Tree of the Day: Tuesday March 22, 2005

TreeBay

Today's Tree of the Day is a Corkbark Japanese Black Pine with some possibilities.
You can use the pencil tool under the attachment to make notes.

Attached Images

TOD_corkbark.jpg (38.3 KB, 221 views)

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John Dixon

This tree needs to decide if it wants to be an informal or a literati. It's currently too heavy for literati, and too sparse on the right side for informal. Plus, the apex is too far right. It's obviously been well maintained and has great potential, but some serious wiring is necessary.

It has nice taper, a good base, needles are fairly short, and it looks like the upper trunk is still pliable enough to be re-directed (if informal). I like the pot, and if it "stays" literati, it is well positioned. Informal styling would need to be off-set and possibly a more "stable" pot is in order.

I'm holding off on a virtual as I feel I am hogging this thread (I get into work at 6:45 EST). I sincerely hope I haven't irritated anyone by that.

Warmest regards,

John

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John Dixon

Si vis pacem parabellum

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

bonsaimaniac

John, I don't think that anyone minds you always being first. I really enjoy your virtuals.

That being said, I would like to see this tree planted lower there is no nebari to show off and the graft would be less obvious. The tree itself is wonderful the bark is well underway corking. I think that an informal should be tried before trying a different style. The tree has good taper some of the branches could be pulled down from the top and a new front may make some of the branches in the front available to fill in the right side. The front as it is now sends the first branch forward although it may actually be 2 branches. I have no problem with this but some do.

I have 7 cork bark pre-bonsai and I would be happy if any of them turn out like this one.

EarthgirlOK

What are the tree's strengths?

Textural bark, good movement, graceful line of the trunk.

What are its weaknesses?

Reverse taper at the base. Tree loses a little focus in the top half. Third branch seems to be on the wrong side.

How could the tree be improved?

Plant it lower in the pot, and a little more off center. Consider a different pot. Not sure whether I would go with a chunky square pot, or a wider straight sided drum pot...I'd have to see them together.

Lower and straighten the third branch and consider bending it around to the other side. Then, perhaps, move the top more to the other side a bit and remove redundant branches (just from the top).

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

This tree seems peaceful but solid (comfortable-like a young, but good father). I think with a little bit of work, it would have a very balanced feel to it, and lowering it in the pot would make it even more solid.

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

Still learning about display. But I think I'd either use a muted scroll of a summer mountain scene and a suiseki of a light color, or a scroll and a small figurine (what's the word for these?) of a philosopher contemplating a tome. Of course, I don't know anything about display, really.

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Sonlight NurseryGreen Country Bonsai Society

John Dixon

Thanks for the words of encouragement. These are my initial thoughts for this tree. I find that I can do virtuals, to get my point across, much easier than just using words.

Good catch on the reverse taper at the base. Isn't that somewhat common on this cultivar of pine? I don't have one personally.

The first virtual is initial styling and I would like to see the crown and branches expand somewhat. The second is after filling out. Definitely would need a different pot though. Soft lipped oval, possibly.


John

Attached Images

	1111503230_image.jpg (37.0 KB, 37 views)
	1111514566_image 2.jpg (50.1 KB, 39 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

Ohh, that looks good! Good virtual!

I'll send you pics of all my trees and you can restyle them for me...you wouldn't mind, right? lol, just kidding...

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Sonlight NurseryGreen Country Bonsai Society

John Dixon

Glad I did something right.

John

__________________
John Dixon

Si vis pacem parabellum

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