What to do with some shabby plum tree trunks that would take for ever and a day to transform into a suitable trainer . Many idea’s came and went until a topic on Ausbonsai.com showed a magnificent specimen grown by an elderly gentlemen whom unfortunately has Passed away . Inspired by his Penjing i have decided to dedicate this trainer to his magnificent work . These were collected 2 years ago and left in plastic pots to battle the elements . Little or no trimming or care has been taken with the plants , until the topic on Ausbonsai hit a spot in my heart as to the possibility or creating a clump style Prunus Cerasifera . I have search high and low for good specimens but have been unable to locate anything of interest . Starting with 5 plants i simply arranged them i a suitable order to not only have balance but would and could be turned into a clump style raft . I began by drilling and screwing each base together using stainless steel screws , starting with the 2 main trunks 1 of which has very poor roots . An area of bark and sap wood was removed for a close snug fit then screw into position . The next tree was added using the same method , the forth tree was place to the rear of the setting to give it some depth and anchored as the previous trees were . Lastly the final trunk was positioned and screwed onto its sister tree . With the hard work done i potted the clump trainer into a large plastic pot , removing a section of the pot to allow the outermost trunk to lay over somewhat , this hopefully will form the raft section of this trainer in the coming years . This will now be grown on it this pot and come next season i will be ground grown for some serious growth . The shaping and pre styling will be maintained over this growing season .

 

Cheers Alpineart