Collected Hawthorn History

[Jason]

Thanks for the progression Brian. Beautiful tree. I'm always amazed at the variability in collected Hawthorns (leaves, bark, fall color, etc.) There must be quite a few different species. I noted that the bark on yours looks lots different than some I've collected around here. One thing they do seem to have in common is the lack of flowers after collection. I've collected several in flower and never seen them flower again. Maybe it's just a matter of time (?).

 

[fredtruck]

Super job, Brian. This tree is a very fine accomplishment.

 

[Alex DeRuiter]

Note the "new" collected hawthorn making the scene in May's photo...

This comment is like that scene at the end of some huge Hollywood blockbuster that hints toward a sequel! lol

Very wonderful work, Brian -- needless to say

One question -- and I'm not sure if this has been addressed yet (though I could have missed it while reading all of the posts): have you thought about taking torch and burning that dead wood to give it an aged look?

 

[Umeboshi]

Lovely tree. I really like the way you altered the cut to make it appear more natural. Very skillfully done.The nebari and sinuous trunk are quite attractive.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

One question -- and I'm not sure if this has been addressed yet (though I could have missed it while reading all of the posts): have you thought about taking torch and burning that dead wood to give it an aged look?

Thanks again guys. On the deadwood, I have not considered torching it, but the photos do make it look pretty white. It's been left alone really, except for lime-sulfur in '09. Beyond that, I've just allowed it to age on it's own and keep an eye on it. I'll try to get a close up of the deadwood, because it's a little better detailed than the photos show. The plan is to let it age and rot a little, then preserve it once it has a good look.

 

[JudyB]

WOW. I searched for this after taking a look at BVF 's website nebaribonsai.com and seeing this amazing tree there. What a terrific image of a mature tree you have created in such a short time. If you haven't visited this site, I recommend it, there are really helpful step by step instruction pdf's within. Better than many books that I've read. Do you have a fall image for this tree Brian?

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Thanks for the kind words Judy.
I don't have a current fall photo, but plan to take some this year. Colors are just starting to change here, so if it stays dry, the show should be decent in a week or two.

 

[fredtruck]

You have such a great feeling for deciduous trees like this, Brian. Fine work.

 

[Ang3lfir3]

really great work Brian... and you certainly do keep great records ... something I am very jealous of (well besides the obviously beautiful trees you have) ....


Maybe I missed this on other pages but I was wondering how often you collect these large hawthorn??? I love hawthorn but for the most part its a difficult species to obtain a decent specimen of (or at least not one with as much style as the ones you are collecting).... deff something I would love to have in my collection....

 

[Dav4]

Beautiful tree Brian. Do you know if these are more likely to be found in the drier upland woods or more toward the wetter lowlands? Just wondering...

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Ang3lfir3: I try to go collecting in some capacity every year, just not always for hawthorn. I found the big one (blue pot in post #8) growing in water, under some thorny vines. It was a challenge to collect, but has a great big trunk and a relatively contained root system after 2 seasons. PM me if you want it...it's just a little bigger than I care maintain.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Do you have a fall image for this tree Brian?

Here is some fall color. This one is always interesting...it's fall color is different every year. Some years it goes orange, some years, it has some reds, sometimes it peters out and turns brown, other years, the green leaves hang on well into December, then turn slightly burgundy in color. This year...yellow...?

 

[JudyB]

Looks very nice with the pot color. Thanks for the update, I really dig this tree.

 

[CamdenJim]

This tree stopped me in my tracks at the Birmingham show last spring -- maybe because hawthorns intrigue me, but mostly because it's a beautiful tree! This shot is even more stunning to my eye.

 

[edprocoat]

Wow, this is a very nice tree! You pulled off both a very natural and very aged look with this, great job.

ed

 

[Mac In Oak Ridge]

Brian, Wonderful work and photo story of the tree. I guess I can start ignoring the folks who told me that you can't harvest hawthorn cause they don't like their roots cut. Guess you proved that one wrong.

 

[mcpesq817]

Hi Brian, love the fall color on your hawthorn. Gorgeous tree. Thanks again for the year by year discussion, it gives me a good roadmap for a similar willow oak that I am working on.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Thanks. As for the roots; I can only speak for this variety, but it's had no problems. In fact, they start growing so early, that in repotting years, by the time I pull it out from winter storage, new roots are already growing out the drainage holes.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Nearly leafless...

 

[Dav4]

That's a Walter Pall tree...great job Brian.