Japanese Maple Group

[Boics]

Could be a really good idea Gavin.
I wonder if cutting the whole 3 (including the smallest) is an option to consider as well?
When spun around this would potentially leave the smallest on the far RHS.

Thanks for posting the progression and keep it up.

[Theodore]

Thanks for the comments and thoughts Gavin and Boics.

Another option I am considering a shortening the tree on the far right and growing the second one in taller. Maybe some additional height on the shortest tree too.

In terms of rotating, I would literally have to cut the two trees out as a clump and rotate them. They are well and truly grown into each other.

I am looking forward to the next few years with this one.

Theo

[Theodore]

Defoliated this Japanese maple on January 15 and cleaned it up a little. Primary purpose of the defoliation was to get a second flush of new leaves for autumn following significant scorching from a liberal application of confidor spray to treat aphids in early spring.

The defoliation and tidy up took about 6 hrs to complete.

Leaves all removed.


General tidy up


Today following cutting back rampant growth!


And a little helper.....


Still not happy with the RHS. The furthest tree to the right need shortening, just need to work out how short it goes. I've started growing some options down there and will have a really good look is coming autumn.

Theo

[melbrackstone]

Still not happy with the RHS. The furthest tree to the right need shortening, just need to work out how short it goes. I've started growing some options down there and will have a really good look is coming autumn.

I put a group together late last year, then took it to Tony Bebb's to help me with refining it. He basically just straightened them, and it looks SO much better! Would you consider standing those two on the right much straighter?

[Theodore]

Thanks Melbrackstone

I tried straightening one of he trunks, problem is they have been together for nearly 20 years so root systems are one homogenous entity.

It is due for a repot this coming winter/spring so I will try and manipulate as much as possible!

Theo

[melbrackstone]

good luck.

[Theodore]

The Japanese Maple group has finally decided to give some colour!

The missing moss is due to blackbirds! I have previously posted about how much I love them......

[Theodore]

Time for an update on this one. As is my way I set out to repot and slightly tweak the RHS as I wasn't very happy with it.

Pulled it out of pot and started the usual repot process. It was a decent root prune, not to the level of Shibui however.

Once I'd refused the root mass I decided to get the saw and cut off the two right hand most trunks. After much arranging and rearranging I could make it work to my satisfaction so separated those two as well.

Try as I might, I just couldn't get one of the trunks to work, so what was eight is now seven. A few pics of the process follow.











The whole composition rotated a little to bring the tallest tree to the front. Once it has re established in the pot, I need to pull the tallest tree a little to the left. I know it will take a while to reset in that position but that's what bonsai is about!

It would be nice to get it into a smaller pot (didn't have one on hand) and also to get it to sit lower in the pot. This will get worked on over future repottings.

Theo

[Ilithya]

Sir Theo, nice collection! I just start making group tree last 2months and hopefully in couple 5yrs time will be a good collection aswell.


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[Keep Calm and Ramify]

Good Job - That's a much improved composition Sir Theo.
Thanks for sharing the update.