Shohin Azalea and Larch Spring Update

Hi Folks,
Just wanted to share some spring colour with an update on an azalea and a J. Larch that I got last fall.
I haven't done anything to the Azalea except to use the last owners back position for the new front - first photo (he liked to see the trunk-second photo, I didn't like the straight upper main stem) but I do want to transfer it into a different pot next spring - any ideas?



With the J. Larch I repotted it (I know the pot sucks but it was the only one I had), repositioned it and am trying for an exposed root concept. First photo - as I got it, second one - my attempt.


Cheers G.

Nice flowers! Perhaps a pale blue or cream oval pot?

Really like what you did with the larch, looks great!

I like the larch! The bark and the taper are both very good. I like the color of the pot(s) as well. There is something attractive in the first photo that seems to have been lost in the second, although I'm not sure I can quite identify it. I think perhaps the more refined styling in the second is maybe too linear. The counterpoint of the branches moving back toward the pot in the apex and near the end of the cascade gave it more dynamism perhaps. I liked the structural starkness of the first pot as well.

Here is the larch with his fall colours (well almost there).....thinking to the spring and perhaps he'd be happy on this sandstone rock (lots of through holes/hollows)- 2/3rd photo ?

Hi gman

Perhaps something like this -



Cheers
Vic

Gwyther wrote:Hi gman

Perhaps something like this -



Cheers
Vic

Very very nice Vic, great virt and pot thanks for sharing. Shipping costs might be more than the pot?
Cheers
Graham

At this point that rock looks a little too big for the tree, BUT just let that larch go crazy for a few years as she gets used to being on the rock and all will be well. That tree looks good in a cascade pot but would look amazing on that rock. Rock-on!
-Jay

actually looking closer maybe the rocks not too big at all

Velodog2 wrote: There is something attractive in the first photo that seems to have been lost in the second, although I'm not sure I can quite identify it. I think perhaps the more refined styling in the second is maybe too linear. .

i agree that in the first picture the tree looks older and more convincing as an aged wild tree - i think it is the irregular directions the smaller branches go in that makes the tree appear very natural.

the raised roots and bark on the lower trunk are great, but i'd try and get some natural movement back into the branches maybe

You're welcome Graham

Actually on a pot this size the shipping is quite reasonable.

Vic

Just a few changes to the shape and the colour as it gets ready for winter.
Cheers G

gman, I like your trees and I have a question. On the azalea in the second photo, a decent portion of the nebari appears to have in the past been connected to a large branch/trunk that has since been removed. Did the corresponding portion of the nebari die? I ask this because I have lucked into a large amount of old azaleas with amazing nebari yet multiple trunks and im trying to figure out to get them down to 1 to 2 trunks each without losing a large portion of nebari. Some of them are large turtleback looking ones and if a trunk is removed that whole portion of the "turtle" would die?

bucknbonsai wrote:gman, I like your trees and I have a question. On the azalea in the second photo, a decent portion of the nebari appears to have in the past been connected to a large branch/trunk that has since been removed. Did the corresponding portion of the nebari die? I ask this because I have lucked into a large amount of old azaleas with amazing nebari yet multiple trunks and im trying to figure out to get them down to 1 to 2 trunks each without losing a large portion of nebari. Some of them are large turtleback looking ones and if a trunk is removed that whole portion of the "turtle" would die?

I picked this fellow up when one of our club members was "downsizing", it was a garden variety with many main stems....he picked what he thought would be the best visual line.
Cheers and good luck with yours.
G

Are the nebari that went to stem that was cut off dead or alive?

bucknbonsai wrote:Are the nebari that went to stem that was cut off dead or alive?

Some are dead and some alive (the large one has a root on it about 1" from where it was cut off). I'll try and do some carving if I re-pot it this spring. Even though its the back I'll try and make it a little more realistic.
Cheers
G

The needles are falling fast and furious after a blast of winter, but as the sun broke the through the clouds this afternoon, the true golden colour finally showed up.
Cheers

Hi folks,
I repotted this little guy on the weekend by just lifting the tree and roots/rock about an inch. Once it has settled into the new position I'll adjust the angle of the main stem.
Cheers

Hi,

This larix must be green in colors... Please, show us!

Its a hexagon pot so it gives me 6 views as I rotate it once a week
here is the first three...A?B?C?

I'll expose more roots over the rock next spring...



and one of the lone cone..

Hi Folks,
Here is a spring update, first shot is with the main guy wires and then without.
Cheers G.

If you haven't already, you really need to properly clean and seal those big cuts on that azalea. Don't use cut paste, use a sealer like bonsai/satsuki bond.

Larch is really coming along!

those are both really nice, thats on my list to get a nice azalea this year

I Like. Very like. very nice work

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Thanks Russel, I no longer own the azalea,
Really appreciate your kind words, Giga and tap pi lu.
Cheers Graham