AusBonsai

Hi All,

I had this Olive bought for me at the yearly Bonsai Show in SA. I have had it home for about 3 weeks or so and its putting out growth like a monster. I have had to trim sprouts from the base of the trunk twice. I will be going to a workshop in a couple of weeks to get some one on one advice but was wondering if I should be doing anything in the meantime. Trimming or wiring? Or just keeping it fed and watered.

I have cut back some shoots that we growing in towards the main trunk. But am reticent to go further at this stage.
Thanks for what ever advice you can give.

Sean

Hi Sean,

That tree has a nice base with good taper and movement, there's plenty you can do with it.

If you're taking it to a workshop I'd just give it a good feed and remove any shoots coming from the base. The more options you have on the rest of the tree the better.

Matt.

Matt S wrote:Hi Sean,

That tree has a nice base with good taper and movement, there's plenty you can do with it.

If you're taking it to a workshop I'd just give it a good feed and remove any shoots coming from the base. The more options you have on the rest of the tree the better.

Matt.

Matt,

Thanks I hope to be at the SA Bonsai Society Workshop night on the 20th. I will develop patience until then.

Sean

Well, I attended the said workshop. If you are in SA and need some pointers, join up the SA Bonsai society, well worth it even if you live 2.5 hours away like me.

Phil was kind enough to help me out with the Olive. Some of the advice I had heard before but it’s always good to have someone put it into context.

Here’s the finished result.

Hi Sean,

Nice stock!

It always interest me how photos can help and change the feeling of the tree. The light and background on this second set of photos - it sets off the dramatic and stark nature of the tree. Whether it was meant or not, the cooler light somehow brings out the dramatic nature of the stock. To me, the tree has a haunted look; I like it and look forward to watching it develop.

Cheers,

Mark

MJL wrote:Hi Sean,

Nice stock!

It always interest me how photos can help and change the feeling of the tree. The light and background on this second set of photos - it sets off the dramatic and stark nature of the tree. Whether it was meant or not, the cooler light somehow brings out the dramatic nature of the stock. To me, the tree has a haunted look; I like it and look forward to watching it develop.

Cheers,

Mark

Cheers Mark. From memory this series has a cool filter and hi def filter applied. I fell in love with the trunk on this one. It comes from Stansbury SA. Lots of haunted looking trees on the peninsula.

Hi Sbwright, this tree has improved significantly and I echo your words about joining local bonsai groups as it improves everyone's understanding of bonsai.
If I may ask, would it be possible to make your photos just a little bit larger. The small size makes it difficult to see some of the merits of the tree.