three year history - development of premna

arrival with several others in June of 2008. sharing some pictures just out of the crate. some roots, few branches, no foliage.



in the largest pot I had


october 2008. the tree is growing strongly. time to work on the trunk


the trunk is hollow, but we have to remove some wood to see inside


going slow



january 2009



april 2009 rework deadwood




august 2010



january 2011 partially done. more tomorrow

Really remarkable, but I've never seen anyone use woodstain before. Does that act as a preservative?

a bit unconventional, I'd agree. to answer your question, I am certain the stain does act as a preservative/water repellant, but my main purpose for staining the deadwood is to provide contrast.. ordinarily, the color of premna deadwood is very light - nearly the same color as the live bark. premna deadwood is very hard and does not rot readily. nonetheless, after the stain, I'll periodically treat the wood with liquid beeswax or teak oil. works good.

best wishes, sam

ended the day yesterday with the thought that I'd start day 2 by cutting the lowest branch, the tree would go back on its stand and that'd be that. I 'd chosen this front almost 3 years ago, carved the trunk to match and always believed this was the one and only choice.



today, the tree was on the turntable, the saw was ready, the big branch was non the verge of being history. for some reason, I hesitated, spun the tree around (which I've done a hundred times), picked up the pot and took it into the garage for some pictures. this is the only front for the past 3 years.



today, for the first time, I saw this.


this is the better front. no question. I was just so stuck on the carved look on the other side, I never thought about the back. I could tick off a whole list of reasons. important among them is the pleasing lay of the branches, the straight section of upper trunk is barely noticable, you can see the whole life line, the nebari looks powerful from this side, on and on.



chalk marks the places the trunk will be carved. so yes, there will be a day #3

Looking good on either side.
Jerry

Very good development, it's gonna be very beautiful bonsai!!!
Or a 3d beautiful bonsai?

Regards, Miguel Costa

thanks jerry and miguel.

this tree is going to look a lot different in 3 months.

best wishes, sam

took the power tools to the new front. rough carved the deadwood and sanded it down. tomorrow, detail carving, sanding, stain

best wishes, sam