Large Tanuki shimpaku..

[bodhidharma]

I acquired this project from a friend of mine who was selling it for a lady whose Husband died a few years ago. There is a lot of emotion attached to this project as he was a Ballarat member and a friend who had purchased a tree off me. It was in a terrible state and i spent the first couple of years establishing its health and re attaching the grafts which had come adrift. it needed a third graft at the rear of the tree and it took a couple of goes before i had success. It has become obvious that this project presents obstacles due to its history, but i will complete it out of respect for the creator of this project. Its further plans will be to develop a head for the setting (the new graft sticking out of the top) refinement of the foliage and branching which i have already made huge inroads into, removal of the balancing brick with a proper base and refinement of the stump. The stump is a Casuarina so i wonder if i can classify it as an Aussie Native The pot is a stunner on its own and i had to wheel and deal it off the former owner. it will stay with the setting for as long as i have this tree in my possession. Enjoy its progress.

[Nate.bonsai]

Wow. That is a life's work Bodhi. The deadwood stump is spectacular, especially the dynamic 'wings' that extend to the right above the apex.

You have a lot of work and time to put into this, but should be well worth it.

All the best to you and the tree and please keep us updated.


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[Gerard]

I have never been a fan of tanuki but this one could be quite special, I see dampness at the base which seems to be supported on a brick. I expect reverse taper caused by the wood rotting at soil level will be a concern.

[Josh]

Nice project to be working on Bodhi. This could be quite a special/unique piece especially with the history. Sometimes having a history to it can make it more difficult as you want to keep the original owners wishes/design going but sometimes need to go in a different direction for the benefit of the tree. Hope that's not the case here. Looking forward to seeing this one progress.

Josh

[trident76]

Exciting project!
I see greater movement in the 'trunk' of the tree if I tilt my ipad quite a bit to the left or right. A change of planting angle may be in order?
What will replace the old red house brick?

[bodhidharma]

You have a lot of work and time to put into this, but should be well worth it.

Hi Nate, it will be "in honour" and i will make every effort to complete the task.

I see dampness at the base which seems to be supported on a brick.

Not damp Gerard but the soil line where i did not lime sulphur the trunk. I have exposed the brick to be able to protect and sulphur the base. I will change the base plate this Winter.

Nice project to be working on Bodhi. This could be quite a special/unique piece especially with the history. Sometimes having a history to it can make it more difficult as you want to keep the original owners wishes/design going but sometimes need to go in a different direction for the benefit of the tree. Hope that's not the case here. Looking forward to seeing this one progress.

Josh

A tricky one Josh but i will endeavour to keep the "Idea" of the project but put my own stamp on it. As soon as i began work on it i realised i was already putting my stamp on it.

A change of planting angle may be in order?
What will replace the old red house brick?

I agree with the angle change T.76 and appreciate the input. The base will be a large piece of thick plastic attached to the base.

[Reece]

Hows this guy going!?

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[bodhidharma]

Hows this guy going!?

Hi Reece, it is doing fine. Very healthy and in the queue for a repot and wiring. Keep you posted.

[Reece]

Hows this guy going!?

Hi Reece, it is doing fine. Very healthy and in the queue for a repot and wiring. Keep you posted.

[peterb]

Hi Bhodi, that tree looks awesome
Regards
Peterb

[bodhidharma]

This tree had it's new base plate put on and a repot. It went into a bit of shock as we had to move a lot of roots around with the new base plate but i am glad the bricks are gone. It is a lot lighter now It browned off a lot but bounced back vigorously once it settled into its new soil. Still a way to go on this project and some major decisions to be made, but, all in all, it is coming together. Sorry but the setting is VERY large and does not fit onto my backing screen.

[anthonyW]

Love your work there,coming along a treat.

Anthony

[bodhidharma]

Love your work there,coming along a treat.

Thanks Anthony

The project Tanuki is now moved into it's new home. It is on a turntable so i can tip prune and any other things that will need doing.

[Pearcy001]

This is coming up a treat Bodhi.

That last shot by the pond reminds me of a recent trip to Kunio Kobayashi's Shunka-en Bonsai Nursery... But where's your Koi! Haha.



Its also reminded me I have many photos to upload haha.

In the photos from earlier in Feb did you bend the apex back around the deadwood?

Cheers,
Pearcy.

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