I’m not sure if this is a Callistemon or a Melaleuca now but it was called a Callistemon subulatus and I will probably stick with that until I’m told otherwise.

There is no story with this one, I took the photo just because I like the tree and I hope you also like it.

I am a fan of cedar as bonsai, all sorts of cedar, and this has been with me for quite a few years now however it is in need of some major work, especially a re-pot this year.

The foliage pads need to be developed, major branches need some wire and consideration needs to be given to a new/different pot. All in all I need to get myself organised and start the process.

All that said it has potential and there are no plans to move this on from my collection.

This maple was dug from a garden in 2012 and spent about four years in a plastic pot before graduating to a bonsai pot.

It is not your standard style of Japanese maple as it has some shari in places but it still exhibits some beautiful leaf colour, and the size of the leaves is quite small. All good attributes for a bonsai maple. At present I think it looks better in leaf however I am hopeful that the winter ramification will improve over time.

I cheekily labeled this tree the best Hawthorn ever (that I have dug) some years ago and over time I have not altered my opinion. It is of course still a work in progress and there is a lot still to be done but it is on the way to becoming a presentable bonsai.

In November 2019 I had the enjoyable pleasure of attending a workshop with Peter Warren and with his assistance we set this tree on its path. The best feature of this tree is the hollow trunk and with Peters expertise we commenced the process of framing this aspect. At leaf fall this year more work will be done to continue this framing process to enhance this feature. Some more refinement of the foliage pads and compaction of the branches and then hopefully some increase in the flowering then all that is left is a new pot to match the beauty of the trunk.

When all that is done I might be able to exhibit it in a show somewhere, fingers crossed.

I have had this tree for quite some time and I have been trying to develop the “hanging branch” for a few years, probably unsuccessful as you can see. I haven’t given up hope but it has been a struggle. In the coming months I will separate the foliage pads a bit more to give definition to the overall look and thin the crown more as well.

This side was chosen because it shows a wide base and some movement in the trunk, however I am considering altering the front to this new angle. I will further consider this before the next major work and probably consult with a few bonsai friends for their opinions.

I have not posted in a while so it is time to rectify that situation.

I am taking a late summer photo of a few of my trees and I will share them with you over the coming weeks. My plan was to take quite a few photos today but the rain has put a stop to that. However I did get a couple of shots of my large Ivy in flower and it is first off the rank.

This tree has had many “fronts” over the years and this is the current favorite viewing position but that could change.

After flowering I will give it a good trim and set it for next season. I will not let it fruit this year as the tree needs its energy for foliage growth (and I don’t want birds to eat the fruit and spread ivy into our bush land).