AusBonsai

Steven wrote:You're still teasing us Grant! When will we get to see what you have been doing?

Regards,
Steven

Not for a while to honour the Article that is about to be published by the American magazine. I saw the set out the other night and it looks good.

However the tree could be on display at this years Native Show in Canberra if it is accepted.

Grant

Grant,

Was this article published? If so, can you advise publication and issue number?

thanks

AG

AGarcia wrote:Grant,

Was this article published? If so, can you advise publication and issue number?

thanks

AG

It was published in 2014 in BCI magazine issue Q1(1st quarter), pages 28 to 31.

I have since donated the tree to the NBPCA.

Grant

Hey Grant can you please confirm for me.

Does the chunky rolled bark on a Serrata come from just its age or are branches needed to be grown long and thick to help it?

I am considering chopping down a main leader that does not yet have the rolled bark I desire (when it warms of course), but am unsure if I should wait until that bark forms to do it. ie - will chopping it low slow the rolled bark from forming.

PS: Some will think I'm crazy but I quite liked the red pot haha especially when the foliage was a bit more sparse in August 2012.

Cheers,
Pearcy.

Pearcy001 wrote:Hey Grant can you please confirm for me.

Does the chunky rolled bark on a Serrata come from just its age or are branches needed to be grown long and thick to help it?

I am considering chopping down a main leader that does not yet have the rolled bark I desire (when it warms of course), but am unsure if I should wait until that bark forms to do it. ie - will chopping it low slow the rolled bark from forming.

PS: Some will think I'm crazy but I quite liked the red pot haha especially when the foliage was a bit more sparse in August 2012.

Cheers,
Pearcy.

Banksia serrata in the ground and/or quick growing in pots does not form the "Cow Pat" look. It stretches and stays uniformly thick up the trunk for quite a while. It may however get the lumpy rolled effect.

The "Cow Pat" look happens with B serrata when it has been restricted in a pot for a number of years and not repotted or especially well fed etc. It seems to rebel against the restriction and lumps up.

So; what to do? Maybe cut down as you intend but then keep it in a pot for a number of years to encourage the lumping effect.

Grant

Grant Bowie wrote:So; what to do? Maybe cut down as you intend but then keep it in a pot for a number of years to encourage the lumping effect.

Grant

Thanks Grant. The bottom two inches look as if that were freshly laid in a dairy farm... yet the rest up is quite slender. I'll cut it low (a couple of inches above the rolls) and keep slip potting it in the same size pot to try make the pile of manure grow. Wish me luck and thanks again for the advice.

Cheers,
Pearcy.

It's good to see the spammers putting in a bit more effort. It's important to take pride in your work

A current pic of this tree would be great as i'm sure everybody agrees?

srini wrote:A current pic of this tree would be great as i'm sure everybody agrees?

I donated this tree to the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia A few years ago now and it is doing fine.

I will get a current photo next time I am up there.

Grant

Great Article and I'm sure will help me keep my Banksia alive and well.
I picked up the pictured Banksia in a club sale a few months ago and it has been vigorous ever since getting it home with a feed bag. I've only been trimming back new buds as they grow.
to keep general shape. Could you please shed some light on my particular variety. Many thanks

Looks like B. integrifolia but B. marginata (silver banksia) can look very similar

It is one of the B integrifolia; either the species B integrifolia v integrifolia or B integrifolia var compar. The compar variety tends to throw the more serrated leaf whereas the species tends to have less serrated or smooth edges. Integrifolia means entire( not serrated) but the juvenile leaves have some level of serration.

Can't tell from the photo.

The tree looks nice and healthy.

Grant

Thanks Grant, it's a really nice and powerful tree. Bought a little integrifolia from bunnings after seeing it. You're article was very helpful, now to let it grow.

At the NBPCA. Sorry but the background isn't great for photo..

Grant

Damn that thing is a beast, pot really suits it well. Cheers Grant.