I got a ball for Christmas

I have struggled to get a satisfactory solution to this difficult tree. Today it took a different direction. The 'Pot' is from Isabelia





Lots of roots



The tree fits well and it is wired in place



The final image... for now



Happy Christmas/Holidays to everyone

Very different and unusual, and I think a good solution. Well done Tony and Happy Christmas.

Interesting composition!


Happy Holidays to you too!

Hi Tony,
Now that's thinking outside the box...or ball is more like it. Wonderful composition, nicely done. You aren't worried about re-potting this time of year?
Merry Xmas and a happy new year.
Cheers Graham

Hi Graham, glad you like it. When the foliage has put on some more it will have a better balance, the pot is visually a little heavy. As for repotting? This time of year is fine so long as the tree is protected from the worst of the cold. As you have read we have had a long cold spell of weather, the Yews are dormant so the time is good.

What is your plan for repotting when the time comes?
Thanks,
Todd

Todd Ellis wrote:What is your plan for repotting when the time comes?
Thanks,
Todd

Repotting? What's that?

I can access the root pad from the large hole, I am not envisaging pulling the tree back thru the small hole any time soon

Hi Tony

I really like the tree in the new pot, also the small stand/feet looks god. A very interesting display.
Merry christmas to you.

Kind regrads Yvonne

You must have been right pleased to find a solution - you probably had a ball doing it.

Tony,

the design is quite feminine, I'm sure lot of girls will like your ball...
got to find balls like yours.


regards,
jun

A great tree Tony and as you correctly put it a difficult one to work on. Having said that your approach has handled most of the problems and has given a very pleasing solution. IMHO two suggestions which could enhance the tree further

1. Develop the top and bottom foliage pads as indicated in the pic below. The top pad being smaller and triangular and the lower pad being wider and complementing the top pad by being flatter. Pic below. You may also merge both the pads into one single triangular pad which is another option.

2. You may also want to consider reducing the deadwood to the point where the branch turns up (indicated by the red zigzag line).




Do let me know you thoughts.

Hello Tony,
I like your ball, one original way for a difficult tree.
Regards from Agramunt.

P.S. Yours boots are still in my garage waiting for your next visit.

Tony, Seems you had a Merry Christmas. Hopefully for New Year you won't watch this ball fall.

The new planting angle does a good job foreshortening the lanky portions of the trunk. I like it.

Hi Tony,

You just can't be satisfied with this one, huh? But it sure is an interesting design and it could open a new debate on bonsai pots (remember the last one? ).
And I also am worried how you will take the tree out of the pot when you change your mind again .
Well, nice design btw and have a good one.

PS: I hope this is not a result of too much Christmas joy

santi wrote:Hello Tony,
I like your ball, one original way for a difficult tree.
Regards from Agramunt.

P.S. Yours boots are still in my garage waiting for your next visit.

Hi Santi great to here from you. Are you and your trees well?

I must come and see you again and collect my boots!

Tony

The Calligrapher? Looks excellent good solution. See you in a few weeks!

Regards

Andy

Tony you are always welcome in my house... no matter the reason, boots, trees, mountain walks etc etc etc