Alpineart's Blog

This is a Pinus Nigra Maritima which was collected 3 years ago . It had 2 thick leaders removed when collected and the new leader being a younger side branch was allowed to grow on un-hindered until today . With a lot of material in need of a fresh approach i have decided to pre train this into an informal slanting style . Most would look at a trunk like this and make an informal upright but i think it needs a little more in addition to the shape . Tilting the tree gives a completely different feel to the trunk and a more pleasing outlook for this tree . I have cut the lower branches back and wired them for future jin’s and the apex has had a guide wire placed on the apex and down to an existing stub . I removed a few underside branches in the apex and wired the upper apex for styling . With the pre styling done its a matter of trimming the needles back , removing a few of the many buds in the apex and it is  almost  finished as a trainer , the upper branches will be wired in due coarse .This won’t get a re- pot until next winter . The lowest branch has been retained for a sacrifice branch to aid in the swelling of the lower trunk , a small reverse taper needs rectifying . These Pinus Nigra’s all back bud well on material under  8-10 years old as is the case with the new apex on this tree , originally it was a side branch .The base itself is estimated at around the 20 years old .Finished height is around 400-450 mm and with a 40 mm base

Cheers Alpineart

This is one of the layers from my multi layered Zelkova that i set a layer on . This is a layer on a layered trunk . I set the layer in the pot method i now use for all my layers as it is easier and less care is required apart from the occasional watering . The material i use is the same as all my tree’s are now grown in . This being soft red scoria and pine bark , it can be continually re-used by washing out the fine and adding more aged pine bark .This layer could have been removed much earlier however injuries have prevented a lot of task taking place . I removed the layer and raked the roots out then simply potted it up ready for a new stage of development . Now the will both get a trim over winter ready for a basic wire job and a new direction .

Cheers Alpineart

Well its on again and it bound to be a real winner . Entry is open to all registered members of Ausbonsai all over the globe .Yes we have members world wide and all entries as long as the fit into the criteria are eligible . This is its 3rd year in the making and with your support it is bound to best of exceptional stand out year . Please read the rules and if you have any Queries contact any of the Team Moderators or Steven Via  P.M through the Ausbonsai Forum site . Best of  luck , hope to see some very good entries from all around the world .Thanking you in anticipation .

Cheers Alpineart