What Would You Do With This Shimpaku?

Thomas_J.

Oh boy has this tree ever been wired? Right after purchase I spent between eight and ten hours continuous wiring on this tree. Yes it has been wired.



I know exactly what you mean Mike, I too have done that many times. In fact that's exactly what I did with this tree. Before everyone gets bored with this thread, I'll now post my decision, which by the way is irreversible.
See below

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Thomas J.

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Thomas_J.

Okay, here it is.
I'm somewhat surprized that no one said "sell It". Probably had no potential huh?
Well I decided to keep it and do a restyle on it. The work was done a few weeks ago. I've always been very partial to the chinese penjing style of bonsai, and that's what inspired me to style this tree this way. After six years I had had enough of waiting to see just what this tree was going to do for me. As I mentioned earlier, the top was really bugging me for most of the time I had this tree. I now have eliminated that problem with the bush look up there, and have kept the tree very simple in branch structure.

I know there are those that don't care much for the penjing style, but for me it really excites me, and again so does this tree now. I will work on it now with time and try and balance everything out. The pot you see is the pot that it is now in except I did make it more shallow by virtual than it really is because this is where I hope to have it in a few years.

Comments?

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Thomas J.

kingkong

I think the max potential was what it was. The value of this plant was the health and vigor of the foliage trained in a formal canopy up-right layered style which took some considerable time and effort to do. What I see now is not making my toes tingle.

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MarcS

I like it.
Maybe the right branches should be bended down more. It would add some more "Penjing contrast" IMO.

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Thomas_J.

When it comes to artistic expressions, the value or beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I saw no beauty in the canopy no matter how healthy or green it looked.

Most people who do bonsai can't get away from the full foliage japanese look and shy away from anything else, while those who love penjing, marvel at what can be done with so little.

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Thomas J.

mike_p

To that I say, AMEN!

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Mcspeed

Thomas, for what it's worth I like/d both versions, and it comes down to what floats your boat. If it's better for you now, and it sounds like it is, then good for you, it was obviosly bugging you so there you go. I can accept that for this tree no problem, it's when it fits no "norm" and someone says well it's what I like, and is nowhere near bonsai(except for being in a little pot) is when i have issues.

This one falls into bonsai territory easily.

Brave of you too to elicit all the opinions and then say Oh well did it last week so fuggetaboutit . Besides you have too many nice trees for me to argue with you over design.

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Thomas_J.

I just snapped this pic after adjusting that right bottom branch so that it flows the same way the one above it does. The other pics show them opposing each other; not good.

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Thomas J.

jdstod

Thomas_J I also liked both version, but I think the new one is better. The other seemed too top heavy for the taper in the trunk. I also think the new version has more character. I like it!

I do have one suggestion maybe. (keep in mind I am new) I did a quick vert removing the right branch that is on the same level as the left side branch. Also may be beneficial to lower the left branch slightly. Just my half a cent.

Nice tree!

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