Callistimon - Anted

[MelaQuin]

Discovered this Callistimon was filled with angry ants and quickly despatched them. Next came the Dremel and I went in via several Ant Holes and created a longish opening plus a number of 'windows' to let light into the interior. The tree will eventually be displayed so that these windows don't show - it is only their necessity for lighting purposes that they were cut through existing branch removal sites.

The tree showed no ill affects after 'surgery' and I was careful to ensure there was a low drainage point so water will not stand in the interior and cause the tree to rot faster.

I kept lookng at it... it hasn't been styled yet but there was little impetus to do so because the trunk is ugly. Yes, you're right... it's the root on the right. I removed it yesterday [too hot to be taking photos] and the immediate improvement put this tree high on the list for wiring and styling. It will be nice now. You just have to make that first cut. The root was large but a lot has been removed from the top of this tree and I took the chance that the tree could cope without it. And it is. Just put your finger over the root and you can see the better effect. And the eventual front will be such that the long opening will be slightly offside, don't want it front row centre.

Calli Ant 2008-11 4.jpg

Calli Ant 2009-01 1.jpg

Calli Ant 2009-01 2.jpg

[Pup]

G, MelaQuin, twer it mine. I would cut it back to the third branch on the trunk. Start from there with a slight angle tilt to the right, so the first branch is more straight out from the trunk and work from there.
The hollowed out trunk will work in well. It has a lot of potencial. 30 not hot just warm!! Pup

[MelaQuin]

In the 40 degree heat She comes out from under the ceiling fan to refresh the bonsai and ends up weeding and then wiring the callistimon. How is this?

Calli Ant 2009-01 3.jpg

Right branch left long to thicken. The cut at the base of the apex has been Dremeled to mimic a branch torn off since this is the best side and when it silvers it will not be so obvious. This is currently the front but that will alter once the foliage fills out and changes today's look of the tree. With a bit more development I will probably amend the shaping of the lower right branch but I don't want to bring it down more yet. This poor tree is but a shadow of its former self [as are most bonsai starters] and I prefer to wait and let a bit more development happen before correcting the initial styling. I also think it will be a bit shorter than the current apex tip but that needs to grow to thicken at the base.

[Pup]

G, MelaQuin, That is a good start just a few years now it will be OK.

[MelaQuin]

A few years??? Give me a break, Mate, it's a callistimon.... I'll give you a year and I'll have it on a bench - and I don't mean in my backyard. It won't be the greatest tree in the world but it will put in a decent showing.

[Macros]

Hey Mel,
It would be great to see an update of this callistimon now, and in stages as it develps?

Thanks,
Mac

[anttal63]

uuuuum. where has lee been???