Profile of a Banksia (2nd prize in recent comp)

[Gary Bee]

Marleney, I too have seen a truly magnificent Banksia in the Sutherlkand area during the Illawarra Club show a few years back.
It just took my breath away and on enquiry was told it was a very famous specimen - Grant Bowie's tree.
If Grant reads this I can only compliment him on one of the finest banksias in the Bonsai world.

Dave this is not to say that your tree is not exceptional, geeze! I am one of those who can't keep em alive so this thread has been extremely beneficial to me. Can I rate your tree as number 2 in the world? Truly magnificent! How come it only won 2nd place at that recent show?......no we won't go there......I enjoyed your yarn and am prompted now to get a copy of your book.
Regards
Tmaster <](:-))

[Dave54]

Hi T.
mate you can rate my tree however you wish. My bonsai are developed for me to enjoy and I am flattered that others like my work.
Rated 2 or 1002 doesn't matter especially as I know that Grant has spectacular trees, however, I have seen his Integrifolia and not had the pleasure of viewing his Serrata. I must ask him to post a photo if he doen't mind. On the other hand I might get him to PM it as we don't want to get into a competition within this forum
cheers and thanks for the kind comments
dave

[Grant Bowie]

After my move to Canberra I don't have a major Serrata at the moment but I am in the market for some good nursery stock or bonsai Serrata while I am growing on one of my own.

The best Serrata, of a formal bonsai style, I have seen unfortunately died a few years ago for unknown reasons; posibbly borer according the then owner.

It had been grown by Kerry Anderson(sadly now deceased) in Melbourne and had the tiniest leaves I had ever seen on a B serrata, and the biggest, fullest most formal branch arrangement I also had ever seen. It did lack the free and easy nature of the serrat but an impressive tree none the less.

One interesting thing was that after a talk by me on Banksia a few years previously he decided to fertilise heavilly and the trunk size doubled within a few years he said.

Love your tree. Its a little beauty

Grant

[Steven]

Bumping due to the recent interest in Banksia. I understand this tree has changed hands to another forum member. Any chance on an update?

Regards,
Steven

[Edward Scissorhand]

Bumping due to the recent interest in Banksia. I understand this tree has changed hands to another forum member. Any chance on an update?

Regards,
Steven

Steven, the tree was attacked by borers. The canopy slowly lost vigour and died after a few months of arrival in Sydney. The trunk has alot of holes now (some very very deep ones unfortunately) due to the borers. Initially I killed off a small number of ringbarking borers very well camouflaged, but then I noticed some deep ones inside the trunk. I dont think theres any borers left as I kept my eyes on it for months. Ive put it in a larger training pot and its doing well with lots of new inner buds. Im hoping for a chance bud to start rebuilding a canopy. I will let it grow freely for another year of two, with limited pruning. So all is good!

[kcpoole]

Now that is a pity Edward, but good to hear it is on the mend.
Do you know why the borers got in? What attracted them to it?

Ken

[Edward Scissorhand]

Now that is a pity Edward, but good to hear it is on the mend.
Do you know why the borers got in? What attracted them to it?

Ken

Hi Ken, I really don't know what attracts these insect borers. I live in suburban Sydney but the tree was attacked when it was living on the Central Coast. Could be any number of reasons, but these things happen when it comes to mother nature. One of the nice things I've learnt over the years regarding Bonsai is that it teaches you to accept change and to deal with it. I've made my peace with mother nature years ago, so change isnt a big issue with me. I think its the journey that counts the most. And so continues the life journey of this lovely banksia albeit a rough patch with the lost canopy and a few deep holes. I guess I will take pictures sometime so people can enjoy its journey, just need to find space to move the tree to so I can take proper pics.

[Steven]

Thanks for the update Edward. Looking forward to see a picture if you can.

Regards,
Steven

[anttal63]

Now that is a pity Edward, but good to hear it is on the mend.
Do you know why the borers got in? What attracted them to it?

Ken

Hi Ken, I really don't know what attracts these insect borers. I live in suburban Sydney but the tree was attacked when it was living on the Central Coast. Could be any number of reasons, but these things happen when it comes to mother nature. One of the nice things I've learnt over the years regarding Bonsai is that it teaches you to accept change and to deal with it. I've made my peace with mother nature years ago, so change isnt a big issue with me. I think its the journey that counts the most. And so continues the life journey of this lovely banksia albeit a rough patch with the lost canopy and a few deep holes. I guess I will take pictures sometime so people can enjoy its journey, just need to find space to move the tree to so I can take proper pics.

You're a soldier ED !!! I too look forward to seeing this beast again !!!

[Edward Scissorhand]

Hi Steve, Ken and Ant,

Sorry for the quality of the photography. The tree is abit heavy to move. The growing pot that it is currently in, is twice the size of the last pot. Im letting it grow vigorously, for another year or two, just leaf cutting to get light inside the tree at this stage.

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DSC00952.JPG

Last pic is the work of borers. Theres actually a very large hole on the side which isnt visible from the photos. I had to chisel deeply to get the grub out.

[Paul W]

Great to see it is coming good,what a beautiful tree bloody grubs Just of interest are those confidore tablets any good as a preventative against all those sort of critters.

[witchstreet]

Your Banksia is looking good. It is recovering well. I'm glad that you have repotted it and letting it get it's vigour back.
What a magnificent native! Well done!

[kcpoole]

Lovely and thanks for the update.
looking nice and healthy now

Ken