A rock, a pot and a mini

RedPine

2 Schefflera and a Nerrifolia.

Attached Images

	root1.JPG (68.4 KB, 62 views)
	choprock1.JPG (65.1 KB, 96 views)
	sheffgallery1.JPG (65.8 KB, 113 views)
	sheffdefoil1.JPG (69.6 KB, 105 views)
	nerrri1.JPG (63.8 KB, 90 views)
	nerri1.JPG (63.8 KB, 89 views)

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node

I really like the roots one that second schefflera, it's really got a grip on that rock, almost looks like it's about to strangle the live out of it. Communicates a strong will to live. Lots of energy, especially together with the movement of the trunk.

In my opinion the sparse foliage suits it better as well, as is accentuates the roots and trunk a lot more. In the first picture the foliage is so heavy I almost missed those lovely roots.

I also think that's a good trunk you've got going on that ficus, but I feel it will soon become necessary to make some radical choices up in top. I'm interested to hear what you have planned for that one.

Stefan

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RedPine

Hi Node,


Thanks for your comments, make for good discussion. With the large sheff I kinda like a sparcer view of foliage aswell, a little more than is present now in defoliated mode though. Gives me more of a Chinese Penjing feel which is where I am headed in the long road for this tree, a natural slab and more roots someday is in the plan aswell.

The pics of this tree really bother me, the one thick tube looking branch always seems flat in the pic, flat tube shaped and boring, it has a nice cresent curve to it. The more foward of the big branches actually extend and spiral about 8" over the pot rim coming towards the viewer, just doesn't show in pics so hard to get a real feel for the tree from that prospective. I am sure we can see the apex branching is a bit odd, I really have been thinking abought chopping that back pretty hard about 3/4 and letting the apex#2 section from behind be the pinnacle of the crown. This will make for a better tree in defoliated mode for sure.


As for the ficus, well the top is the easy part. It grows at 9 times the rate I would prefer as you can see by the weak lower growth. Having a plan for it is well I have been wondering about that for along time myself.

node

I was playing around with the schefflera in photoshop, and I came pretty much to the same conclusion, chop it back hard, then you got a basis for something really decent.

With the ficus I was thinking about branch selection. The top is obviously growing nicely, but I'd prune away everything except for the few branches you want to keep.

Attached Images

shefflera_01.jpg (28.1 KB, 46 views)

__________________
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

RedPine

I did some quick work on the tree while I had a chance,here is what I was trying to explain in my post above, now I think just to find the right slab and constant refinment and were good?

Attached Images

newfront1.JPG (65.4 KB, 68 views)

node

No crossing branches any more, clearer definition, altogether much improved in my eyes.

I don't think the pot it's in was such a bad choice in principle, the dark brown contrasts nicely with the trunk, while it blends with the rock. Depth and shape don't seem too far off either. You seem to have a clear plan in mind involving a slab, I don't think I would have considered that, it'll be interesting to find out what you'll come up with. Keep us posted!

Stefan

__________________
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

RedPine

Thanks for your comments Node.




I guess now I will need to upload a scraggly half dead juniper sapling to get the forum art experts motivated.

RedPine

Still waiting on a tree thrashing, 3 trees means 3 times the fun...

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Vonsgardens

Wes,
These are tropicals, right? You can't make bonsai from tropicals. I would like to suggest that you go by Home Depot or Walmart and buy one of those really nice Karate Kid Juniper bonsai in the cool blue plastic pot with rocks glued on top- now there is some potential!

Do you know where I could get that job- you know, the guy who glues the rocks on!

John

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