My journey with a Fig from 1984 to now and beyond

[Jon Chown]

I obtained this fig in 1984 as a finger thick sapling and began to style it into a broard canopied tree that I had seen in a copy of Bonsai Today. As the years went by it began to take shape in the general direction that I was heading.

my pics 101.jpg

my pics 102.jpg

I apologise for the photo quality - many crashed computers later and scans of old photos.

It was beginning to take shape and I realy loved those aerial roots - It wasn't until later that I found out that they effect the trees roots and just serve to thicken the branches too much while pushing growth upwards.

my pics 103.jpg

my pics 104.jpg

After repotting this year and a hard cut back followed by a defoliation and cut back again in ab attempt to create some fine ramification.

2008 027.jpg

I'm aiming for something like this - If you can catch my drift.

Plan.jpg

All comments and suggestions greatly received.

Yours in Bonsai
Jon

[Asus101]

I dont like that left bottom branch, looks... outa wak...

[Jon Chown]

Asus101 says
I dont like that left bottom branch, looks... outa wak...

I am inclined to agree, in fact I would like to cut the whole tree back to about 6cm from the first fork - I just don't have the balls to do it.

What would you attempt to do to rectify the problem?

Yours in Bonsai
Jon

[anttal63]

John i dont think i need to tell you but somewhere along the way it got a little lost. back in 2004 it was shaping up well. however there are some great trunk lines in there. now is the time to make decisions and do the work. We must not settle for second best or mediocre or australia will not move forward. to let emotional baggage get in the way of finding this trees potential is wrong. this tree will bounce back a rippa. in a few years scars are hardly noticed. if you are scared, book yourself in to do a workshop with this tree, but i say have a go.

[Steven]

I totally agree with Antonio. I feel that the tree was looking it's best in the picture taken 13.06.2004 (when you were pulling the branches down). Since the removal of the arial roots and cutting back of the branches it has lost balance. The reverse taper is also distracting.

I also feel that Antall63's drastic approach is now required to expose the tree's inner beauty. Time heals all wounds

[stymie]

This tree had great presence buddy but is now suffering from an absence of foliage close in. It's true that the only way to achieve this is through drastic surgery and I sympathise with the reluctance to lose hard won growth. Perhaps you could summon up the courage to do this in stages, starting with the lower branching. I cringe at the thought of your reaction and feelings.

[Jon Chown]

Well, be it on all your heads, you have convinced me to give it the axe. I'm off to do some surgery and remove a few limbs.

Jon

[Asus101]

I would simply air layer the branches off...

[anttal63]

way to go jon, you can do cuttings out of the limbs you take off. ps we're proud of you pal.

[Jon Chown]

Thanks for giving me the encouragement Antonio. I will post new pictures once I have accomplished the desired effect.

Jon

[Jon Chown]

I have removed these limbs and my legs have gone to jelly and I can't grip the saw any more today. Will have to pluck up some more courage later.

Amputated limbs.jpg

Jon

[anttal63]

atta boy jon showm how its done and what it takes to build a good tree.

[wicksy]

great work in progress jon, love to see it down the track a bit. And hello ant great site hey cheers wicksy.

[Jon Chown]

Thanks for the kind words wicksy and welcome aboard - take a deep breath and start posting your trees.

Jon

[anttal63]

yo glen welcome aboard pal. get those natives out pal.

jon boy wheres that tree?