Shohin Chinese Elm

[Watto]

I had this chinese elm growing in a plastic pot for quite a few years and really did not know what to do with it. So about four years ago I gave it a good cut and planted it into a bonsai pot, with the idea of creating a shohin. Last year I decided that it was time for the next step and again gave it a good trim and altered the planting angle.
The photos below are from 2011.

[Watto]

In August 2011 I planted it into a Pat Kennedy pot but slackness prevented me from taking a photo.
I wasn't quite happy with the look and so this year I took this tree for some advice from experienced bonsai artists when I visited Bonsai by the Harbour.
Today was the day to put that advice into action and the following photos show its progression.

[Grant Bowie]

Nice job,

It looks a totally different tree from that angle.

grant

[Webos]

Brilliant.. Will be watching this one!

[Andrew Legg]

Looking good Wato. Have you got plans for bringing the bottom two branches forward? Unless I'm mistaken, it looks to me like they are moving backwards. . . .

Cheers,

Andrew

[Watto]

Thanks for the kind comments.
The first branch is going backwards and is a bit too short and think to bend properly, so my intention is to let that branch grow a bit and then cut it so the new tip of that branch is in a better position and coming towards the viewer more.
The second branch goes both ways as it acts as the back branch as well at the moment so I will need to also do a bit of work on it.
I am quite pleased with these results in 18 months and hope it continues to progress successfully over the coming years.

[Watto]

I hope you all noticed that the standard measuring device was unopened!!!!!!!!

[squizzy]

I hope you wont hate me for this watto but the 3rd last picture labelled "old front before trim and repot" tells a much more interesting story then the new front in my opinion. It seems more natural and tortured.

Squizz

[MoGanic]

I hope you wont hate me for this watto but the 3rd last picture labelled "old front before trim and repot" tells a much more interesting story then the new front in my opinion. It seems more natural and tortured.

Squizz

I don't disagree, I love the look. Each to his own I guess

[Watto]

Your not off the Christmas card list Squizz, but its getting close!!!!
Just joking. I have many trees (mostly dug from somewhere) that show the struggles of life, but in this tree I was looking for refined and elegant.
I do however value everyones opinion.

[squizzy]

Cheers Watto. I thought I was treading a fine line.

Gee I wish I had enough quality stock to be able to choose like you do. One thing with the direction you are taking. I notice a lot of more experienced people have trees on here with branches that angle slightly up where I always try to have mine flat or slightly angled down. What is more desirable?

Ps. I still like the new direction you are taking the tree.

Squizz

[Watto]

Squizz - the "general rule" is that conifers point down, and deciduous point slightly up. But its just a general guide as each tree will dictate to a certain extent which direction is prefered.

[squizzy]

Thanks Watto

I didn't know that. It makes sense now why I see so many branches pointing slightly up

Squizz