Blackthorn

Hi,
I finally got the time to photograph my blackthorn today.
I took the opportunity of trying out a few displays.
The tree.


My first display.


Close up of the fern accent in a stone monkey pot.


The table selection for this tree is a challenge at present.

I liked the cascade table, see what I mean about the tables being a change for me.
A larger fern this time. Seasonal or what.....

A slab to balance things out.

Finally a different angle for the hell of it.


Your thoughts are much appreciated.

I have no Blackthorn but have always admired them on the gallery. I like your first display. I like the lines of this table. The pot/tree combination looks just a bit large for the tall cascade stand, IMO.

Lovely Sloe Jeremy.

Your experimentation with display continues to be inspirational.

I liked the cascade table too, but maybe the fern is a bit too tall and too close. It would be more balanced with the smaller fern, in a weeks time when the croziers have unfurled. Perhaps?

Beautiful displays Jerry. I think I like the first one best but they're all exceptional. The Sloe is just stunning and so natural. Don't suppose its ever seen any wire has it?

Thank you a for your replies.

The pot/tree combination looks just a bit large for the tall cascade stand, IMO.

John,
Yes I agree, I still like the idea of raising the tree.

Your experimentation with display continues to be inspirational.
I liked the cascade table too, but maybe the fern is a bit too tall and too close. It would be more balanced with the smaller fern, in a weeks time when the croziers have unfurled. Perhaps?

Kev.
Thank you for your encouragement.
I feel the taller ferns are not too tall, but a little too visually heavy. Perhaps reducing to one frond(?) might balanced better?

Beautiful displays Jerry. I think I like the first one best but they're all exceptional. The Sloe is just stunning and so natural. Don't suppose its ever seen any wire has it?

Will,
Thank you. Still got to find just the right table selection.
Just a little at the tips of the new growth last year and a few guy wires here and there. More to do this year after dispaying at the RHS in Cardiff this weekend and, if in flower, at the Wessex show in a couple of weeks.

Had to bring this back to the top of the page. I really really really like this tree. Quite often with even good quality Sloe's, you get areas with straight branches. Not here though. Did you collect it yourself.

Hi Will,
I collected it from the collectors garden. I got a good eye for selecting raw material.
We are blessed to have a old-time collector here in Wales, he had a garden full of stunning hawthorns and blackthorns collected 10+ years ago.
A Few of the IBC members have acquired material from him.
Unfortunately he no longer collects and have little left.
I have collected a few blackthorns, none as good as this one, but I will contine to search.

Personally I would remove the taller left hand trunk then jin it
, then tilt it 35 degrees to the right it would
make a cracking semi cascade.

Alex e

Fantastic tree!!

jrodriguez wrote:Fantastic tree!!

Thank you. I appreciate your posting.

Hi,
A picture of my b'thorn as it starts to flower.



Once it has finished flowering, I plan to trim, wire lightly and guy wire into a better image.

Another of my collected b'thorn, after cutting back hard in the winter, starts to bud.

In time I hope this tree will be a good winter flowering image.

Amazing bonsai. Congratulation!

Jeremy,

This tree really has a natural quality that is difficult to explain. I imagine that when you first acquired it, you felt a deep impression of respect. Few bonsai give emphasis to the importance of line and branching. This tree manages to protray both aspects. Whe it matures more as a specimen and fine/countless twigs develop, you will have a true master-piece bonsai.

Thank you for posting. I have really enjoyed this tree. In the future, try to place it in a pea colored antique Chinese pot. The pea-green and age these pots have will really bring out the quality of this specimen. A true Gem!!!

Kind regards,
Jose Luis

jrodriguez wrote:Jeremy,

This tree really has a natural quality that is difficult to explain. I imagine that when you first acquired it, you felt a deep impression of respect. Few bonsai give emphasis to the importance of line and branching. This tree manages to protray both aspects. Whe it matures more as a specimen and fine/countless twigs develop, you will have a true master-piece bonsai.
Thank you for posting. I have really enjoyed this tree. In the future, try to place it in a pea colored antique Chinese pot. The pea-green and age these pots have will really bring out the quality of this specimen. A true Gem!!!
Kind regards,
Jose Luis

Hi Jose,
Thank you for your thoughts.
Yes it did stop me in my tracks when I first spotted it. Still have those feeling today.

A Pea green antique chinese pot. Now that is a challenge. Is there an example of such a pot that you could post here?
I think I need to investigate further as I plan to repot next spring.
Thank you again for your encouragement.
regards,
jeremy

Jeremy,

Sorry for the late reply. Below you will see an example of the type of pot i am suggesting. The pea-green color will enhance the black bark. Also, it will really bring out the delicate quality of the tree's curves and flowers.



Kind regards,
Jose Luis

Hi Jose,
I see now, thank you for taking the trouble.
I can see the blackthorn in such a pot.
I wonder if I can find and afford such a pot?
I will start searching.
Maybe I can get someone to make me one?

Jeremy,
Check your inbox. I can help you fnd such a pot.

Kind regards,

Jose Luis