AusBonsai

Luke308 wrote:What was used instead of raffia on the first right branch that was bent down? Is that electrical tape or self amalgamating tape? Or something entirely different

Rubber bicycle tube. The use of it is covered fairly comprehensively elsewhere so I won't repeat it here. Just be careful not to use it on really old flaky bark,

Grant

Can't wait to see this one finished... It will look brilliant with the top done

Update.

December 2013

Wired, shaped, candle cut, needle plucked and budding back like crazy.
Grant

Hi Grant,
That is coming up a treat.

Regards Ray

Is it candle cutting time again?

now that is some nice taper----a special tree

And it would now be about 24 or 25 years old.

grant

Update.

Japanese Black Pine 3 after wiring, candle growth , candle pruning, needle pulling and about 4 weeks growth.
Grant

Looking good Grant.

How do you address the multiple buds that have come from the candle pruning?

Do you remove some of the buds now and leave two? or do you let them grow up until a point and them remove them?

Scott Roxburgh wrote:Looking good Grant.

How do you address the multiple buds that have come from the candle pruning?

Do you remove some of the buds now and leave two? or do you let them grow up until a point and them remove them?

Excellent question Scott and I believe there are 88 ways to address this matter; or at least 2 anyhow.

1.One method. Thin out now and select the buds back to 2 all over the tree with slightly bigger buds at the bottom of the tree and slightly smaller buds at the apex. That should result in even growth all over.

2. Another method. Allow all the buds to grow and elongate and select the growth in autumn. You could keep slightly stronger growth at the bottom of the tree and slightly smaller at the apex; or alternately keep it dead even all over the tree.

Each method will eventually produce the same result but each method is suitable for trees at different stages and ages.

I would use the first method on older trees that are already well budded and the latter method on younger trees.

There can be a lot more involved than what I have just said above but it is a good start.

Grant

This is a tree that is very inspiring. Fantastic work Grant!

Update.

New needles starting to emerge and filling out.
Grant

This has to be one of my favourite pines...it will inspire me to try to grow some pines from seed and also try some pines!

A majestic tree, with your great passion and skill to get there,well done Grant.
Anthony

Update
New growth just starting to elongate now.