Crab apple

[Steven]

G'day interested people,

Here is a little Crab apple that I picked up at Ray Nesci Bonsai Nursery sometime in the Summer of 07/08. I believe $35 was the price.
I can't locate the pictures from the time I acquired it however I'll post some if/when they turn up. This is how it looked in August 2008 during a repot;

Crap apple 28.08.08.jpg

It didn't skip a beat and burst out with new growth in no time;

Crab apple 15.10.08.jpg

Unfortunately it hasn't flowered or fruited very well in the couple of years I have had it which is one of the reasons I haven't done any styling (lack of time and love of Natives also contributed).
The following pictures are how it currently looks;

Crab apple front 25.11.09.jpg

Crab apple back 25.11.09.jpg

Crab apple close up 25.11.09.jpg

Crab apple shari 25.11.09.jpg

It stands approximately 700mm tall and the trunk base is approximately 40mm.
With some heavy pruning followed by tipping I should be able to achieve fine ramification and a nice winter silhouette. The low branch has been kept in case I decided to go for a smaller informal upright.

Any styling ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Steven

[BoNZai]

Hi Steven,

To me that vertical old wood catches my eye straight away and detract from the rest of the tree. I think you are right that you kept the lower branch
My thought is to go for the smaller informal style. It will give the trunk size and age and you'll still end up with a 40 cm tall tree

Some of the "virt boys" could have a field day with this one. Way you go Jamie!

Cheers

BoNZai

[Steven]

Thanks for the feedback guys!
No I have a conundrum... Do I persist in using it for the competition (and style as Literati) or should I withdraw it and style as informal?
Advice from our esteemed judges would be greatly appreciated!

Regards,
Steven

[Pup]

Thanks for the feedback guys!
No I have a conundrum... Do I persist in using it for the competition (and style as Literati) or should I withdraw it and style as informal?
Advice from our esteemed judges would be greatly appreciated!

Regards,
Steven

Steven, I do see possibility's in it for Bunjingi, but they are limited. What do you want from this tree?.

Remember that it is you who has the final call, at the end of 12 months, we will judge it. If you have something you think is better that might be the way to go.

Good luck Pup.

PS talk about fence sitting

[Steven]

PS talk about fence sitting

Mr Pup, I was hoping for a bit more leadership and direction As a decision maker you would be a great politician

S.

[Pup]

Steven, the biggest problem with this tree is the long straight trunk line, as in PIC 1 also the straggly growth.
I know we are only just beginning. So what do you do, well do not let any thing grow lower direct it to the top.
Put more movement into that part as we have said too straight.
I just heard he is not standing down. Oh thats some one else.

Cheers and good luck Pup