Show me your willows.

[GrimLore]

I guess I am expected to just take everyones word without question. Even though there are conflicting views?

No - by all means try as you wish. I did note what I found with them and that did not include anything negative except to "me" they have a short life span potted. Honest they grow ok if you can master keeping them damp but well draining like they grow best in the ground. Here you find all types in the ground next to drainage, streams, ponds, and springs. I thought you mentioned in another thread your Humidity rarely hit 30 percent so I "guessed" your climate is dry and they don't grow in the wild there by the hundreds as they do here.

Grimmy

 

[Woodland Spirit]

Wireme
Thanks,
I like that.
How old is it now?

 

[Woodland Spirit]

No - by all means try as you wish. I did note what I found with them and that did not include anything negative except to "me" they have a short life span potted. Honest they grow ok if you can master keeping them damp but well draining like they grow best in the ground. Here you find all types in the ground next to drainage, streams, ponds, and springs. I thought you mentioned in another thread your Humidity rarely hit 30 percent so I "guessed" your climate is dry and they don't grow in the wild there by the hundreds as they do here.

Grimmy

I was referring to the feeble mockery in one post (not yours). Something I really should pay no heed to. I am open to all the advice and opinions of others as long as they don't expect me to follow blindly. And if they are nice or sorta not to nasty about it.

 

[Starfox]

That reminds me of Mimosa, I thought that one would be an interesting bonsai project. But I learned that they only live about 30 years, so I decided not to waste my time.

I'd be ecstatic if I made it another 30 years and I probably should, I would gladly take a spectacular "supposedly" short lived tree like an Mimosa or Acacia. They are definitely better to work with than a willow and I would imagine the whole bonsai process could extend the lifespan of them. Probably not centuries but I won't be around then so it's kind of moot.

In short, forget the willow go for a mimosa or similar, look better too.

 

[Woodland Spirit]

There are many types of willows in the area. Always near a water source though.

I have learned a few tricks for retaining moisture in pots and ground. I'll see what happens.

I value advice on how to do things higher than advice against doing things. However, such advice is noted and concidered.
I really do appreciate most of the points of view and advice people give here.

 

[Woodland Spirit]

Mimosa will be tried. They look cool

 

[Woodland Spirit]

How bout mesquite?

 

[Tentakelaertje]

Dutch knotted willows:

Your juniper is gonna be jealous on this one's deadwood.

Winter wonderland:

Even different styles of knotting!

This badboy doesn't care about your live veins!

Talk about a pussywillow! Really do hope your pussywillow is a little less see-through!

Not bonsai, but pretty awesome nonetheless. They usually get knotted once per two or three years, so growth is pretty solid.
Some get up to 500 years old. As long as you keep Brenneria salicis away, the tree should be possible to live a few centuries.

 

[Cadillactaste]

I was referring to the feeble mockery in one post (not yours). Something I really should pay no heed to. I am open to all the advice and opinions of others as long as they don't expect me to follow blindly. And if they are nice or sorta not to nasty about it.

When you can't read ones tone...their words can be taken out of the context they meant it to be said. With forums...you will have conflicting opinions...location plays into it, among other things. Some offer their own experience to help another possibly see what they are up against. Not sure where the mockery is in this post...I didn't catch it. Unless it's my own words...and then, I know it was unintentional.

Some prefer stacking the deck in their favor with materials...I have lost a few from trying to raise trees that don't do well in my climate...with the hiccup of uncontrollable situation one winter. I lost a handful. Lesson learned...I'm all for rolling to the beat of your own drum. I also have Virginia Creeper as a bonsai. Not as common...but lovely in the fall.

 

[Woodland Spirit]

When you can't read ones tone...their words can be taken out of the context they meant it to be said. With forums...you will have conflicting opinions...location plays into it, among other things. Some offer their own experience to help another possibly see what they are up against. Not sure where the mockery is in this post...I didn't catch it. Unless it's my own words...and then, I know it was unintentional.

Some prefer stacking the deck in their favor with materials...I have lost a few from trying to raise trees that don't do well in my climate...with the hiccup of uncontrollable situation one winter. I lost a handful. Lesson learned...I'm all for rolling to the beat of your own drum. I also have Virginia Creeper as a bonsai. Not as common...but lovely in the fall.

You've been quite pleasant actually. Only 2 people here have come across as unpleasant. The first one seems to have settled down. The second only did it once.

Perhaps I miss understand but for the record, I interpreted the following as mocking me.

Mr. Spirit,

It seems as though you have it all figured out.

As others have said, the propensity for willows to drop branches is the major concern for investing ones time.

While they are beautiful trees, one could be more certain their work isn't in vain by choosing another species.

But like I said, you have this all figured out and you like difficult trees.

For the record, B1 will not, by itself, solve root rotting issues.

 

[f1pt4]

I wouldn't take it to heart or personally... forum banter I take with a grain of salt. And if that salt tastes good, I sprinkle it on my pots. If it doesn't, just move on.

Life's too short to bicker.

 

[Woodland Spirit]

Dutch knotted willows:

Your juniper is gonna be jealous on this one's deadwood.

Winter wonderland:

Even different styles of knotting!

This badboy doesn't care about your live veins!

Talk about a pussywillow! Really do hope your pussywillow is a little less see-through!

Not bonsai, but pretty awesome nonetheless. They usually get knotted once per two or three years, so growth is pretty solid.
Some get up to 500 years old. As long as you keep Brenneria salicis away, the tree should be possible to live a few centuries.

Those are awesome trees. Some call the style pollard.
I could spend a day just exploring these features.

 

[Woodland Spirit]

Truth well said;

I wouldn't take it to heart or personally... forum banter I take with a grain of salt. And if that salt tastes good, I sprinkle it on my pots. If it doesn't, just move on.

Life's too short to bicker.

 

[vaibatron]

Not trying to stir the pot and most certainly not trying to mock you. I was only punctuating the fact that people were giving you anecdotal evidence as to why they don't grow Salix.

The matter of fact tone may be blunt, but not malicious.

 

[Cadillactaste]

I'm glad my words where not misconstrued...but,yours may have sadly been taken out of context you meant.

How long have you been doing bonsai? Your a fairly new member...so one may have taken your own statement of liking difficult trees...as knowing it all with not having your feet really wet.

BUT, I know for certain that many new members here have been doing bonsai for longer than I. So you seem to have experience under your belt. From the sound of your statement is how I took it... to another they may seem to think, your new and know it all.

Though it could also be taken...I'm new,and I find this species intriguing and am up to the task of it being difficult.

See one sentence can be taken so many ways without hearing tone.

I tend to try and read everything in a positive direction...the one you quoted...still offered up advice.

 

[Woodland Spirit]

Not trying to stir the pot and most certainly not trying to mock you. I was only punctuating the fact that people were giving you anecdotal evidence as to why they don't grow Salix.

The matter of fact tone may be blunt, but not malicious.

I apologize then.

 

[vaibatron]

I apologize then.

No need. It's all peace love and trees here.

Where's that rainbow bunny pot when you need it?

 

[Woodland Spirit]

Or a kitten

 

[Cadillactaste]

No...must be the pot. It's the un-official "official" peace offering pot.

 

[Starfox]