jevanlewis
Yamadori
--- Overview and Goals ---
I have a Shishigashira, currently growing as a landscape tree, that I want to continue to field grow with the intention to turn into bonsai in the future. The trunk of this tree is 2". I'd like to keep it in the ground another few years to thicken the trunk and develop nebari. Targeting tree height of 24-36".
--- My Plan ---
Assumptions:
1) The "bulgy" nebari on the one side can be developed into something that looks nice. If this is likely not possible, my plan below will be modified to include an air layer step on the trunk, and subsequent steps will be pushed back at least one year.
Steps in Plan:
1) Dig up cut taproot and other down downward growing roots. (Timing: March 2020)
2) Spread out remaining roots horizontally and replant on top of 18" ceramic tile. Planting medium will be what it's growing in now, which is a mixture of sandy loam topsoil, native soil, and compost. (Timing: March 2020)
3) Let tree grow without any pruning (Timing: March 2020 - Spring 2022 or later)
4) When tree is one year from being potted and becoming a pre-bonsai, I will air layer branches that won't be part of the pre-bonsai, either as "final" branches or sacrifice branches. (Timing: Spring 2022 - Fall 2022)
5) Remove from ground, bare root and plant in pot with bonsai mix (Timing: Spring 2023)
Styling:
I only have initial ideas at this point, but I need to do more thinking here. I'm not sure if I need to make styling decisions now.
--- Questions ---
1) Any feedback on the overall plan? I've researched extensively so far as input into this plan, but but it's hard to keep track of everything, and there are slight differences in approaches.
2) What are your thoughts about the existing nebari? Will these large nebari bulges on the one side prevent a nice-looking nebari from being developed over time?
3) As stated above, I don't have concrete styling plans at this point. Do I need to make any styling decisions now, or are the first few years of my plan above relatively independent from ultimate styling decisions?
4) Please share any concerns you see with this tree ever developing into a nice-looking specimen. For example, after the curve at the base of the trunk, I don't like how the truck goes straight up with no movement for several inches and no branches. If this is an issue that can't be easily overcome, I am happy to keep this as a landscape tree (I'll still probably air layer some sections at the top, because I think some of those have potential for good bonsai).
--- About Me ---
I've been a green thumb my whole life but have only recently gotten serious about styling; specifically, I have spent the past two years learning about and practicing niwaki on trees (Japanese maples, pines, azaleas, camellias) in my landscape. However, I am brand new to bonsai. I've been reading, watching videos, and lurking on forums, and now I'm ready to get started! For my first bonsai, I am starting with the following: Shishigashira, Mikawa Yatsubusa, Japanese Black Pine, and Japanese Red Pine (yes, I know I am crazy to start with more challenging species...).
I have a Shishigashira, currently growing as a landscape tree, that I want to continue to field grow with the intention to turn into bonsai in the future. The trunk of this tree is 2". I'd like to keep it in the ground another few years to thicken the trunk and develop nebari. Targeting tree height of 24-36".
--- My Plan ---
Assumptions:
1) The "bulgy" nebari on the one side can be developed into something that looks nice. If this is likely not possible, my plan below will be modified to include an air layer step on the trunk, and subsequent steps will be pushed back at least one year.
Steps in Plan:
1) Dig up cut taproot and other down downward growing roots. (Timing: March 2020)
2) Spread out remaining roots horizontally and replant on top of 18" ceramic tile. Planting medium will be what it's growing in now, which is a mixture of sandy loam topsoil, native soil, and compost. (Timing: March 2020)
3) Let tree grow without any pruning (Timing: March 2020 - Spring 2022 or later)
4) When tree is one year from being potted and becoming a pre-bonsai, I will air layer branches that won't be part of the pre-bonsai, either as "final" branches or sacrifice branches. (Timing: Spring 2022 - Fall 2022)
5) Remove from ground, bare root and plant in pot with bonsai mix (Timing: Spring 2023)
Styling:
I only have initial ideas at this point, but I need to do more thinking here. I'm not sure if I need to make styling decisions now.
--- Questions ---
1) Any feedback on the overall plan? I've researched extensively so far as input into this plan, but but it's hard to keep track of everything, and there are slight differences in approaches.
2) What are your thoughts about the existing nebari? Will these large nebari bulges on the one side prevent a nice-looking nebari from being developed over time?
3) As stated above, I don't have concrete styling plans at this point. Do I need to make any styling decisions now, or are the first few years of my plan above relatively independent from ultimate styling decisions?
4) Please share any concerns you see with this tree ever developing into a nice-looking specimen. For example, after the curve at the base of the trunk, I don't like how the truck goes straight up with no movement for several inches and no branches. If this is an issue that can't be easily overcome, I am happy to keep this as a landscape tree (I'll still probably air layer some sections at the top, because I think some of those have potential for good bonsai).
--- About Me ---
I've been a green thumb my whole life but have only recently gotten serious about styling; specifically, I have spent the past two years learning about and practicing niwaki on trees (Japanese maples, pines, azaleas, camellias) in my landscape. However, I am brand new to bonsai. I've been reading, watching videos, and lurking on forums, and now I'm ready to get started! For my first bonsai, I am starting with the following: Shishigashira, Mikawa Yatsubusa, Japanese Black Pine, and Japanese Red Pine (yes, I know I am crazy to start with more challenging species...).
). It seems that the consensus is to keep the base of this thing in the ground as a landscape tree and air layer several branches to be used as bonsai in the future. I'll probably put most in the ground for several years but pot a few now for practice (or to make a forest).
