I started this thread at bonsaiTALK around a year ago, but I thought it might be appropriate to continue it here. I had initially called this planting a 'Mallee-style clump', but in the light of recent discussions about Australian styles, I am content merely to call it a clump for the time being.
The first 3 pics show my initial styling efforts, photographed in March 2008.
Next are a couple of pics from August 2008. The planting has been re-strung and re-wired, and apparently allowed to grow out of control.
During the scorching days we've experienced lately, I had noticed that the little Eucs were wilting at the drop of a hat, even with regular dunking. This is often a sign that the roots have grown to occupy every last bit of space in the soil. So, I reckoned that a repot was in order. I recklessly hacked off about half of the foliage load, tipped out the gravel mulch and began the arduous task of working through the the tangled rootball. Much to my horror, I discovered that the proprietary Bonsai mix in which I had planted the seedlings had turned more-or-less into a compressed mud brick over the past 18 months or so. The roots were healthy enough, but a good dose of my new mix should make them even healthier (and easier to untangle in future). I had intended to merely tease out the edges of the rootball and slip-pot the clump, but I got a little carried away and removed about 2/3 of the roots...
Finally, I repotted in my new soil mix and wired the roots in for stability.
Over the coming days/weeks, I expect to refine the planting, especially with regards to the way the two right-hand trunks are oriented. There's still a long way to go, but I like to think I'm on the right track. Comments, abuse and general banter gladly accepted here.
Thanks.
Fly.
will you be trying to wire and bend in that area any time at all? i would be cautious as you will probly find the glued joint to be stronger than the actual area around it.
taking the top half of trees of since 2005! 
