matsu

Thanks Matt. Sorry you didn't bid. Well, not really as I'd have had to go higher. I've been looking for a piece of material like this forever. I haven't told my wife yet, maybe I can sneak it onto my benches and she won't notice. If she does, my standard reply will be used: "Oh, I've had that forever. I can't believe you didn't notice it before now. You really must get outside more honey." Unfortunately, she's heard it before so she'll likely just smile at me and walk away. I can always hope.

I bought the tree to creat a bonsai in the "Live Oak Style." I live on the Texas Gulf Coast and have been admiring our ancient live oaks for years, some of which are masive and hundreds of years old. The tree will be very informal and nontraditional, at least in the classical bonsai sense. Kind of a broom style but not anywhere near as formal. Low undulating branches, much wider than tall, and with a more open interior.

I'll have to look on the JAL site for John's trees. There don't seem to be many trees in this style pictured anywhere. Regards, Paul