A Tale of Three Cedars

[Watto]

Many years ago now (sometime in the 90's) I was lucky enough to dig three cedars. When I dug these I didn't know anything about successfully digging trees, especially conifers, but they all survived - probably more through good luck than good management. They were all the same - long skinny slanting trunks - but I like them because I dug them.
Over the years I have developed these three in different ways, showing that although trees look similar, with bonsai techniques there are many possibilities.
I will progressively post the three bonsai and I hope that you like at least one of them.
The first is a literati (bunjin) that had a new look today. I do need to get a better pot for it, and hopefully that will happen later this year.

[Watto]

The second one was a slanting style, but has been changed to be more of an informal upright. With a bit more work it might be OK.

[Watto]

The third is a semi-cascade and is progressing quite well.

[Thymetraveller]

Crackin' trees!!!

[Lane]

I love all three, the direction you have taken them in over time compliments each one of them.

[kcpoole]

Very nic watto.
Cannot decide betweeen No 2 or 3 my fave,

The Bunjin, have you thought about losing the apex? Keeping only the 1st 3 branches in the apex?

Ken

[Watto]

Fair go Ken, it took me 3 years to decide if the first branch on the bunjin should go, now you want me to make another decision!
Here is a photo of it a week ago

[alpineart]

Hi Watto , mate I love cedars , definitely one of my favorites . While I have a few Deodara's in training my Atlantica's are my preferred tree's . You have done well in a short period , this has inspired me to take a long hard look at mine when I find the time .

Cheers . Alpine

[Watto]

Yep, I'd say they develop slowly but they are worth the time.

[boom64]

HI Watto , Well done three good looking trees. "Develop slowly" I have a sacrifice branch on one that is now five times longer than the original tree. Just a little thickening...You have given me encouragement to persevere. Cheers John.

[GavinG]

Good decision to lose the first right branch on the Bunjin - it was just too heavy. Works well now. Like Ken, I'd be thinking about lightening the top - maybe open the top layer into two sections, and losing the little left branch in the middle? Nice pot, by the way, works well.

And it's really good to see the before and after shots, so it's easy to see why you make the decisions. I always think about the photo just after I've figured something out by cutting something off...

As Pup famously says, Bugger!

Thanks for posting,

Gavin

[Watto]

Thanks John, I find that these are slow to thicken in the trunk once in a pot.
Gavin I suffer the same with taking photos - sometimes I remember, and sometimes I forget.

[Watto]

Not sure about the pot Gavin but unfortunately my favorite PK pot got busted, so I am on the lookout for a new one.