Category: Uncategorized


CANTILEVER SLAB PROJECT

Filed Under: Uncategorized by alpineart — 19 Comments
23/01/2009
This was a simple Cantilever Slab Project that a member from http://www.gardenexpress.com.au/ Bonsai Forum challenged and inspired me to make . I used 2 slabs of Ironstone to construct the setting . I set about working on a suitable angle for the Raft ,when the angle looked pleasing i began with an angle grinder and marked the base slab at the point of intersection . Grinding the rock at the anticipated angle and to the desired depth , removing the access as i made a series of cuts .

With the base complete i began on the Raft to fit the groove in the base . Very little effort was required as i used a Diamond tipped Masonry wheel . With the Raft and Base fitting snug together in the groove i removed a small piece of material in order to accommodate a trunk into which i will mount a tree .For added depth i removed material around the base to make a depression for the root ball of the desired bonsai . Cross hatching the Slab and Base to assist drainage and the root system took place after fitting together of the slabs.

This project took 20-30 minutes to complete and at the end i have a fantastic new Landscape base to work with

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Yamadori Pine No 2

Filed Under: Uncategorized by alpineart — 1 Comment
12/01/2009
This was the result of some inspiration and design by my Brother . Chris has done many courses with some great talented Bonsai-ist . I had in mind to keep them as informal upright or slanting styles , Chris had a more challenging approach to the overall design .

In the finish the results of Chris’s years of classes and discussion groups has paid off , i chose to challenge myself to create from a simple drawing to this finished trainer . In future i will endeavour to study the tree to be trained from several different outlooks .

With drawing in hand i set about removing the lower branches , working up the trunk to the stub i cut a taper from the top to the trunk . Then using the saw i cut a vertical slit down below the intersection of the trunk and stub . Using a wooden wedge i then spread the stub to enable wire to be inserted to assist bending and flaring the stub to represent jinned branches .
With the jins wired , i set about trimming unwanted branches to the drawings . Undercutting of the leader was required {removing a small wedge from underneath the branch} to assist bending of the thick trunk at a severe angle and with the wires ready i set the wires and bent the trunk into the desired shape . With such pressure on the undercut branches i have had to over wire the trunk {very untidy} but affective as any movement at the cuts will affect the healing process of the wounds . My NEW trainer is something special, thanks to Chris .

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Chinese Elm slab planting

Filed Under: Uncategorized by alpineart — 1 Comment
11/01/2009
This was a simple transfer from shallow pot to slab for a Chinese Elm .With the chosen slab i made a mix of clay , sand , moss and composted cedar needles {muck} to build a small barrier around the perimeter of the slab . The mix should be moist and sticky enough to adhere to the rock . Build the wall up to produce a saucer effect to hold the potting mix and to assist in water retention and to give the finished landscape some depth . If the slab has a concave base a drill hole may be required for drainage , simply drill a hole with a masonary drill {dont use rotary hammer} and simply place a piece of mess over the hole .
With the slab prepared sprinkle a small amount of bonsai mix into the base and around the perimeter, place the tree in the desired position and pot up as per normal tray . When back filling press the mix into the clay muck wall to blend into the finished landscape , and prevent water from washing away the wall . Using a small stick push a channel through the wall to breach the barrier to aid drainage .
Depending on the size of the tree wire may be required to hold it in position . Loop a wire up through the drain hole and secure . If the slab doesn’t have a drain hole place 2 wires over the root-ball , prior to back filling and secure by folding over the edge of the slab and crimping with pliers . Another method is to wind hemp string several times around the slab , over the roots and secure, this will rot in a matter of months.
With the tree secure and soil in place , simply place rocks and moss to achieve desired effect .
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