AusBonsai

A quick visual update - Late December is the time I de-candle here in sunny Newcastle.
This years candle extensions had become much smaller before needles opening with sizing more consistent than previous years.
Once again removing all candles ranging from small to large (Ryan Neil) Although notably size variation now at minimum.
happy with the bark development
I do a minimum amount of needle plucking - I don't really count pairs or work to any particular formula when removing amount of needles. Just ones that kinda stick out I guess or look poor.

The tree is pushing itself out of the pot so a repot is on the "things to do" list....well …..eventually..i'm very lazy

Thank you. For someone just getting into pines - yeah, what?! - I really appreciate the clarity of the photos. Cool tree and the pot is brutally beautiful. Brutal and beautiful - do those words even go together? I reckon they do .... Inspired, I am. Cheers for the update.


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MJL wrote: ↑December 30th, 2019, 11:29 am the pot is brutally beautiful.

Perfect description!

greg27 wrote: ↑December 30th, 2019, 11:55 am

MJL wrote: ↑December 30th, 2019, 11:29 am the pot is brutally beautiful.

Perfect description!

Oh yeah... some info on the pot. It is a commissioned piece made by Helen Dunkerley (Ceramics). It suffered a firing crack down the side and acquired a "kiln kiss" where it accidently touched another glazed piece in the process. The potter was disappointed, but I love it even more for being beautifully imperfect.

@MJL -glad you found interest here, hope this thread may help encourage many new pine growers like yourself.

Great progression KC&R, the needles are reducing nicely and the tree is looking great. This is a great example of how sticking to the same routine will produce results, especially with pines.

My only minor quibble is that I'd like to see more of the trunk!

Matt.

Two years older and needle size has still been reducing quite well.
A couple of update pics showing new candles fully extended with reduced lengths.

Oh wow, super impressed with the number of growing tips that you have produced!

Actually, jealous, as I know how long a road is ahead of me. But, I love seeing the number multiply every year.


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A few more update pics - In July 2022 I re-potted as the potting mix had become quite compact. There was a lot of mycorrhizae present.

The tree has responded well, but I have been unable to work on the top too much this growing period as I discovered a large wasps nest living within the canopy.
Every time I water they become really really cranky & fly at my face. I squeal & run away as fast as I can.