Category 1 - Babingtonia pluraflora [aka Baecka virgata]

[MelaQuin]

Submitted by Melaquin
BABINGTONIA pluraflora [previously Baeckea virgata]
Height: 42 cm
In Training: Early 2005
Pot: Mirkwood/Pat Kennedy

Baeckea Nev 2010-03.jpg

[bodhidharma]

A lovely tree and a wonderful presentation. I love the accent Mel. I have a small observation and that is the tree stand. does is have more feet? it looks a little precarious on the single leg. Good God how picky am i

[MelaQuin]

You are spot on right. Unfortunately She Who Hates Making Two Trips When One Should Do carried too much, dropped the stand and mucked up the front which has two legs. And since the concrete dents are too deep for easy sanding.... and the thought of restaining and refinishing is a bit much, the stand is back to front at this stage.

[Guy]

nice tree but I,m unsure about that leader which seems to be out of character with the rest of the tree-do you have plans to develop more foliage pads to balance the top?-at the moment the Tree I see has that leader removed and the remaining canopy trimmed and opened up into more separate pads

[MelaQuin]

The tree had a major chunk of the header removed several months ago as it was growing forward far too much for my preference. Yes, it needs to thicken and fill in a bit more and I want the left foliage pads to have a bit more definition. This tree does not photograph well and I have photographed it slightly off centre. Otherwise the trunk looks dead straight and it isn't. Viewing the tree in reality it does have balance and only needs another spurt of growth to sort out the header. But if I waited for the apex to redevelop it wouldn't be in the contest. Your observations are refreshingly acute and well stated. Thanks. In this instance I am aware of this tree's development needs but often such insights help to highlight faults that the stylist might overlook. Keep up the good eye and the good word!!

[Ellen]

You are very articulate Melaquin. Could you perhaps post general advice for beginners on the styling tips forum? Once a fortnight would be good if you could manage it. It would be helpful if you posted photos and discussed good and bad points.