WHEN YOU HATE YOUR ELM

[MelaQuin]

Trained this catlin elm from a bonsai size sapling. It started out as an informal upright in a group setting. Odd tree out so it was removed and was still young enough to bend into a cascade. Seemed a good idea. Later on found an interesting rock and established the roots on the back side of the rock and the branching and foliage on the front. It was coming along but it didn't grab me and I was glad when it was selected for a two year sojourn at the Canberra arboretum so I could put its future out of my mind.

Elm cascade 2010-09 1.jpg

Elm cascade 2010-09 2.jpg

Elm cascade 2010-09 3.jpg

But it came back!

I was going to sell it but I had tried before and no one was interested and in its current condition it would be the same reaction. So I studied the tree, trying to figure out what the problem was. Okay, the cascade was the problem. Placement, movement, branch position.... it just didn't work. And it hid the rock which is quite nice. One flash of the side cutters and that problem was solved. Because of the extended roots I put it in a semi cascade pot but that didn't totally improve the tree.

IMG_2236.jpg

And blessed mystery, I ratted through my impressive collection of handmade pots and I found the PERFECT pot: size, shape, depth, colour, glaze. It doesn't get any better and it seldom gets that good. Thanks be to Mudlark and Penny Davis' potting skill. Did a bit more root pruning and got the tree settled and I am VERY pleased. This baby isn't going anywhere but here.

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Now I know The Critics are going to carp on the fact the direction isn't well defined, the foliage pads are scatty - but hell... give this catlin elm a break.... this is Day Two of a whole new ball game and the upcoming months will see those styling problems sorted and rectified and what was once a full cascade with an image problem is going to be a semi cascade with class and style.

[Elmar]

Love the development, Mel.
I'm glad to see those with more experience go thru something I feel I go thru almost with every tree...
Thank you for sharing and allowing us a look-in to your design and development process...

Like where you're heading.


Cheers
Elmar

[Nate.bonsai]

Nicely done. A fresh look at something can often result in a vast improvement, as has happened here.

Should look quite good once the pads are developed a little more.


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[Redsonic]

Thanks for sharing; I am learning a lot from photo progressions like this. Fantastic new direction!

[Boics]

Is it just my poor eyes or are the pics to small?

I find it hard to see any sufficient detail?

[tgward]

Nice result ---if possible try to shift it so its not growing directly on top of the "mountain" but slightly to one side so it looks as if it is clasping not resting-- would be more natural and dramatic.

[EdwardH]

Looks like you gave it a complete overhaul and it looks much better for the effort.