English Elm

[Bretts]

I collected this tree with a few others last year. I have thought about a raft or a penjing style landscape. I would like to hear any comments from members.
I think it will benifit from another year of growth before I start working it though.

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[aaron_tas]

wow brett, that certainly is a challenge

definately let the gnarly monster grow, but maybe select some of the leaders or branching before she comes back in spring...

i love yamadori, you will definately get a tree out of this that no one else has

[Bretts]

Thanks Aarron it was this Raft that was nominated at the 2007 Ginko awards that got me thinking raft style might be an option.

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I will see if I can switch the brain on to the penjing landscape that also got me thinking.

[Elias]

Hi Brett,

That is definitely a very interesting piece of material, and I like the idea you have put forward with the raft style design, I think the character of the trunk would make for a very interesting tree.
My only suggestions would be to get it into a larger pot/container, and as Aaron said start trying to select a few leader branches, and would you also leave a few branches that might help heal the scars...?

[anttal63]

yes brett have a go with it. why not take it along to peter adams and get some advice. if not him there will be lots of people to chew the fat. its hard to tell to much from that photo but usually these kind of materials are ideal! i intend to do one with this one, english elm as well.since this photo i have trunk chopped it shorter for taper and changes of direction in the new leader. needless to say long term project. i am inspired by peter adams raft maple in his book. good luck with yours.

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[Bretts]

I am starting to agree. I think I should go with the raft and take action this spring to make what progress I can Such as planting in a raft position and select some branches. The beech in the Photo by David Barlow was developed over 9 years. Thanks for the help guys.
Edit: I think three trees is enough to take to Peter Adams I would take a trailer with my whole colection if I could
I think that Elm is crazier than mine Antonio

[anttal63]

they are very similar brett, its only age that is making the difference from what i can tell but it will all come out in the wash when doing a raft and working with what ya got.

[Marc]

Bretts, crikey, i can see the attraction to it, thick, gnarled and large, but holy moley, what can come of it?! good luck, and very much looking forward to seeing the results in years to come.

[Victrinia Ridgeway]

Bretts I am shocked.... did you nick a grocer's basket? Tisk tisk....

Gnarly bunch of stuff though... Nice part about material like this, is that there are lots of opportunites to be able to use die grinders and dremels to fix visiual problems, and make it look older and even more interesting in the long run.

Kindest regards,

Victrinia

[Bretts]

LOL Vic I knew there had to be one The retail store that Danica worked for closed down and I was given some of these baskets. I wish I had taken the chance to get more.
Thanks for the comments it should be fun to work with.

[scott]

Looks like quite a challenge but should be a really unique tree when you've finished! You should try the Bunnings baskets, they're a deep green which blends a bit better in the garden.

Not that I'm suggesting anything...

[Joel]

Looks like quite a challenge but should be a really unique tree when you've finished! You should try the the hardware store baskets, they're a deep green which blends a bit better in the garden.

Not that I'm suggesting anything...

I missed my opportunity to get some. There was a pile of them around the corner during council cleanup/pickup. There may have been 10 or so. I came back later and they were gone. I agree, they look perfect.

I really hate this whole not mentioning b#nnings.....

JayC

[Jamie]

hey brett i am interested in whats going on with this beast!! it looks like some interesting, yet challanging material, especially with your idea for a raft style!

would love to see where you have gone with it?


jamie

edit- i am asking as i have just got another for the first time in a few years, my other one was killed due to a lack of watering over a certain period.

[Bretts]

I moved it to a deep foam growing box after scoring the non-root end and covering in rooting hormone.

It is growing well but has gone dormant for the summer as seems to be the norm for English elm. This probably didn't get helped any by being moved into full sun to make room for others under the shade It got a bit of sun burn from that but nothing to worry about. These guys seems to use alot of water. Maybe if they where watered more they would grow for longer in the heat. Something to think about next season.
I have considered giving it a kick (cutting back) to get it going again but I figer it is happy storing energy so patience is the best option.

Not sure a picture will show much but I will take one later.

[Jamie]

cheers mate i found the elm i had got like that to, it went through a summer dormancy period in the hottest part of the season. then it would kick along again the it would either go into dormancy or be semi deciduous.


look forward to seeing something


jamie