Yamadori Shohin Potential

[Watto]

When we generally talk about yamadori it is usually about large trees. Now I for one like a good big tree but recently I have had the opportunity to dig a few potential shohin. I use the word yamadori loosely because none of these came from the mountains but they are all dug either in 2014 or 2015 and I hope that at least a couple will make the grade into a bonsai pot.
The plum dug from a local garden in 2014 has had some work done to it and is coming along
The English Elm has some size about the trunk so I hold out hope for this one, it was dug "by the side of the road" in 2015
The plum dug in 2015 was in the same area as the Elm and I thought it was another Elm, but .........
The Pyracantha was dug in 2015 from a grass path where it was mowed on a regular basis
I hold out great hope for all of them as they all have good established root systems and appear to be doing quite well.

[Watto]

Also in 2015 I dug (from a secret Goulburn Bonsai Society spot) a Chinese Elm which to be honest looked better in the ground, but again I hold out great hope that it will be in a bonsai pot sooner rather than later. I understand it needs some decisions made and some considerable work but that is all the more fun. I haven't decided on a "front" yet but when that is done work can commence. I would appreciate some words of wisdom on your preferences.

[Ryceman3]

Love a good shohin and there's plenty of potential in all of these.
Particularly like the English Elm 2015!
It seems you love a colander too for growing your trees on, working well for you - plenty of healthy growth. Thanks for posting!

PS : I like Chinese Elm (one side) as a front...

[Kevin]

Hello Watto,

I like them all - you are a busy man.

The other day, searching google for inspiration i came across a Watto blog. Is that yours?

All photos and story related to a Japanese Bonsai tour - great photos. I really enjoyed reading the story - you took some fantastic photos.

Thanks for that as well. I didn't find what i was looking for but I really savoured your photos.

It also sounded as you thoroughly enjoyed your time in Japan Too.

Thanks,

Kevin

[Watto]

Thanks Ryceman, the thing with the Chinese Elm is that one side it is tall and curvy, and the other it is short and powerful. Only time will tell.

[Watto]

Japan seems so long ago now Kevin, but I would recommend it to everyone.