ATM: Quercus Suber

Candy_J_Shirey

I have provided minimum maintenance for this mother-daughter cork oak for many years in a study group setting. In spite of not owning tropical bonsai, I became attached to this specimen and subsequently, in July, became the next generation caretaker of this tree (owner).

This specimen has seen better days and I would like to return it to a dignified and refined state on the five year plan. In that spirit, with due diligence, I am requesting any advice that you may offer to bring out the best art within this material.

This bonsai is 45 inches from soil line to top of tree. It is very healthy but is in need of a repoting.

This is a photo of the tree in July.

Attached Images

quercus suber 072903.jpg (70.1 KB, 722 views)

Advertisement

Candy_J_Shirey

This is how it looks now.

Attached Images

quercus suber1222031.jpg (48.2 KB, 648 views)

Candy_J_Shirey

And this is a possible future with a new front and a Nick Lenz pot.

After looking at this virtual, I think that the specimen should be moved a bit further to the left in the pot.

Note: No virtual attempts with branches were made by me. What do you see for the future of this tree?

Attached Images

corkbarkoakvirtuall.jpg (47.8 KB, 532 views)

Walter_Pall

Candy,

this could be a 'dignified and refined state'. I am sure that this is possible within a couple of years.

Good luck
Walter Pall
http://home.t-online.de/home/Walter.Pall/

Attached Images

quercus-suber1222031-kopie.jpg (58.6 KB, 632 views)

FredL

Gosh, this is a nifty tree. I am so grateful for Walter taking his time with us. I just hope that he will take a few minutes this Spring when I send some pictures in. I have a few trees that I think have developed into pretty good material. I guess they really should go to "Show and Tell", but I think I'll risk a scolding and send a couple into the "Ask Walter" section!

Fred

Candy_J_Shirey

Walter -

Thank-you very much for taking the time to comment on this cork oak. Your time and expertise are much appreciated. I like your virtual. I think that I can make the branch structure close to the virtual. It looks like I must still clean it up a bit more.

Looks like we are on the same page with the pot color - I especially liked how the pot color picked out some tones in the cork bark.

I will repot in the spring.

On the negative side, this is one of the most frustrating species that I have wired - the branches are so brittle, that I break as many as I wire. (I feel like I am juggling porcelin china with every twist of the wire. - and I can't juggle!) On the positive side, it is throwing out much new growth, and if I break some new branches, there will be much new growth to follow.

Thank-you.

-Candy

Candy_J_Shirey

Just an update:

The mother-daughter cork oak was repotted in the summer and I am still looking for the correct pot. The tree is actively sprouting new vigorous growth and has developed more ramification since last year.

It is improving as a bonsai.

Attached Images

DSC04716b.jpg (70.2 KB, 297 views)

cbobgo

Thanks for the update! I really appreciate the long term before and after shots - for those of us who have not been doing this as long it's harder to invision what a tree will be like years down the road. This kind of posting helps emmensly, thanks!

- bob

__________________
"As a twig is bent the tree inclines" - Virgil (70BC-19BC)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Check out my blog: bonsaiapprentice

Emperor Fish

Very cool tree Candy. Thanks for the update.

Regards,

Fish.

__________________
Old age and treachery will overcome youth and skill.

HEALTH WARNING: Engage brain fully, before typing into keyboard.


"We are the average gamers and we'll kill you badly. There'll be no finesse. no fancy tricks, no inventive attacks, just 2 whole smg clips and a rain of 'nades."