Japanese maple 1996

Grant Bowie · Post by **Grant Bowie** » October 1st, 2011, 6:36 pm

Hi all,

I was just given this Japanese maple that dates from 1996 so I thought I would start and record its history from now on.

The grower grew it from seed and has kept it quite small for 15 years of age. The roots are quite good but as it was just repotted by the grower I will not disturb or attempt to show them.

All I have done at this point is nip out every growing tip I could find back to one set of leaves.

I will now let it regrow unchecked till December (Maybe a light nip out at the strongest growing points) and then cut back and defoliate. Then I can have a good look and pick a style and go for it.

IMG_1297 - Copy.JPG

IMG_1298 - Copy.JPG

IMG_1299 - Copy.JPG

Grant

mb1029 · Post by **mb1029** » October 1st, 2011, 7:58 pm

Cool tree, i love its simplicity

i'd love to have something similar, congrats

hugh grant · Post by **hugh grant** » October 1st, 2011, 8:37 pm

very elegant looking tree Grant. this should be a very nice tree. i love the curve in the trunk, it seems just right.

Hugh

Pat093 · Post by **Pat093** » October 1st, 2011, 9:15 pm

Very Jealous.

Grant Bowie · Post by **Grant Bowie** » October 3rd, 2011, 6:40 am

Update,

I got the year wrong! Not 1996 but 1986.

The man that grew it said he grew a batch from one year old garden seedlings when he first started bonsai and that was 1987.

grant

FatMingsBonsai · Post by **FatMingsBonsai** » October 3rd, 2011, 7:05 am

Beautiful tree

Proper bonsai, NO chops !!

IMO anyways...

What are the stats on this tree Grant ??

Grant Bowie · Post by **Grant Bowie** » October 3rd, 2011, 6:51 pm

The vital stats are;

Age;- 25 years old from seedling

Height from top of root system;- 40cm

Width at widest point;- 35cm

Repotted august 2011.

Grant

Grant Bowie · Post by **Grant Bowie** » October 24th, 2011, 2:13 pm

24th October 2011 before defoliation.JPG

24th October 2011 after defoliation.JPG

Just had an Oh Bugger moment.

This one got blown off its stand and will need repotting so I took the opportunity to defoliate and decide waht to do.

Grant

Grant Bowie · Post by **Grant Bowie** » October 24th, 2011, 2:31 pm

At first sight the tree is not too bad but on closer inspection there are a few problems with un-natural looking branching and the top portion of the trunk lacks taper and branching.

One low branch is bent up in an un-natural way and another is bent down in an un-natural way. The one about 1/4 the way up on the left hand side has also caused over thickening at that point and it should probably come off.

The non tapering of the apex could be attacked by two different methods.
1. cut off most of the lowest branches, keep the trunk line intact and go for a tall, sparse but spreading tree.
1a. thin out the apex by removing the left pointing part of the apex leaving a more pleasant line.
2. cut off the trunk about half way up and reduce the right hand branch
2a. cut off the trunk just above the main right hand branch and develop a new trunk line.

I'm tossing up between 1a and 2.

Either way the 2 un-natural branches will go.

PS. I took 36 shots just in case anyone wants a look at different angles.

grant

Post by **Steven** » October 24th, 2011, 2:50 pm

G'day Grant,

1a looks like a good option to me.

Grant Bowie wrote:1a. thin out the apex by removing the left pointing part of the apex leaving a more pleasant line.

You say you were given this tree? Do they have any other trees they don't want

If I remember correctly, this isn't the first tree of yours that has required a restyle after falling from your bench. It sure would make a good way of forcing tough decisions, just knock them off and see what is left after

Regards,
Steven

Grant Bowie · Post by **Grant Bowie** » October 24th, 2011, 3:27 pm

Steven wrote:G'day Grant,

1a looks like a good option to me.
Grant Bowie wrote:1a. thin out the apex by removing the left pointing part of the apex leaving a more pleasant line.
You say you were given this tree? Do they have any other trees they don't want

If I remember correctly, this isn't the first tree of yours that has required a restyle after falling from your bench. It sure would make a good way of forcing tough decisions, just knock them off and see what is left after

Regards,
Steven

Yes Steven,

I studied for many years at the Max Candy School of Accidental Styling.

He had a van and used it as a hot house for some of his figs. They got restyled whenever some shelving fell on them or he had a car accident and put the van on its side.

Some interesting results ensued.

Grant.

Grant Bowie · Post by **Grant Bowie** » October 24th, 2011, 3:35 pm

After top thin out and one downward pointing branch removed (2).JPG

After top thin out and one downward pointing branch removed (3).JPG

After top thin out and one downward pointing branch removed (4).JPG

After top thin out and one downward pointing branch removed.JPG

Scott Roxburgh · Post by **Scott Roxburgh** » October 24th, 2011, 3:57 pm

Grant Bowie wrote:...I took 36 shots just in case anyone wants a look at different angles.

360???

I did a virtual chop, but like a new line so I'll try again.

Grant Bowie · Post by **Grant Bowie** » October 24th, 2011, 4:05 pm

But which pot?

I stepped into the Tardis (AKA Aladins Cave) (AKA my new shed I have just about finished building) and had a look at what pots I had on hand.

Aladins cave.JPG

New pot shelving.JPG

I only had about three pots that were close.

Shallow green Japanese pot.JPG

Chunky purplish Chinese pot.JPG

Chunky larger cream chinese pot.JPG

I think the cream pot looks best.

Grant

Grant Bowie · Post by **Grant Bowie** » October 24th, 2011, 5:33 pm

Found another couple of pots.

Shallow lilac japanese pot.JPG

Shallow semi glazed Petra Engelke pot.JPG

AusBonsai

Japanese maple 1996

Japanese maple 1996

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