day for it. I guess sometimes you need a voice of reason to stop yourself. Thanks Boics.

Cheers,
Pearcy.

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Wow, what a nice tree. Thank you for sharing, nice one.

Update.

This one is continuing to improve as time goes by. I repotted it in December removing around 60% of the roots and it hasn't looked back. Foliage size continues to slowly reduce as the branches rammify.

Ignore the current pot (This one just fit at the time). While I love it, I don't think it's right for this tree. Next season I will get the root ball down enough to fit it into its intended home that's round and half the depth. As it was not my intended pot I also didn't frat about potting angle, next time will be leaning a little further (but not too much).

Pads did not photograph well, resulting in a lack of negative space. Maybe next update I'll get a better photo (or skills).

Cheers,
Pearcy.

Thanks for this thread, I'm really enjoying the progress.
Very bright future and I see it in a shohin group - hopefully soon!

Good movement along the trunk and you have continued this into the branches - nice looking tree.