AusBonsai

Hi all,
The following is the results I achieved with a Acer Palmatum "Shishigashira".

Let me give a little history to how this came about.

A few years ago I wrote a book on Air Layering Chinese Elms. As a member of the School of Bonsai Clinton Nesci spoke to me about air layering Trident maples. He explained to me that they are quite different to Japanese Maples and can be quite difficult to get good roots. I did some thinking about this and came up with a new idea about layering. This proved to be very successful and provided me new material for the second book I wrote. When Ray Nesci saw the results I was getting with the Trident maples he asked me if I would like to try layering his "Shishigashira". Of course I jumped at the opportunity to give this method a go on this species of tree. Ray and Clinton had tried before on this tree with about 10 layers but only got a couple of successes.

The following photo shows the result with a Trident maple. I took this layer off my tree at Ray's nursery. When he saw the results this was the impetus to try the "Shishigashira". These trees are relatively rare in Australia. Apparently the Japanese and Americans grow quite a number of them.
The following photos show the results on the "Shishigashira". I did 15 layers and got 14 good layers and 1 that didn't have as many roots.

The tree has been growing in the ground for over 20 years. The height is up to the rim on my hat.
Ray gave me 3 trees that I have potted. I will get some photos latter. Ray potted the rest of the trees and has put them in his igloo.

Regards Ray

Sounds impressive Ray Put me down for two please
Can you tel us a little more about your book and technique please

Bretts wrote:Can you tel us a little more about your book and technique please

That would be appreciated.

Hi all

Ray is incredibly successful with his own developed techniques for air layering.

I would recommend that everyone should have a copy of each of each of his self published little booklets. Anyone who would like to see the techniques can see them at the School of Bonsai students show each year in October at Ray Nesci's nursery.

Dennis Mc

Where can we find these books Dennis?

Bretts wrote:Sounds impressive Ray Put me down for two please

Me too! I can swap a rough bark maple cutting on its own roots + $

VERY interested in you technique and book too!

Hi all,
I am preparing a reply about the books and techniques. I will post them soon.

Regards Ray

Hi Bretts and bodhidharma,

Bretts, I'm not sure when Ray will be selling these. You could send him an email and ask the question. The leaf on this maple is very fascinating. I have never seen a maple like it.

The first book I wrote is Air Layering Chinese Maples. This covers layering trees that layer well. It also covers the subject of doing multiple layers on the same trunk and the rules for this to work.
The second book is Air Layering Trident Maples. This covers the new technique. I use this technique on any trees that prove hard to layer. My latest experiment is very exciting. I put 3 layers on my black pine and have good roots showing in two and a half months.
The new technique uses three different methods combined together. I do a normal layer, then add a combination of two hormones to the top cut. I then bind a wire hard up against the top cut. Add some more hormone and then encase the top cut and wire in muck. The layer then is packed with spaghnum moss. Make sure the moss is soaked in Seasol.

I sell the two books for $15 each. This just covers my cost. I do my own publishing. A number of individuals and clubs have purchased the books. The clubs add them to their libraries.

Regards Ray

Hi Dennis,
Thanks for the kind remarks mate. Look forward to catching up with you.

Regards Ray

Hi Ray,
Top work I would like to purchase one of each of these books, please forward or pm details. Do you have any other little books?

Great work Ray, please be sure to post the development of these Shishigashira maples, they look like they'd be a great species to work with given the tight almost clumping foliage growth. Thanks for sharing
Cheers, Ryan

I have Rays Elm book and can highly recommend it as comprehensive and detailed yet easy to read and understand.

I'm looking forward to your 3rd publication too Ray How much longer???

Regards,
Steven

Hi Steven,
I have the new book done. I will get a copy to you.

Regards Ray

Seems you are not the only one Ray, This turned up in my inbox tonight
http://bonsaitonight.com/2013/02/08/air ... b-meeting/

Hi Bretts,
That is very interesting. I wonder if he saw one of my demonstrations at the School of Bonsai exhibition?

Regards Ray