Deodara Cedar - Bunjingi.

[Watto]

Here is my second entry in the "aged"section of the contest. This is a Dedora Cedar that I bought from a nursery quite some years ago for $4 as in their view the trunk wasn't straight and they would be able to sell it "like the good ones". It was in poor shape and root bound when purchased. It stands about 820mm high and is currently in a Pat Kennedy pot.

[stymie]

The first pic, as it shows the roots to better advantage, would seem to be the preferred front. Thinning out?

[Watto]

Thanks Don, and yes it does need some thinning. Hopefully over the period of the comtest it will change and improve.

[Pup]

I agree with Don it has too much foliage at the moment. Obviously you will correct that. I see the roots as not to much of a problem. If that heavy one can be moved so it is not crossing the one under neath. I know that Bunjingi can be mounded in the pot. This one is far too much for a deep pot.

JMHO Cheers Pup

[Watto]

Attached is an up-date on my cedar. The work was done over the Christmas period and the photo taken today. The work was just to thin out the foliage and that was to let a bit more light into the tree itself, and to reduce to weight of the top.
Some serious wiring to be commenced soon, and probably a little more reduction in the amount of foliage. In my experience cedars should be worked on gradually so I won't be rushing the process, but I do want to get it into a new pot in spring so I need all the other work to be completed before then.
Comments and opinion welcome.

[stymie]

Not quite bunjingi yet but moving in that direction Watto.

[Watto]

Thanks Don,
Some wire and a "proper" pot might push it isn the right direction?

[Watto]

Australia Day was a good day for me because I had a few hours to work on this tree. I have reduced the visually heavy top foliage, and put just a little bit of wire on the tree, especially bringing the hanging branch closer to the trunk. The very thick branch on the upper left hand side has been removed altogether, and the "hanging branch" has also had a reasonable amount of foliage removed.
This give the tree a lighter look, more in keeping with the Literati tradition, in other words the traditional look associated with this style.
I hope you enjoy the progression so far. Still a bit more wiring to be done, and of course the re-pot that needs to be done, and I am planning that for September (weather being kind).
Cheers - Watto

[Watto]

Mate, if I was 100% sure I would have done it, thus it is still in place and I am still thinking about it. Between now and re-pot time I will have made a decision - hopefully. A bit more study needed?
I think I still need the back branch to add depth, but I may trim and wire it into a better position.

[Watto]

After a severe trim in January I let this tree grow freely for about nine months, with just the odd litttle trim here and there to remove the downward growth typical of this species.
This photo is just before the next phase of trim and new pot.

[Watto]

The next phase in the journey, the after repot shot. The pot in by Pat Kennedy and is a big improvement I think. The tree still sits a little high in the pot, but I am gradually working on that aspect. I finally decided to remove the branch on the inside of the trunk at the top, and that has given the tree a lighter look.
Cheers.

[Pat K]

Watto.....maaate.....

...... man, that has got to be the worst photo!!!!

Is it my monitor or have you 'cropped' the pot?

Pat

[Pup]

Judging soon so better take another.

[Watto]

Pat - I was only building the momentum - honest. Here is the latest photo, with an accent plant. I probably wont do too much more to this tree for a while now as in my humble opionion they need time between activities.
A little bit of tweeking and one more photo. That pot looks great!

[Pat K]

Watto, I knew you were just kidding...

....but now, I'm going to stick my neck out and say (as an utter novice), get rid of the accent!

The tree is stunning.....the pot sets it off beautifully.....( I think) the accent muddies the 'simplicity' of the image!!

Pat