Chamaecyparis - Looking for critique

SiNguyen

Hi Node, this new view is better. There is a little more movement to the tree with this view. I think you could try to put more curves into the top half of the tree. It looks like it is still easy to bend. And lean it too. I kinda like your previous attempt at leaning it to the right. You just need to finish that design off by bending the top back over to the left a little.
Your wiring looks very neat but the portion on the lower trunk is probably not useful. I would take out those wires if you are not going to bend anything else.
Seems like you took good care of this tree. Your tree is so healthy and green for all these years. Your water must be good too.
Good luck!
Si

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node

The wires on the trunk are there mostly for support, but there is more of a bend in the upper part then there was.

Also a single wire on the trunk really helps to keep you wiring neat.
I use the first wire on the trunk as a guide. It more or less determines how the rest of the wires go on.
I've also tried to consistently wire the tree from the bottom up, and from the inside outward.
And whaddaya know, all of a sudden I'm not running into trouble halfway up the tree.

I still haven't really decided on what the finished tree should look like,
I guess it is of a practice tree than anything else at the moment.
It was one of the first pieces of material i ever bought with the intention of making a bonsai out of it.

At the time I was reasonably satisfied with the result,
but I realize now, that if I want to get ahead in bonsai,
this kind of material only offers limited possibilties to advance myself.

__________________
Whenever you find that you are on the side of the majority, it is time to reform. - Mark Twain
Never let your sense of morals get in the way of doing what's right. - Isaak Asimov
The most savage controversies are those about matters as to which there is no good evidence either way. - Bertrand Russell

SiNguyen

Hi Node, here's how I see your tree. The sketch is based on your updated picture from a few days ago (pic#51272). I like this view because of the first curve on the lower part of the trunk (right above the first branch). I would lean this tree some more (just like you had it once in the past) and then bend the top down over. I would aim for a slightly rounded, almost flat top, mainly because of the fan-like foliage of the Hinoki. I assumed you wanted to keep all the branches too, which is probably a good idea at this stage. This tree is very similar to Dave4's Hinoki tree presented on here a while a go.
Good luck with it!
Si

Attached Images

Node's hinoki.jpg (52.9 KB, 13 views)

rschlafer

Si's sketches are awesome! I like how this tree is coming along. When I was in Germany Hinoki's were everywhere and Are beautiful! Here in Denver you hardly ever see them.

__________________
- Todd

coloradobonsai.com
Specializing in Yamadori Bonsai/Pre Bonsai.

node

Si's excellent sketch flatters my tree. I like his vision.

Hinoki's are a pretty common landscape tree around here, they can make passable material for bonsai. I've seen some decent trees, but nothing that really makes me go wow. I do like to compact foliage the 'nana' develops.

__________________
Whenever you find that you are on the side of the majority, it is time to reform. - Mark Twain
Never let your sense of morals get in the way of doing what's right. - Isaak Asimov
The most savage controversies are those about matters as to which there is no good evidence either way. - Bertrand Russell

rschlafer

Yes,and I think they are beautiful. I have one that I bought from a garden center last year, I wired it and potted it up and so far it has done okay. I don't think they like the heat and dry weather here. I keep the tree fairly shadded and water it as much as I do my Azalea.

There is a good one at: http://www.bonsai4me.com/Gallery/Ga...is%20obtusa.jpg

I have the book that this image is in and was the reason I was interested in Hinoki's.

__________________
- Todd

coloradobonsai.com
Specializing in Yamadori Bonsai/Pre Bonsai.

SiNguyen

Todd, that is a nice tree! I have that book from Martin Treasure too. The author did not say it, but he showed a very important way in keeping the Hinoki cypress, and that is to keep the foliage very flat and sparse. By that I mean you do not want to pinch your foliage pads into a compact or round ball, which most people try to do because they want more back budding. Keep all branches, and let them grow long and with the leaves at the tips. You only would pinch any leaves that stick up too much or could not be wired down.
These Hinoki cypress don't do well in Southern California either. Too hot, dry winds, poor water quality, and too much air pollution. They do better in the ground.
Si