Lurch the Larch

Hi Fiona,

I also would not remove that first branch. I do think slightly adjusting the potting angle up would be beneficial. It doesn't need to be much, maybe just slightly less than in Jerry's last virt.

Roger

G'day Roger...

You said "...would not remove that first branch...adjusting the potting angle up...". That's exactly what I asked for in my previous post.

Pat…mounted on my trusty stead, riding off wildly in all directions…

"...off for a bath with Edward Abbey...". That's a good one Fiona...

Pat…mounted on my trusty stead, riding off wildly in all directions…

It needs to be our little secret tho', Pat.

As you wish Fiona...

Pat

Hi Fiona,

Lovely Larch, looks even better after you thining it out.
I'm in 2 minds over the first branch, tempted to say I'd like to remove it, but would also like to see the foliage thinned out quite hard. This might make the 2 branches more obvious, and keep the foliage mass in relation to the upper branches. I think it looks a bit 'heavy' just now.

I saw a previous Larch of yours at our club meeting recently, it's now in Janices care and looks very proud in its lovely Bailey pot.

Maybe have to take you up on your offer of coming to see your garden, I've always got room in the car for a gorgeous Larch Really impressed with the trees you've posted here and with your Shohin display at the last BSA show. Might have to visit to pick up some tips! I'm at Dumbarton Castle with my work in a few weeks time - anywhere near you?

Very nice tree, looking forward to your next update.

Hi Fiona,
I hope that you dont mind me having ago at your lovely LARCH.
First: please dont cut off that falling branch! That branch is the soul of this tree. And there are not that many larches with a falling branch like that! You can always cut it off later!
I tilted the whole tree about 10 % to the left, to creat a bit more dynamic movement in to the trunk. This also poet even more emphasis on that falling branch. I think that it is important to show the base of branches like this, show the beauty of the trunk going into that branch that had so much to endure during its live. Create more layers and open spaces in all the branches, but especially in the bottom branch. Keep it open, let parts of the branch show trough the foliage layers. This creat lightness, points of interest and a sense of distance. The same with the other branches, creat open spaces in the branches and between the separate branches, hide some parts of the trunk with foliage. This will creat a sense of dept and height to this tree. In that way it looks like it is further away from you, if you know what I mean? It is a tree with a lot of potential and I am sure you will find the soul of it. But you probably already know, but dont know that you know.
Any how, here is just a idea I had, and that kept me busy until allmost 4 in the morning! So you better like it
Best regards,
Hans van Meer.

I agree with Hans The tree looks too off balance without the lower right branch it changes the whole mood of the design.The virt with the branch removed made the flow of the tree stop at the jin and the rest of the tree was lost imo. with the branch left on the whole compisition has balance and the eye moves effortlessly from the nebari to the apex.A stunning specimen indeed!

paul burke wrote: Maybe have to take you up on your offer of coming to see your garden, I've always got room in the car for a gorgeous Larch ... I'm at Dumbarton Castle with my work in a few weeks time - anywhere near you?

Paul, it's about 20 minutes away from me - 10 if you can swim! You'd be more than welcome. Have PMed you my details.


Much as I liked Jerry's virt, there is no question at all of me removing the right branch. To me it is what gives the tree its character. A slight tilt to the left of the whole tree may be in order, but again, I see character in the tension of it almost toppling over. TLJP (aka That Lovely John Pitt) is working on some pots for me and has sent some suggestions already. Here are two of them.





Both have attractions and I am very much in favour of the rough texture. I'd be very interested in something darker also but with that rough texture. Oooooh I am so looking forward to my visit to the Pittpottery in a couple of weeks time.

Hi Fi

Just before I go to France here are a few suggestions







Regards

Andy

Thanks, Stone Monkey - I shall never call you a Southern Softie again! I like the second one best.

Hans: You knew I'd like your suggestion - 4am or not. (btw for me that's an early night!). The tree is develoing foliage like there's no tomorrow and in a couple of weeks I'll post a pic of how it's padded out. But it looks like it's going to be pretty much as in your pic.

I'm glad that all the snipping and chopping that it's had hasn't upset its growth. There'd be nothing worse than if it had taken a colossal huff.

Hans' virt is a lovely vision of a truly beautiful tree... like you, I also enjoy the tension of the angle but I can see how it would be tempting to chase after Hans' expression.

Marvelous work in any case... larch is such wonderful material to work with.

Kindest regards,

Victrinia

Grrrrr!

I like the first SM pot. I've had my eyes on it (or one very similar) since Burrs. I think a Yew would sit much better in it, though.

More specifically, my Yew!

In that case "yew" may have it.

I'm attracted to a darker rectangular pot and hopefully my visit to JP in a coupla weeks will yield the pot of my dreams for Lurch.

Thanks to my mate Robert Porch (who can actually lift the tree) Lurch finally got its new pot today - some 3.5 years after last posting on here. The pot is one that John Pitt made specially for the tree and I think it has worked really well.  

'Tis a hefty tree! Looks good. (I've never been too fond of larch for some reason, but then, they won't grow down here, so it doesn't matter.) That's a very nice tree, though.

I've just read the whole thread for the first time and what a beautiful tree! Hans's virtual is perfection for me.

Growing big...what a beauty

Great tree and great pot, Fiona!

Cheers,

Nuno

fiona what a tree and pot combo great job can you post a close up of that pot?

My vision of this tree, to much branches with this long trunk , but it's not my tree and just a photographie !!!!

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Great tree pot/combination Fiona. It's lovely when a plan comes together!

Fiona, I have read the whole post, I love the tree. Don't lose the lower branches, they give the tree personality and uniqueness. Maybe a tad more upright, just a smidgen.
That is a great progression from a soso tree to a top class Larch, one of the best imo.

Hi Fiona


The larch is beautiful and so powerful looking.

I have been digging up larch seedlings around Penicuik, and I hope one day
one of them will look so stunning,large and strong.

I have been told to plant them in the ground for years to widen the trunks.
And I have put a bit wire on before hand to shape them a bit.

Beautiful tree, and the pot looks perect.

Of course, anyone could try to find their "best" view of the tree and chop, snip, prune. But I certainly wouldn't get rid of the first branch on the right, definitely not.

It's a great tree you've got there Fiona, and I love it as it is