AusBonsai

I took a snap of this fella this morning to catch it before bud burst.

I will let the right lowest branch grow freely for another year and generally continue develop the lower branches. It is also in need of a different pot. Then it will be ramification, ramification ramification.

This is photo, taken in 2016, is probably a year after collection. And this is now. Criticism welcome.
Cheers,
Symon

Might look really good when done like a baobab tree. Great development in just four years. What did you carve the tree with?

You’ve got to be happy with that in only four year. Really like where it heading worthly of a nice pot.
Cheers
Kirky

Fantastic ramification already! Top marks for bonsai talents!

Nothing to criticize about this tree symon, progressing very well. Has a lot of character......... Cheers John.

Thanks for the kind words Kirky, John and Juan. These trees develop fast with fertiliser and good technique - you can let them grow then and back to the first two bud several times a year.

Akhi wrote: ↑August 1st, 2020, 1:09 pm Might look really good when done like a baobab tree. Great development in just four years. What did you carve the tree with?

It is a Makita die grinder with a bit from a online bonsai shop. This set up is to eat away lots of wood fast, I would use something more subtle if you want it to look good. Privet wood is soft and I'm not protecting it so i expect/want it to all rot away over time.

Here is one started at the same time on which I am trying to preserve the deadwood with lime sulpher. It really is ugly Cheer,
Symon

Haha, the ugly tree? I wouldn't call it ugly.... You definitely have good skills in regards to ramification techniques. It shows, even on the ugly tree I have a few olives that look very similar to the 'ugly tree' and I sorta had used them as trial/error/skill/technique/learning trees. Thing is, they seem to be the trees that most people gravitate towards when they see my collection and comment positively on.... Go figure???

Hey Juan, I use privets to learn as well. They are so forgiving. Olives are related so I assume they great to muck around with as well.

Ramification is just sticking to a plan - grow cut back, grow cut back. The 'grow' bit is the most important. My trees look like out of control bushes most of the time.

One word of advice. DON'T HEDGE PRUNE. These privets are obviously inspired by Walter Pall, but his hedge pruning technique does not work on the species of trees I use in my climate.
Cheers,
Symon

Love the ugly tree not sure Lime Sulphur is enough for such a soft wood. You may need to try the Earls Wood Hardener. May extend the life of your beauties.
Cheers
Kirky

I just did some covid wiring. I think this fella is starting to get there. Cheers,
Symon

Slowly slowly...I really enjoy the point where it is all about creating ramification. The buds have burst and the tomatoes have their first flowers, it is definitely spring in this part of the world. Cheers,
Symon

Just Beautiful!
Cheers
Kirky

Privet flowers smell terrible, but they look nice. Cheers
Symon

I absolutely love this tree and am incredibly impressed with the work you’ve put into it and the results in such a relatively short timeframe.


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This one slowly but pleasingly moves forward. Cheers,
Symon