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bonsaiTALK Master Craftsman
Join Date: Feb-2005
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 818
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Shikoku Black Pine Yamadori
As many of you know I have a fondness for Japanese Black Pines. This pine was collected in the mountains of Shikoku Island, Japan and has been in my care for about six months, having just been released from quarantine this winter. I have no idea how old it is, but the tree is just over a meter high.
I never intended to show it until it was completed but I was show director for our annual club show and wanted to have a tree in development for the public to see. I knew the wiring was good on this tree so I brought it. It really helped the public understand some of the methods we use to create the image our trees present.
I began by removing two large branches and cleaning out dead twigs. I corrected spoke branches to eliminate swelling, always leaving two branches where possible. I then pulled some of last years needles to balance vigor. When this was done I put about 12 hours of wiring into the tree-- every branch is wired to the tips without a single crossed wire (yes, it can be done). I then pinched candles and nurtured new buds on old wood. Sunlight and fertilizer has done the rest.
Despite being in training for only six months, I think it photographed well. Here are the before and after pics.
Cheers,
Jim
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