Rene and O.M.C. I agree totally with OMC with regard to 'a matter of taste'.I believe a good deal of the 'Rules' are difficult to pull off in all situations. As a novice I am standing on sold quick sand when I attempt to follow-up one of my points, but here goes. I am Familiar with Naka's work but not the Adams book. I am presently reading a book that is devoted to this topic "FOREST, ROCK PLANTING AND EZO SPRUCE BONSAI" by Saburo Kato. Yes, he shows larger main trees....they are not as large as the main tree is in this group to the 2nd and 3rd tree. He believes that all forests are obtained from the basic group of three. The placement of the 3 primary trees is key. Perhaps if this forest had the primary tree placed differently it would be more to my taste. Again, [i]MY TASTE./i] As for the angle of the trees on the outer side reaching for the sun, yes it does happen...in nature and in forest plantings. The degree of lean is what I was trying to point out. To me the degree of lean is not believable.
I appreciate the ability to express my view, and in no way do I think what I say is perfect. I applaud Rene for his effort. I do not think either of my first attempts at forest planting were up to his effort. We try, we learn, we seek opinions and we discuss them.... is this a great place or what?
