Credibility thread, this is where you get to post and shine.
- Thread starter Smoke
- Start date
VAFisher
Masterpiece
Thanks for the virt. I had never considered the angle change until Judy suggested it - and seeing it in a virt, makes it look like the right way to go. Smaller tree definitely needs to run and thicken. I think the big tree shades it somewhat and the angle change would help with that too.
I also want to reduce the soil mound over time. I had this tree in a penjing thing for a couple years in a really big pot, and the roots got out of control. Next spring I should be able to reduce the roots further and change the planting angle.
Dav4
Drop Branch Murphy
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There are a few reasons I generally don't comment on or critique trees on line any more. Firstly, I find it difficult to make meaningful assessments, and subsequently, appropriate suggestions on trees that I can see in pictures on my phone or lap top... the medium has it's limitations and I'm reluctant to give advice when I'm wondering what the tree might look like from another angle or in different light, etc.. Mostly though, I'm just too busy with work, my family, and my own collection to take the time... sorry. With that being said, if we agree to meet at my house and you happen to bring a tree, you get to pick a cold beer of your choice out of the garage fridge and we can talk bonsai stuff for a while!
Tree pic for the thread tax... though I honestly disagree with the theme of this thread. This is far from my best tree but I've owned this one longer then any of my other nicer trees and it's never had anyone touch it other then me in that time, currently growing into a new planting angle/restyle and will look better in short order. I once considered bringing this to a Kathy Shaner critique workshop sponsored by my club, but chose to bring another tree. Would her having critiqued this tree and me acting on her suggestions mean I can't comment on someone else's tree? I guess I don't get the premise here.
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JoeR
Masterpiece
Contrary to the other opinions, IMO a slight leftward tilt would be more effective.
This would accentuate the true nature of a mother daughter style- a mother, daunting over and protecting her child, as opposed to a rightward tilt- which would cause the mother to be "shying away" from the daughter tree. A right tilt takes the apex too far from where the trubk exits the soil.
Otherwise, great tree. Like others mentioned, evening out the foliage would work wonders but Im sure you already knew that.
Hartinez
Masterpiece
I don’t entirely either, but this a dialogue on trees at this point so
. I totally get your point on critiquing imagery. It’s part of the reason I don’t always comment. Another reason is also my not so extensive horticultural knowledge. If I think the tree has healthy issues or needs work to its biology, then those answers are best suited to those who have a better grasp of the info. But I love to comment on the form and special dynamics of trees through images. I wouldn’t say it bothers me I don’t get much critique but I do wish more members who have been at it for a long time would throw a bone from time to time. Truth is, I want nothing more than to improve my technique and trees to the best I can, and have a goal of displaying a tree at the National show at some point. When I’m more financially able, i will undoubtably week our better material and guidance and instruction in person. And in terms of your invite, I’ve got a step sister in Atlanta and may be out that way at some point. So if I ever do, you’ll be on my very short list of people to contact to drink beers and talk trees.
Hartinez
Masterpiece
I don’t know that I’m sold on the angle change as It loses the mother daughter dynamic. More like a mother abandoning her child dynamic. The two trunks compliment each other quite well though and as Judy said more forth in the daughter trunk will go a long way. And if you do make the angle change, maybe just tweaking the apex branches with wire to move to the left over the daughter tree would work.
Hartinez
Masterpiece
Not more forth, more girth
davetree
Omono
I like your elm. I think the crown is getting too thick. You could thin it by half and it would look better and be better for the tree. Keep the daughter tree pointed at the sun or it will get weak.
Dave, I think you can lose that top section of the apex.
Tree tax!!! Lol!!! Ok, here it is:
Imported JWP clump. Yes, a few mean he’s on the main trunk died. They were broken when I got the tree. They had broken in shipment from Japan to Brussel’s. Brussel put a bit of wire on to support them, but alas, to no avail. In the long run, I don’t think it will matter, just adds character.
Dav4
Drop Branch Murphy
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Too bad about the few lost branches but that tree is alive! My tree will get a good wiring after its decandled that'll round out the apex. I'll lose some of that branch if it's too crowded this fall.
fredman
Masterpiece
This won't make me shine, but i'm proud of how it's going along. It's only a Portulacaria (some don't see them as bonsai material), but it has plenty sentimental value....keeps me connected to my beloved Africa.
I bent it from this
to this
It has a powerful back branch that don't show in this pic. They don't bend easy as the wood is lignified already, and snaps easy....takes time...bit by bit. It looks much better in person, than in the pic. Starting on filling the top now...African umbrella style.
About 25years old.
I bent it from this
to this
It has a powerful back branch that don't show in this pic. They don't bend easy as the wood is lignified already, and snaps easy....takes time...bit by bit. It looks much better in person, than in the pic. Starting on filling the top now...African umbrella style.
About 25years old.
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With trees like those, I hope you post more often.
amcoffeegirl
Masterpiece
There are times as a mother when you get to step back and let your daughter shine.
A proud moment like riding a bike for the first time or graduation.
you may still be able to add some movement back toward the smaller tree.
Hartinez
Masterpiece
Well said. Certainly meant no offense by my comment.
amcoffeegirl
Masterpiece
None taken at all. Just trying to let you know it’s ok if the mother tree leans away a bit- it allows the daughter to draw nearer.
leatherback
The Treedeemer
It looks plenty good to em already!
hinmo24t
Masterpiece
this, which has an amazing root system and hasnt been touched much otherwise. i dont know what it is??
my other decent one even though its a common bonsai
my other decent one even though its a common bonsai
Schmikah
Shohin
These are my current favorites. The percumbens is further along but I jump back and forth on who has more promise. The first is a ERC blue owl.
Schmikah
Shohin
Deep Sea Diver
Imperial Masterpiece
I too, had a somewhat curious reaction to the starting post on this thread... no one has asked me if I have the cahones to do something since USN Salvage Officers school and I’d would of just ignored them if they did.....
But after glancing at this thread I was pleasantly surprised to see some decent posts.
I have absolutely No best trees.... they are all enigmas to me.
Here are a couple of the bunch I’ve been working on to see if anything can be done to save them from bonsai mediocracy.
JWP (2 photos), Mugo and some kinda Juniper.
cheers
DSD sends
Mugo and
But after glancing at this thread I was pleasantly surprised to see some decent posts.
I have absolutely No best trees.... they are all enigmas to me.
Here are a couple of the bunch I’ve been working on to see if anything can be done to save them from bonsai mediocracy.
JWP (2 photos), Mugo and some kinda Juniper.
cheers
DSD sends
Mugo andSimilar threads
