Pot selection comments wanted

Hi gang,

I'm looking for suggestions on selecting a pot for this tree. All comments welcome!

Hi Randy-

How long have you been doing bonsai? This tree is off to a great start-

Since you are going in the direction of an informal upright, I think an oval would be a great match. Perhaps something with a cream colored glaze could would good too.

What species is it?

Is it really ready for a bonsai pot yet? You might want to plant it in a terra cotta "azalea" pot for a few years. There doesn't seem to be a developed base yet. Let it grow in a fairly large shallow pot for a while as you work on developing the basal flare.

Personally, I'd shorten the tree a bit, too. But that's just me.

JimLewis wrote:Is it really ready for a bonsai pot yet? You might want to plant it in a terra cotta "azalea" pot for a few years. There doesn't seem to be a developed base yet. Let it grow in a fairly large shallow pot for a while as you work on developing the basal flare.

Personally, I'd shorten the tree a bit, too. But that's just me.

Hi Jim,

This particular genus will never produce the "basal flare" on the trunk that you alude to. The tree is 20 years old now and maybe even a few years older and I'm sure it will never get much thicker in my lifetime. I am not one of those that believe that "basal flare" is necessary or even wanted on some bonsai particularly when it comes to certain genera of plant material or style. Your comments are well taken but not my immediate concern at the moment.

Hallo Randy

I nice tree. I agree with Jim but at least its your tree!
I would prefer a round pot for this one.

Best regards
Martin

Klaudia & Martin wrote:Hallo Randy

I nice tree. I agree with Jim but at least its your tree!
I would prefer a round pot for this one.

Hi Martin,

I wish I had the software to do what you've done to the picture. It sure would make this process much more efficient. I do like the look of of your container seletion, and particularly the glaze since I'm partial to the earth tones. I have considered a low rectangle container with the tree to one side with enough room to include some stone and maybe even a small grass like a green sweet flag (Acorus) or other simular accent.

On another note, I find it rather intresting that there is such bias for "large trunks" on bonsai as an immediate reaction to seeing a tree. Some genera of plants naturally don't have large trunks on them and as such expecting or trying to force them to have large trunks is a rather futile effort. It's sorta like expecting someone rideing a bicycle to go 120 MPH like a race car becasue things you ride should go fast. I was trained to take the genera and species into account first, and then the other elements (style, container and stone if used) and view it as an over all composition. I guess I could have made this tree into a literati style which is more accomodating of a slender trunk but that decision should have been made 15 years ago and it's a bit late to change it now. If someone gets this tree after I've left the earth they can do with it what they will. For now, It is more than satisfactory as a personal tree that will never see a show anyway! Thanks for your comments and your picture! It has moved the pot selection process one step closer!

Rob Addonizio wrote:Hi Randy-

How long have you been doing bonsai? This tree is off to a great start-

Since you are going in the direction of an informal upright, I think an oval would be a great match. Perhaps something with a cream colored glaze could would good too.

What species is it?

Hi Rob,

I have been doing bonsai since 1965. Actually this tree is a half-breed in that the trunk is straight like a formal upright and the top is informal with movement. It was an accident as I was originally going to make it a formal upright but out of some neglect a number of years ago this is what I ended up with. I agree with you that a glazed oval is probably best for this tree as it is rather "feminine" in effect. I have considered using a rectangular pot with the tree to one side which might be more dramatic if used with some stone. The species is Pyracomeles vilmoreana which is deciduous in my zone and produces no berries so berry color is not an issue with it.

On another note, I find it rather intresting that there is such bias for "large trunks" on bonsai as an immediate reaction to seeing a tree.

I really don't care if a trunk is "large" or not. Feminine bonsai like this one are fine. But if you're interested in doing something in tune with "nature" as you seem to be (and upon which I completely agree) then this tree is too tall to be "natural." In nature, for a tree growing out alone, that trunk would not support that canopy. Ma Nature Herself would shorten the tree during the first thunderstorm.

[quote="JimLewis"]

I really don't care if a trunk is "large" or not. Feminine bonsai like this one are fine. But if you're interested in doing something in tune with "nature" as you seem to be (and upon which I completely agree) then this tree is too tall to be "natural." In nature, for a tree growing out alone, that trunk would not support that canopy. Ma Nature Herself would shorten the tree during the first thunderstorm.

Hi Jim,

I completely understand your comment on how good old mother nature trims trees, just having gone through the worst ice storm in 40 years here in Western Kentucky with tree branches broken everywhere. The size of this tree is a personal taste thing so I could have a platform on which to enjoy the flowers without them being to large and out of perspective for the composition since that's when I enjoy the tree the most. If I had the time, I might consider shortening the tree somewhat or even changing the style of it but with significant health issues I fear I wouldn't have the luxury of ever seening it completed. I would however enjoy seeing it in a nice container for as many flowering seasons I have left, as it's been with me in a training pot since it was a cutting some 20 or 25 years ago. There are lot's of reasons to do bonsai (or minature trees, what ever you want to call them) that have nothing to do with a reflection of nature or following Japanese tradition. Some trees just exist to sit on the bench and never go anywhere but are there for the growers enjoyment. Even an ugly baby has a mother that loves it!

Randy_Davis wrote:

Klaudia & Martin wrote:Hallo Randy

I nice tree. I agree with Jim but at least its your tree!
I would prefer a round pot for this one.

On another note, I find it rather intresting that there is such bias for "large trunks" on bonsai as an immediate reaction to seeing a tree. !

I believe the desire for fat trunks is simply explained. Most bonsai artists are looking to make age one of the artistic statements in their designs. Mature trees don't necessarily have fat trunks but nearly all ancient trees do.