Thuja Little Giant

TreeBay

Hi Hank,

We can disagree on this point, but I don't think you disagree as much as you think.

I said this:

>>The only Thuja that I have found (to me) acceptable for bonsai were collected trees with old trunks...

and by way of exception (?) you said this:

>>There are some suberb collected specimens on the Toronto Bonsai Club site.

So I don't see any disagreement there.

On the general subject of (un)suitability of Thuja, I realize we'll never change each other's minds. I always mention this point about certain species to anyone who is starting out trying to cultivate with what I consider a difficult-to-use species.

It's up to the individual to decide in the long run if the outcome is worth the result. It is a different matter between collecting a venerable trunk and trying to make a 1 gallon piece of garden material look like something.

On the subject of GOOD Thuja,

I think this Thuja is very nice. It's a meter tall, but the foliage is still a bit shaggy for my taste even at this scale.

http://www.bonsainl.nl/BPG/BS_A0155.HTM

However, the majority of the Thuja I have seen look like this

http://www.bonsai-javoricko.ic.cz/bonsaje/bonsai14.htm

or this

http://home.arcor.de/rainer.randig/.../bonsaihand.jpg

or this

http://www.bonsai.lu/images/thuja.jpg

And I really can't see spending a lot of time with a tree with difficult to control foliage, unless perhaps if it's very old and the trunk looks like Reiner's tree in the first pic.

I realize none of this is going to change your mind. I felt it was important to explain my position. I would be interested in seeing links to photographs of what you consider good examples of Thuja. I will say in closing that I think Thuja is a better choice than either Italian Cypress or Leyland Cypress, both of which I have seen beginners bring to meetings.

Regards,

Matt

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