Tree of the Day - Monday April 11, 2005

TreeBay

This forum is an experiment that has evolved out of some of the activities on the bonsaischool program.

I'm going to select a bonsai each day to spark group discussion.

• Trees of the day don't belong to anyone you're likely to know, so there is very little chance that you're going to hurt anyone's feelings with your honest opinions, critique and suggestions. This is key.
• However, if you recognize the tree, please keep it to yourself until at least the next day.
• If you have a tree-of-the-day you'd like to submit, you can start a new thread (not a new post) in this forum. It won't appear immediately.

Some questions to ask about the tree of the day

1. What are the tree's strengths?
2. What are its weaknesses?
3. How could the tree be improved?
4. Does the tree have a message you could define in words?
5. How would you arrange the tree with other elements to create an interesting two or three-point display?

You can respond right here.

THIS SPACE FOR RENT - This area used to contain a request for TOD material. However, after month of TODs, we never received a tree for review by this cadre of reviewers!


ABOUT TODAY'S TREE: Today's tree is a Satsuki Azalea (Variety unknown). You can make notes with the pencil tool underneath the attachment.

Attached Images

TOD_11APR2005[1].jpg (47.7 KB, 277 views)

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Ian_Homer

Hi All,

Here are my quick thoughts.

Nice canopy, but something must have gone on in this trees past to cause damage to the middle section. There seems to be too much "open" (negative) space. Guess a branch may have been broken accidently in the past, since azalea branches can be very brittle.

As it is at present, it looks overbalanced to the left and should be re-potted about 10/15 degrees to the right bringing the apex back over the trunkline more. (Hey, rotation on a laptop is real easy )

Also, in the first sharp turn left, there appears to be a little of reverse taper which is being disguised by growing foliage across it.

The pot looks round, which should be changed in the re-pot to a slightly wider oval.

Oh well, first again, so knock me down if you see anything else or dis-agree - its all part of a learning curve.

Ian.

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John Dixon

Good morning all,

I think this bonsai has great potential. In my opinion, the lower trunk has too many branches in conflict with the design. My virtual is made with these branches eliminated, and several brought into position. On the right side there were two branches in the first curve. I liked the branch/trunk position of the higher one, but the foliage area of the lower one. I would suggest removing the lower branch and wiring the upper one down. On the left side there is a critical twig (in red) that I think should be manuevered towards the trunk to fill in a little negative space. I noticed after I saved the virtual I had failed to fill in some more foliage near the mid/upper trunk on the right side (see the white area at the trunk), that I would have added some foliage in.

Quite frankly, I feel when this species is in bloom, the styling becomes secondary, so I believe they should be styled as though it were a non-blooming evergreen. That way the design is more pleasing throughout the year. This bonsai already has a "pine tree" feel about it, so I say work with that instead of trying to change it.

With the changes I suggested, I feel the pot is okay, but an oval pot would appeal to me even more. Possibly a speckled glaze that is somewhat subdued. I personally like azalea, azelea? (too early) in less bold glazes, even unglazed when the trunk is powerful. I tend to use a little deeper pot than normal with them as well (extra moisture), but this particular bonsai would require that to be minimal from an aesthetic aspect, since the trunk is long and not particularly thick.

Nice tree. I would love to see it in bloom too.

Edit: The second virtual has a little more foliage. I can't extend the lower right branch out all the way due to the frame, but approximately 15% more length to the terminal end would be where I would like it.

John

Attached Images

	1113218698_image.jpg (63.1 KB, 18 views)
	1113219939_image.jpg (65.3 KB, 18 views)

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John Dixon

Si vis pacem parabellum

Stay off the trails of others, that's where the booby-traps are.

BonsaiGreenhorn

My thoughts (though hard to match up against John's long explanation and nice virtual.)

I like the canopy thus far but I believe it should be bigger and more together in the little clear spots between the leaf patches. I would let the right side of the tree grow down to be secong part of the canopy (starting to see in John's second virtual photo.) I might cut of the lowest branch as I can't see much to do with it, maybe make a new tree out of it? I absolutely love the trunk on the and love how from the tree to the soil there is a smoothe transition, to match the tree.

Wonderful tree!
I would love to see this in bloom.
-Evan

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EarthgirlOK

What are the tree's strengths?

Good "bones."

What are its weaknesses?

I think the "bones" show a little too much. I'd like to see a little more foliage in the front. And the front bothers me a little. I THINK it might be because it feels a little stiff and unconvincing...(?)

How could the tree be improved?

Consider a new front and break the line of the trunk up a little more.

Does the tree have a message you could define in words?

"...and all she wants to do is dance, dance..."

How would you arrange the tree with other elements to create an interesting two or three-point display

I think I would try a reclining philosopher and a floral or grassy accent plant, depending on the season in which it will be displayed.


Hmmmmm...........

In art school, we're taught to hold our painting up to a mirror and look at its reverse image. Sometimes, this reveals something that we can't see looking straight at it.

Looking at this tree, I liked it basically, but something seemed "off." So I tried an old trick of flipping it around, and hey! I like it better!

I think I'd consider a new front, and spend time and energy bringing more foliage toward the front, so the side-to-side effect isn't quite as exaggerated.

I can't really tell from the picture how much it leans away from the viewer, so that might affect whether that whole idea works or not.

Attached Images

tod4.11.jpg (14.2 KB, 29 views)

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Bonsai Barry

I learn so much from John's daily evaluations, I'm almost pleased that we have a difference of opinion on this tree. Assuming that it is grown for its blooms, I think John's virtual's leave the bottom portion bare and weak looking when the tree is in bloom.

Barry

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Bonsai Barry

"Our talent lies in our choices."

John Dixon

Barry,

You make very valid points. So much so that I added some "blooms" to the design to see how it would look. Granted, we have no idea what color and size the blooms will be, but it is just for perspective. If it is anywhere near close, I still like it over keeping lower branches, but obviously that's just a personal opinion and there is no established basis I could quote to back it up.

Oh well,

John

P.S. As an afterthought, this may be the dumbest looking virtual of all time, but hey, I did it, so I might as well use it.

Attached Images

1113240363_image.jpg (53.5 KB, 30 views)

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John Dixon

Si vis pacem parabellum

Stay off the trails of others, that's where the booby-traps are.

EarthgirlOK

I don't think it's dumb. It illustrates something we generally overlook when doing virtuals. Flowersies...

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Bart Thomas(deceased)

Here is the anti-virtual of the day.

When I first saw this tree, it seemed as though it changed its mind halfway up the trunk.

You all are doing a great job of addressing that problem.

BTW, I tremble in fear that Matt will be at our next club show, in disguise, but carrying a camera.

Where does he get these trees, let alone the consent to put them up for this sort of criticism?