preliminary carving bougainvillea stump

recently acquired this  large bougainvillea from a guy who'd done some initial carving on the deadwood.  today,  the tree was liberated from mucky soil and repotted.  after wiring and watering the tree into its new pot, I did some preliminary carving over the previous owners work.  the first 3 pictures show the tree before work starts.  the next 4 are durings and after.  the goal today was to reduce bulk and add some interest and movement to the tree.  the next phase will add shadows, mystery and refinement.

best wishes,   sam



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I think the dead wood and shari are too massive , virtual photographie
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thanks, I like your idea

best wishes, sam

posted the results of preliminary carving on a big  bougainvillea stump in early august.  didn't get a lot of feedback,  but one I did get,  pointed out the overpowering size of the deadwood,  including a virtual I really liked.   today,  out came the tools.   a lot of deadwood bit the dust.  here is the result.  didn't do any smoothing of the rough cuts while I decide whether more is better or quit while I'm ahead.

best wishes,   sam


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Are you going to apply wood hardener? I would think this going to rot very quickly.

after drying, torching and sanding, I'll drench the deadwood with wood glue, brush it in to penetrate and let it dry. soft spots get a second/third coat until the wood stops sucking it in. have used this lately on soft wood. so far so good. hardens and waterproofs quite nicely.

best wishes, sam

last few pictures.  sanding, torch, wire brush, one coat wood glue

best wishes,   sam

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kauaibonsai wrote:posted the results of preliminary carving on a big  bougainvillea stump in early august.  didn't get a lot of feedback... ...

Sam, summer and vacations are to blame  
Your bougainvillea looks better now. I know "less is more" but now more proves to be better in my eyes.



P.S. : By the way, I always feel envy of your bougainvilleas

thank you, alexandra

best wishes, sam

Love your bougie....good project! I have plenty also...

Sam,

I am afraid, my response would be - well done [ as usual ] !!

However, I do wonder on my side at any age Bougainvillea wood rots rapidly and even min wax or lime/sulphur does not help.
Any advice to offer ?
Thanks in advance.
Khaimraj

thanks nell and khaimarj

I think our climate is similar to yours, perhaps warmer and more humid year around. have not depended on LS much for wood preservation. really doesn't work as a wood preserver here. have had success with tung/teak oil, instant drying super glue, and currently carpenters glue (affordable). whatever one uses, regular followups insures longevity.

best wishes, sam

Apologies, Sam,

reading too fast. Missed your first response. Sorry for being a nuisance. Will try your ideas.
Thanks.
Khaimraj

hello khaimarj

no apologies necessary. hope some of the ideas are helpful.

best wishes, sam

last posted an update on this large and very  nice bougainvillea  stump in 2013.  here is the tree today.  due to  lack of attention and an overly shady location,  very little progress has been made over the last year.  this is too nice a tree to ignore.  part of my 2015 resolutions.

good luck for the new year.   sam

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The carving has aged nicely. Wonderful.

thank you, leo.

hopefully the canopy will grow and fill out. the trunk is there and then some.

best wishes, sam

Very nice tree, would love to see an update.