PJ from dion

[anttal63]

Last time i put up a PJ that i was styling for my mate, which is coincedently mine now This time however, im putting up another PJ that this same mate gave to me as a gift back in my first year 2006. Unlike most trees i haven't grown this one on, it has always been in a bonsai pot. Here is a progresseion of photos over the years. Hope you enjoy.


First shots 2006;

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2007;

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2008

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2009

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2010
this tree had not only lost vigour this past year but was beinning to lose its appeal to me. So last night at the stroke of midnight, after refusing to be lured into another Rules discussion. I went grabbed this tree and put it on the bench. My motto is read that stuff as much as you like but once or twice is enough. Then its time to move on and work on trees and lots of them!!! ( I have 500 growing in my yard) Unless you put this information in to practice the theoretical coins will not drop let alone the artistic ones. So that is exactly what i did. A good chopping and repotting was in order to get this baby into a groove. Not only does this tree now have a future but it appeals to me from many angles. What do you guys think??? Don't hold back now just cause i didn't join in ya Rules discussion.

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[anttal63]

I will allow this tree to grow free for the rest of the season and then wire in winter.

[strawbs]

a big difference from the original fotos, can see alot of potential in the tree.
nice work Ant.
strawbs.

[Bretts]

Nice work Antonio. Except posting this thread whould have taken longer than giving your opinion on the rules

I am no expert on Figs but they have been funny buggers for me sometimes. After repotting because of slowed growth they still haven't sped up. One that I had in full sun recently took off after I put it in the shade house and I have had them do the same the other way around?

Might help if I new what species I was dealing with

[Jarrod]

Looking good Ant. Love the second last pic. Ifyou can get a low left branch on it it would fill out nicely.

What are your opinions of where you want it o go?

[anttal63]

thanks stawbs i too like its future potential.

bretts thanks, every minute posting this, was worth the amount of thought i put into this tree. Yes i know what you mean about getting trees fired up. It depends so much on specie and time of the year. Im still working all that out. Neither am i an authority but now that i'm growing 50 - 60 figs, each year is understanding them more. This season as a first, i have been using dolomite lime and heavy feeding with pellets but lighter on the liquids. Responding very well in all day sun and in up to noon sun. the latter producing longer internodes but charging in height. Water as soon as it needs it. I do have a few different specie ( not 100% sure what they all are )but find the guts of it is pretty much the same. Benjis like less direct sun when its uv is too high and dont handle colder weather too well.

Jezz thanks, you have chosen a nice front. I like that one as well as a couple of more open formats. the challenge is to keep this shape organic, and keep the lines in harmony with each other. wiring will also present options. where there lacks lower branches, individual tree's will fill a space. I do need much more ramification and am hoping that this tree will now pick up its skirt and pop, pop, pop! If the shape has flow and harmony in the direction and lines. A continous mimic of its self, i belive it will be a true 360deg. tree.

[Jamie]

nice tree ant!

it has changed a fair bit over time but i dont think you have unlocked its full potential.
i think you could wire now and bring the branchs down, and start creating your canopy, well both canopies actually, i agree that the twin trunk (second last pic) is the best veiwing angle.

wiring now wont hurt the tree and it will also allow you to develop your ramification better as you will know where you are going with it! when you start getting to the fine branchlets and that

i think you can take this tree to the next level though mate

good luck!

jamie

[Jarrod]

So your opinion on design is "flow and harmony" I agree. Rules are there but flow and harmony are what really shine through. Creates the emotion your are looking for.

[anttal63]

I think that if you break from a group of lines and shapes that are in harmony and flow, it has to be a counter balance with a clear and concise explanation for it. Jezz not only have i still lots to learn but am very much learning to put into words something that comes reasonably natural to me. Thanks to previous experiences as a hairdresser and playing music. Bottom line is that if you melt and repeat your lines and shapes in the composition its hard to go wrong. Regardless of the emotion these shapes and lines are evoking. From "slow and calm" to "fast and frenetic." These concepts are discussed in books from Robert Stevens and Francois Jeker. Robert also discuss's the 10 princibles of art.

[Bretts]

Except for literati

[Jarrod]

I know mate, just having some fun trying to get you into the rules convo. I think we are both on the same page styling wise. Happy to rebuild if that's the best option. Not afraid to cut for improvement. I too find much of this difficult to put into words. It's more a feeling thing for me. I don't always find the need to think about any rules when styling. The tree just gives you a feeling and you make The most of what you have to work with.

This fig will burst like crazy. Keep the seasol on it and dot be afraid of the dynamic. Mine have an inch on the top. Plus some in the mix. Heaps of water and sun.

I have been doing some tests with tridents after generously receiving some from a friend. Half went into an unheated sealed hot house. Some went out with the other trees that are growing on. The trees in the hot house have about twice the growth then those not in the hot house. Roots are coming out the bottom of the pots of them and they are extremely strong. The others have no signs of roots at the bottom of the pot and seem to be slightly weaker. All my trees will now go into the hot house after repotting as I have found that the trees come out with much more vigourous then those not placed in there. Might be something to think about.

Cheers.

[anttal63]

Except for literati

If you wish.

[anttal63]

There definately needs to be a Hot House and a Shade House at my next place!!! Doesn't matter if there's no House to live in!!!
A FEELING is exactly what i enter into with most stuff i do. To FEEL what you do and sensative to its needs and wants.

[Jarrod]

knew that was coming. You old softy lol

[alpineart]

Hi Antonio , good looking figs , only got back into P.J'S and N.T Rock figs last winter when my Nieces set the gifts back {return to sender} they used them as cricket Wickets . Cut long story short i trimmed and mounted 1 on the side of a rock the other had a rock placed into the tub 5 years ago so the girls couldn't knock then over . Defoliated in December 26 except for the tips and fed on this food

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for the last 3 months , tip pruned 2 days ago . Result well have a peak ,

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i have been using this on all my trees pines , cedars ,maples , crab apples you name it , don't know how it will work on Bonsai . Tomatoe starter not tTomatoe food 2 different products , cheep as chips now at Safeway cos everybody wants grow food not starter food .So impressed with the results i bought another 12 tubs for $2.45 each.Cheers