Coprosma.."Mirror Bush'.. progression time.

[bodhidharma]

It has been a year since the posting of this tree and i would like to show its update. I am getting it ready for our annual show in November and the time to start working on it is NOW. I have partially defoliated it as i want to do a full defoliation later this year. All the main top branches have been shortened and wired into place and also some secondary's. The carving has been lime sulphered and is starting to settle in after a year. It has also been lowered a little in the pot to improve the growth of the surface roots. I am impatient for top growth to balance the tree but patience is the tool now. It will take another 2-3 growing seasons for the top branching to fill in the gaps. There is a progression series somewhere here on its carving etc.

[Aussie_Bonsai]

nice carving job. definately going to be an astounding tree in a few years.

Regards,
Ben

[bodhidharma]

Thanks Ben, I certainly hope so. i have great aspirations for this tree.

[Pup]

Bohdi a thought for you to ponder. Usually heavy carving is done on Coniferous trees and the Lime Sulphur is applied to help preserve and enhance the Jins and Shari.
The Japanese frown on any carving of trees other than coniferous or prunus, which I disagree with any way.
What I am in favour of, is when we do carve (as they call any thing that is none coniferous miscellaneous ) I like to see some shadows to give the feeling of Hollows as most trees do seem to rot out and give us that mystery.
I have seen them in Europe where they were used as goals, the Oak tree in Peter Chan's book, also some of the Yews I know coniferous but hollowed right out.
There are a lot of Bonsai coming out of Europe now though, that have been hollowed.

Using Sumi or India ink will give this appearance.
Remember it is just my for what it worth. This tree is looking very good and will be a stunner.

Cheers Pup

[bodhidharma]

Thanks for the input Pup. I to, was inspired by the oak in Peter Chan's " Bonsai Masterclass" and the Chinese Elm? he was growing to imitate it. I have seen quite a few deciduous trees that are hollow and craggy. I think "Coprosma" comes under the semi deciduous title. Now, on to the India Ink, which i have had conversation about with you before. I have, and did use it on this tree and it is interesting how it turned out. It is clear to me now that different wood absorbs differently and i reckon i would have to mix it 50/50 on this one to get the impression i want, and you are describing. Have you experimented and come up with a mixing proportion that is just right Maybe burning it to may get the desired effect. What think you. i love unknown territory.

[Pup]

Thanks for the input Pup. I to, was inspired by the oak in Peter Chan's " Bonsai Masterclass" and the Chinese Elm? he was growing to imitate it. I have seen quite a few deciduous trees that are hollow and craggy. I think "Coprosma" comes under the semi deciduous title. Now, on to the India Ink, which i have had conversation about with you before. I have, and did use it on this tree and it is interesting how it turned out. It is clear to me now that different wood absorbs differently and i reckon i would have to mix it 50/50 on this one to get the impression i want, and you are describing. Have you experimented and come up with a mixing proportion that is just right Maybe burning it to may get the desired effect. What think you. i love unknown territory.

Burning would be an option mate, BUT carefully cover the foliage with damp rags, as for the right mix I have found, that because I use Sumi ink you need very little like an eye dropper in 100 mls, and that is almost black. So I think really it is trial and error.

Glad you like the Oak, as I have been inside it

Cheers Pup

[daiviet_nguyen]

Hi bodhidharma,

I like this tree very much, I have a few myself, although they are small ones.

Over the years, I have observed that, with this one, the more we cut, the more it seems to shoot, especially after trimming, apply blood and bone. From now till November, I feel that you have plenty of times to get this tree ready.

Does it have berries yet? Please post an update in November

The wood is quite soft, and decay easily. Have you any thoughts on decaying with this tree yet?

Best regards.

[Jester]

Hey Bodhi, as usual, you never fail to disappoint. I love your trees mate and this is no exception. Can't wait to see it wehen the foliage pads get thicker. How soft is the wood when u carve and also, how long did you have to wait for the wood to dry before you applied the lime sulfur?

John

[bodhidharma]

That has been my experience too Daiviet. The more you prune the more it shoots back. Perfect !!! Interesting on the rot as that has not been my experience with them, maybe because i have been carving and treating the tree.

[bodhidharma]

Hey Bodhi, as usual, you never fail to disappoint. I love your trees mate and this is no exception. Can't wait to see it wehen the foliage pads get thicker. How soft is the wood when u carve and also, how long did you have to wait for the wood to dry before you applied the lime sulfur?

John

Hey Jester long time no hear from. You been away or have i been unobservant. It is an easy carve and a dream tree to work on. There should be more of these worked on. I left it for a year but only because i was slack. i usually treat the carving after 6 weeks or so.

[Jester]

Hey mate, no, have just been busy with work. Actually got a job at a wholesale nursery and I'm loving it. Plenty of room to grow bonsai out the back too so i can't complain.

John

[Tony Bebb]

Very nice Bodhi

Patience is a virtue, especially with Bonsai, and I can see why you are eager for the top growth. Wish we had big Coprosma up here so I could have a similar problem.

Best Regards

Tony

[bodhidharma]

Very nice Bodhi

Patience is a virtue, especially with Bonsai, and I can see why you are eager for the top growth. Wish we had big Coprosma up here so I could have a similar problem.

Best Regards

Tony

Thank you Tony. We think we have patience down pat, until we want something to happen. You can see the end result from years of study but you have to WAIT I dont know why we dont see more Coprosma being developed. I have not found a downside yet.

[teamak]

time to dredge up an old topic but, bodhi, wow. what a cracker of a tree! I used to have to cut down mirrorbush as a part of my job, I don't think I've ever seen one look so good How is it doing now?

[bodhidharma]

time to dredge up an old topic but, bodhi, wow. what a cracker of a tree! I used to have to cut down mirrorbush as a part of my job, I don't think I've ever seen one look so good How is it doing now?

Thanks for bringing it up Teamak I have been working on this tree as we speak. The tree had a partial defoliation and a dewire. It grows so fast that you have to defoliate in order to find the wiring you have done It is good to compare its growth in one year. The tree has now got all its branching and secondary's and i am now starting to get to work on its tertiary's. I am waiting patiently for the top branching to grow and fill in the negative space on the crown of the tree (patience, patience, patience.) The carving has been worked on again and now just needs fine tuning work. Give it another three years i reckon