AusBonsai

I bought this Casuarina from a member of BSWA in Perth at the start of 2022. I don't know exactly what it is, but I'm pretty sure it's either casuarina glauca or obesa.

It had an issue with thickness and lack of taper at the top, and inverse taper at the base. The first styling I did on it I didn't take these issues into account and, instead of redesigning, I think I just tried to "pretty up" what was already there.

After some more experienced advice, I flipped the front view of the tree 180° and removed the large, straight thick section from the top. I also cut a section of the lower trunk front and back, to encourage it to thicken out sideways.

As it is now I'm pondering what direction to go in moving forward. I kind of like it from the current front/angle, but am also thinking about if there might be something more interesting or appealing. It is starting to bark up now which is cool.

I want to get it into a different pot too soon.
Jan 2022. As was when purchased.
March 2022. First styling.
May 2022. Flipped 180 change of direction.
March 2024 before work.
March 2024 After.
Back view
Side view
Side view. I find this angle to be interesting.

I've got this in a new pot now. A textured bad swan ceramics oval I had that was about the right size and shape. I think it looks ok in it for the time being. I wasn't really feeling the other pot it was in and I have plans to use that one for a different tree.

It's getting there. I've done some more hard cuts to increase taper, and wired some back branches I've been growing to use in the design.