collecting babingtoia

[nicholaus]

Hey guys,
I thought I would post in the collecting section as well.
A friend has been cultivating this babingtoia for 9-12 months. He cut radial roots and cut back foliage hard around 6months. Now that we have identified it we are after any tips or information on collecting it. And Any info of course for there after.

[Alan Peck]

Just hapened to be brousing and found your post, how did I miss it. Am a huge Beackea fan and lifted one some years ago. Jan 2011
Perfect bonsai yamadori material. You have a beaut specimen there with a trunk very common for them. Bags of natural movement in trunk and branches.They are by far the most under rated oz native.
Had mine boxed for 18 months styling it up with many design changes before removing branches. Back buds well from old wood. Bend at your peril, I usualy pull branches into place with guy wires but responds well with clip and grow method to chage branch direction. DONT let it dry out , ever. I feed with seasol only with native slow release fert in open soil mix.
Stay away from fish based ferts because of phospherous content. It hedges and pads up easily.
Have you lifted it yet.? Keep us informed on the progress.
Heres a couple of snaps from my tree

05Jan2011.JPG

07Jan2011.JPG

2012Jan02.JPG

DSC_7463.jpeg

It looks diferant again now and will soon be prepared and potted up for our Nov show.

[GavinG]

Thanks for posting Alan. It's very useful to see what can be achieved in a relatively short time.

Gavin

[dansai]

From messy shrub to refined majestic tree. Well done Allan

[joelham]

Ohhh I have a large one of these at my fingertips. How are they under the ground? Shallow root system???
The foliage is a fair way from where I'd like to cut it back? Can it be cut back and left with no foliage??
Hope I haven't hi-jacked this post... But figured its relevant.
Thanks guys!!!!!!!

[klaery]

Wait for those more experienced but I cut one back hard leaving some green on all branches. Only one branch budded back on the older wood. I definately wouldn't risk cuting back past green.

[joelham]

Thanks for that... Might be a long process to get growth to where I want it.
When would be a good time to dig these guys?

[Alan Peck]

Hi Joelham.
Your right to think it will take a long time to have branches where you want them if you cut back past green.
Try to use what is already there. Be very selective in what you dont want. DON'T RUSH. Strange to say but the tree will tell you the desired design that is hidden in there. Study it over many months and you will know what I mean. If you can draw your plans for it, thats good. It's a great feeling when the light finaly goes on in your head and you can 'see the tree'.
The tree I collected was at the height of summer so was I just lucky.?? I would take it out next month with as bigger root ball as possible. I found it safe enough for mine to remove 50% of heavy outer growth. It helps too with the dig. Can I suggest you get your self a big poly box from vegie shop and dig it out no smaller that the box. Keep as many fine roots as you can. Cut any tap root off high. Don't bare root, gently rake out the outer roots so when you box it up it has some fresh soil. Can't say enough about not letting it dry out. You can soak it in seasol solution for a few days to increase your success rate. Don't prune the whole tree in one go. That goes for padding up too. Handle with care. It will always be very brittle and will snap easily, even new wood.
Small steps means you can go on a long journey. Keep us posted.

[Boics]

Alan.

That is an awesome specimen you have there.
Look forward to seeing it when it gets a pot!
Going to look even more epic!

[dansai]

Try to use what is already there. Be very selective in what you dont want. DON'T RUSH. Strange to say but the tree will tell you the desired design that is hidden in there. Study it over many months and you will know what I mean. If you can draw your plans for it, thats good. It's a great feeling when the light finaly goes on in your head and you can 'see the tree'.

Great advice that can be applied in many situations.

[joelham]

Awesome reply Alan.. Inspiring! Thanks for your input, keep you posted.
Joel