Mugo Pine Quasi-Raft

[Vance Wood]

I started working on the tree in the early 90's when the same nursery-man who made that incredible insurance estimate on my upright Mugo sold me this one for about $15.00. I have had some negative responses on this tree before so don't feel you have to be nice you wont hurt my feelings. I just started working on the tree again after several years of neglect, it seems the tree didn't care. I really would like to find a different pot and it really needs to be repotted this summer.

[video=youtube_share;KThU0Ry-LC4]http://youtu.be/KThU0Ry-LC4[/video]

I kind of look at this tree as being more of a naturalistic style mimicking, in a way, the forms Pumilio Mugos take in nature. I plan on working toward that goal with this tree. Sorry you can not see the nature of the trunk and the bark from the video I will try to get a photo tonight.

 

[GrimLore]

Looks like it likes neglect! You mentioned a repot and all the while I watched the video I kept thinking that would look superb thinned out hanging off of a large rock structure. Like hanging off the side of a cliff. I would love to be working on that one

Grimmy

 

[october]

I do not know what the tree looked like when you received those negative comments. However, whoever looks at this tree in it's current state and thinks it is not beautiful, probably should not be doing bonsai. Just my opinion. I am not big on the raft style, but this tree is beautiful.

Rob

 

[Vance Wood]

Looks like it likes neglect! You mentioned a repot and all the while I watched the video I kept thinking that would look superb thinned out hanging off of a large rock structure. Like hanging off the side of a cliff. I would love to be working on that one

Grimmy

Thanks I agree, I would like to have one of those pots like Pavel Slovak used to put the Mugo he calls three snakes in. I can not now find the link or I would share it with you.

 

[Vance Wood]

I do not know what the tree looked like when you received received those negative comments. However, whoever looks at this tree in it's current state and thinks it is not beautiful, probably should not be doing bonsai. Just my opinion. I am not big on the raft style, but this tree is beautiful.

Rob

No wonder I have been having headaches lately, you guys are making my head swell up. I really appreciate your input and admiration of the tree. We shall see what the judge at our show thinks of the tree.

 

[wireme]

Great tree! Thanks for showing.

 

[cmeg1]

Looks very natural,I love the raft.

 

[jaholmes]

I really like the look of this one, Vance -- very unique. It forces you to continue to look at it and appreciate it's beauty, as it does not conform to a typical "mold" or "standard". Thanks for sharing.

 

[Dav4]

Very nice, Vance. I think it could look even better if you can get some separation between the pads on the right...maybe pull the branch on the farthest right down and out just a bit more. Very cool tree.

 

[Vance Wood]

Very nice, Vance. I think it could look even better if you can get some separation between the pads on the right...maybe pull the branch on the farthest right down and out just a bit more. Very cool tree.

I'm working on that now, I hope to have some updates this evening. I want to have all the thinning and needle reduction done before I start throwing wire on it. I figure if I don't get bored, eaten by mosquitoes, kidnaped by aliens, or visited by a buss load of hotties in the mood I should have it ready for another showing tonight.

 

[dkraft81]

What an awesome tree! I'm a huge fan of raft style trees and love the naturalistic feel of this one.

 

[Dav4]

I'm working on that now, I hope to have some updates this evening. I want to have all the thinning and needle reduction done before I start throwing wire on it. I figure if I don't get bored, eaten by mosquitoes, kidnaped by aliens, or visited by a buss load of hotties in the mood I should have it ready for another showing tonight.

So Vance, if the highlighted above were to actually occur, in lieu of flowers, what favorite charities would you like donations sent to?.....

 

[Vance Wood]

So Vance, if the highlighted above were to actually occur, in lieu of flowers, what favorite charities would you like donations sent to?.....

Hotties- for- Old Farts.

 

[Neli]

He he he!
You naughty boy! Dont get eaten by mosquitoes, kidnapped by aliens, or visited by a buss load of hotties, just wire it and make it even better looking.
It is a good one...

 

[Vance Wood]

He he he!
You naughty boy! Dont get eaten by mosquitoes, kidnapped by aliens, or visited by a buss load of hotties, just wire it and make it even better looking.
It is a good one...

Yes; I'll be good, and the wire is the project for today if I don't get rained out.

 

[fourteener]

I like what it's becoming. The 90's were a long time ago, maybe this tree wasn't as great waaaay back then !! Some things grow old gracefully. I agree with the comment about some foliage separation on the right. I love the trunk flow on the left and the well placed apex. I can't make out the "ground level" center of the planting. It seems like there is a lot going on there and wonder if you can simplify it.

It's a good reminder about patience and letting things grow on their own. It's one of the reasons I like pines. Deciduous trees left on their own will become a big mess. Pines might actually get better.

I look forward to the wiring!!

 

[Vance Wood]

I like what it's becoming. The 90's were a long time ago, maybe this tree wasn't as great waaaay back then !! Some things grow old gracefully. I agree with the comment about some foliage separation on the right. I love the trunk flow on the left and the well placed apex. I can't make out the "ground level" center of the planting. It seems like there is a lot going on there and wonder if you can simplify it.

It's a good reminder about patience and letting things grow on their own. It's one of the reasons I like pines. Deciduous trees left on their own will become a big mess. Pines might actually get better.

I look forward to the wiring!!

Sometimes I look forward to something so that I can run away before every body else figures it out. I hope that is not the case with this tree.

However; I will face it head on, standing in traffic head held high, chest thrown out beyond my ability to suck my stomach in, eye to eye with oncoming traffic I will boast my determination to overcome as I am rolled over by an eigteen-wheeler going 95 miles an hour------and the subsequent police cars chasing the afore-mentioned truck for exceeding the speed limit-------and not wearing his seat belt.

 

[sbarnhardt]

Don't know if a comment from a fellow that doesn't have enough experience with bonsai to have an opinion that means anything counts, but, I know what I like and what I like the looks of. And I like that tree. I'd be proud to be able to produce something that looks that good!!

 

[fourteener]

However; I will face it head on, standing in traffic head held high, chest thrown out beyond my ability to suck my stomach in, eye to eye with oncoming traffic I will boast my determination to overcome as I am rolled over by an eigteen-wheeler going 95 miles an hour------and the subsequent police cars chasing the afore-mentioned truck for exceeding the speed limit-------and not wearing his seat belt.

Reminds me of a Teddy Roosevelt quote...

“It's not the critic who counts. It's not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled. Credit belongs to the man who really was in the arena, his face marred by dust, sweat, and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs to come short and short again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming. It is the man who actually strives to do the deeds, who knows the great enthusiasm and knows the great devotion, who spends himself on a worthy cause, who at best, knows in the end the triumph of great achievement. And, who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and cruel souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

 

[Vance Wood]

Reminds me of a Teddy Roosevelt quote...

“It's not the critic who counts. It's not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled. Credit belongs to the man who really was in the arena, his face marred by dust, sweat, and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs to come short and short again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming. It is the man who actually strives to do the deeds, who knows the great enthusiasm and knows the great devotion, who spends himself on a worthy cause, who at best, knows in the end the triumph of great achievement. And, who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and cruel souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

WOW that sounds like a Rodney Dangerfield soliloquy from Back to School. I really do appreciate your support and positive words. I hope the tree does not disappoint you.