Casuarina.... remember the beach - follow the sun.

[MJL]

Hi All,

A few years back I purchased some Casuarina seedlings though the Geelong Bonsai club; from memory at one of their good shows.

At the time I put them in a foam training bed to let them grow out. I have been confused as to how to to treat/train them but a number of good folk, including Rory have given me the confidence to have a crack. So here's how they were this morning. Essentially growing as they would except with me occasionally chopping the top.

IMG_6075.jpg

Earlier this year our family had a holiday in Palm Cove, QLD. At the time, I posted a few picks of the Casuarina's on the beach. They are a fond memory and they inspired me.

I have had a picture in my mind of the soft sweeping trunks curving over the sand to follow the sun. Also walking on the grass between the trees - enjoying the cool of the shade and looking at the ocean. So, here's my initial attempt to recreate that scene. I have purposely created a promontory in this setting - so the stones (aka sand) surround the end of the shoreline.

I used some paper to protect the tender back during the bending. Hopefully it does not scar too much.

Of course, there's much more to do. I limited cutting much back - an upper branch here and there. Hopefully the trees take the root prune and repot. I'll keep the water up and provide sun for new growth. I can then progress to a proper Australian Bonsai landscape in due course.

As usual any feedback welcome. And Rory ... thanks for gving me the confidence ...hopefully you haven't just fallen off your chair. Cheers, Mark

Front

IMG_6083.jpg

Back

IMG_6082.jpg

Left Side

IMG_6080.jpg

Right Side

IMG_6084.jpg

PS - A frustrating postscript. Aaargh!I am an idiot.

After taking these photos, I noticed the main tree - from the front (not other angles) was a bit angular at the bend and straight towards the top. So - was does this goose do? I rush to straighten it and cracked the top... I fear it will die and this will be a bummer. I need to have patience! Aaargh.

[MJL]

And here are the photos that are embedded in my memory.

IMG_0079.jpg

IMG_0078.jpg

Bonsai teaches me patience.

[shibui]

Join the goose club MJL.
After showing one of my developing casuarinas at the Vic native club meeting I went home and wired - just to tweak the shape a little.
Cracked the main trunk
Decided to work the second trunk - Cracked it also .... twice

As none of the branches actually came off I just left them as they were. All still alive and growing happily. Just thought that would give you some hope

[MJL]

Thanks Shibui. Hope regained.


Bonsai teaches me patience.

[Ryceman3]

Been there, snapped/split/cracked a casuarina while trying to get it to submit to the shape I was after, like shibui I just left it and hoped for the best... and got it. Wouldn’t worry too much unless the whole thing has been severed, they bounce back quite well after being “over man-handled” from my experience. I can see where you’re heading with that group, now just let it sit and recover before your next step I think, looking good.

[MJL]

Cheers R3 - sit and wait I will.

It's a funny game this! Now I re-look at this group again ... and ponder how I could have better designed/placed the plants for a better 'distance' perspective. Oh well, all in good time - things to consider for the next re-pot in a few years time. For now rest and then continue training new growth. Fingers crossed on the cracked trunk too.

[shibui]

You will need to remember that cracked trunk. Not only to prevent another one but, more important, that spot on this trunk will always be weaker and will tend to break again whenever you try to bend that area. Avoid trying to bend that area, probably forever..

[MJL]

Noted. Thanks again for the guidance. [THUMBS UP SIGN]


Bonsai teaches me patience.

[boom64]

Hi Mark ,
Good start ,hope it powers on . Don't be to hard on yourself in regards to the "irregular " movement ,in a few years this might turn out to be a blessing. Strange game Bonsai.....Cheers John.

[MJL]

Thanks for the feedback John - appreciated. [THUMBS UP SIGN]


Bonsai teaches me patience.

[MJL]

These casuarina’s have gone coco-bananas in the two months since I repotted in late December. Off to a good start...

IMG_0123.jpg

IMG_0124.jpg

‘Coco bananas’ is a technical term for growing well.




Bonsai teaches me patience.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TimS]

Coco-bananas Coming along really nicely there MJL.

[Ryceman3]

Yep, they’ll do that! Not much for you to do but kick back and watch ‘em go for a bit. Bit of thickening up and you’re on your way... the good thing about these is there is little to no “off” season in my experience. Summer, Winter or in between they always seem to be progressing (albeit a bit slower in colder months)... good stuff.

[MJL]

Sometimes things go right - even for this amateur. I'm sure this won't be to everyone's taste but I love this. Love it. It's only in its infancy and it will obviously improve with time.

I was inspired while on holiday. Tracey made me a ripper pot and today I re-potted and re-positioned the group.

Cheers,

Mark

IMG_6649.jpg

IMG_6652.jpg

IMG_6654.jpg

IMG_6655.jpg

IMG_6657.jpg

IMG_6658.jpg

IMG_6659.jpg

[TimS]

That pot transforms the group Mark. Yes they can grow on and develop, everything always can, but the feeling this pot gives the group is so evocative of your original inspiration.

I'll enjoy seeing it develop over the years and really settle into this new pot