Large Radiata Pine

[rudy]

Hi,

I'm new to this forum and have found it to re-inspire my thoughts regarding my Bonsai's. I have a large radiata pine that's about 25 years old that i need some advice on styling. I grew it from seed but it has had considerable neglect for many years. I started getting it ready for a pot about 6 years ago when it was about 2 meters tall. Did i mention the neglect I stuck it in a pot about 4 years ago and September 2 years ago transplanted it into a slightly larger the pot you see. I know it needs heaps of wiring and work to go from here.

I am particularly interested in your thoughts on what I need to do to improve the shape, reducing needle length, the shape that I should wire the branches to and general knowledge regarding candles, needle pulling and the effects. It got burnt due to the heat wave we all had during the summer of Black Saturday summer and went a little yellow and has been that way since. I have another slightly smaller one that is a lot greener which never got burnt or changed color. Could it have something to do due to the fact that it was repotted about 5 months before the heat wave hit.

Yeh a big ask but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Regards
Rudy

Foliage 1.jpg

Foliage 2.jpg

Foliage3.jpg

Foliage 4.jpg

trunk.jpg

Trunk 1.jpg

Trunk 2.jpg

[Glenda]

Wow! Look at that trunk! Drool, drool. Don't ask me for advice though, as I am a novice

Glenda

[techpetal]

I am particularly interested in your thoughts on what I need to do to improve the shape, reducing needle length, the shape that I should wire the branches to and general knowledge regarding candles, needle pulling and the effects. It got burnt due to the heat wave we all had during the summer of Black Saturday summer and went a little yellow and has been that way since. I have another slightly smaller one that is a lot greener which never got burnt or changed color. Could it have something to do due to the fact that it was repotted about 5 months before the heat wave hit.

Very nice stock tree Rudy....very nice.

Pick a style and start drawing. I think you could get an absolutely awesome twin truck out of this stock tree. Decide on the style and then work out your branching. It looks like you will have a good selection. As for needle length reduction etc. Try and get a copy of the Masters Series Publication on Pines. It is specifically for white and black pines but the techniques for ramification and foliage development are still relevant. Don't worry about starting this until you are happy with the style and branching.

25 years from seed, excellent effort and a credit to you already.

Tech

[dayne]

great material there dont rush into it this is a tree id get lots of opinions on and lots of sketches this is somthing id try to take to a workshop with a skilled artist are you a member of a club at all

[Gerard]

Hi Rudy,
This is no ordinary tree, quite old and a wonderful base with nice aged bark, I think you should get expert advice before doing anyting drastic to this tree.
I do not know if you are aware that Hirotoshi Saito arrived in Australia today. Hiro is a Japanese master who will be conducting demonstrations and workshops over the next week and a half. Your tree would be excellent material to take to one of his advanced critique sessions! In these sessions I believe each person brings one or two trees which are assesed by Hiro who will make drawings and give you a plan for the future of the tree. You would have your own tree assesed and watch and learn while other nice trees are assesed.
Advanced critique sessions take place in Blackburn on Thursday 1st afternoon and Friday 2nd evening. I know positions are still available as I booked my own slot a few days ago and was given a choice of these two sessions.
This will not happen again for two years or more. Message me if you want to know more.

[techpetal]

Looks like perfect timing for posting this tree Rudy.

I do not know if you are aware that Hirotoshi Saito arrived in Australia today. Hiro is a Japanese master who will be conducting demonstrations and workshops over the next week and a half. Your tree would be excellent material to take to one of his advanced critique sessions!This will not happen again for two years or more.

[rudy]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for your responses, very much appreciated. I'm new to forums so forgive me if I'm not responding or replying correctly. I have accidently come across the Masters Series Pine book and found it very informative, tho scary I am scared to do anything drastic with this tree as i don't want to wreck it. I am seeking as much advice as I can get and paricularly would welcome knowing more about the Bonsai master coming to Melb...hey he could hack at it on the night if he wished. Gerald I don't yet know how to message you but will work it out as I would love to get advice from a master....thank you. I would need to hire a van and get a mate to help me cause it is awkard and heavy. Can you let me know how I can book a place.

Thanks again for All your responses.

Regards
Rudy

[dayne]

do it do it to pm just click on the persons name and youll see there page then you will see a title that says private message allso there is a chat room up the top right of the page where you can chat to people

[Chris]

Welcome to the site Rudy A very nice looking tree you have.

[Bretts]

Hi Rudy Welcome. Very nice tree. You that tree and Hiro at a workshop would give magic results!

[Jamie]

gday rudy

welcome to the site firstly! you will find a wealth of info and people here will be only to happy to help and offer advice!

this tree is an absolute STONKER!!! love it, as gerard has said taking this to a workshop would be an excellent idea as i have seen some of hiro's work via here, never in person as i am to far away, but it is aboslutely awesome design he has!

definately take your time with this beast! it looks like you are going to need some heavy wire aswell for some of those big thick branches, i think working with the trees natural flow is a good idea, this tree will tell you how it wants to be styled, only trees of this sort of calibre can really do that!

I am absolutely amazed that you have grown this from seed in only 25 years! that in itself is a credit to you

with the pine masters book i think the black pine techniques would be the one to use, white pine techniques are different

once again, welcome to the site and i look forward to seeing some more of your trees, i see a nice thick juni in the back ground there too!



jamie

[rudy]

Thanks for the warm welcome and positive comments. Whilst training it I have used some heavy clamps and wire to get it where it is now, not to mention heavy pruning. Since i cut it down I have concentrated on getting some ramification with a view of styling after it settles down and has something to work with. My rationalisation was to let it grow out and when I have something to work with I'll deal with it then. I am now at the point and need to progress. I"ve done all the work on the tree on my own, mainly in the days of pre-internet and it's time to take the next challenging step.
Regards
Rudy

[rudy]

Hi,
Here are a couple of more pics I didn't post. Shows the color difference compared to the other tree.

Regards
Rudy

folisge 4.jpg

[Jamie]

very nice mate!

i like them alot i wasnt very keen on the radiata as bonsai but yours are fantastic!

jamie

[rudy]

Jamie,

Thanks for your comment, I'm so accustomed to them that I take them for granted, thankyou, and to all the others that have re-inspired me.

Regards
Rudy