AusBonsai

Here are some pics of an unknown Melaleuca species (identification would be appreciated)that I dug from clay based swamp land that is being cleared and drained for housing. The land had been cleared (bulldozed) 18 months ago and left untouched. Clumps of these sprung up everywhere. It has recently been slashed again but there are still some mels hiding amongst the piles of timber. This one was recovered in may this year along with several others. Unfortunately the survival rate of the initial dig was not good. Maybe to cold coming into winter. Last Saturday I repatriated another 5 clumps and all but one seems to be ok. It still has some heavy clay close to the base of each trunk but most of the soil has been replaced with a free draining mix with osmocote and dynamic lifter mixed in. Since it came from swamp land it has been in a water tray from day one and gets plenty of dynamic lifter on the soil surface. It sits in full sun all day. It is 60cm at its widest point and 50cm high from soil level. There is lots to do but I am getting a lot of pleasure from this already and look forward to its progress. It grows like mad.
Please feel free to comment on care and design as you see fit.

Great score. Hope it holds up for you and grows well. Looking forward to progression photos.

I wonder if this is M alternifolia?

Just over a year now since I dug this clump up. I think it is coming on nicely considering it only gets a good feed, trimming and the odd wire.

Terry

terry that's looking very healthy!!
you must be doing something right

looking forward to its progression

cheers
matt

Looking good mate. Would you mind posting a slightly bigger photo?. So we can enjoy it even more.

Well done.
Coming along very nicely.
I concur that I'd like to see a larger and clearer photo!

Here are a few from different angles.

Terry

Top stuff Terry.

I'm really liking your work here..
Will be a little beauty as time evolves.

Really nice! And healthy as too

Hugh

Hello there,
I like the work you have done. From the earlier pics, my eye was drawn to the two main trunks sweeping towards each other. THe later pictures have improved on this but still has the tallest one seeming to fight the direction of the rest. I think the orientation of the last pic you put up had the composition in a more harmonious state.

ANyway, just my viewpoint. thanks for posting for us.

AG

Grouse clump!

Seems to be very happy with itself. Are you using a lot of Dynamic Lifter? I've avoided using it on natives but these guys are obviously loving it!

Also have you removed the clay from the original repot? I recently got some very disappointing root development leaving a Mel in the clay it came out of the ground with.

Thanks everyone for the encouragement.

AGarcia- I haven't really chosen a front view yet. I think it may have several good viewing points. Its a wild clump, so I have to work with what I have. The tallest trunk is very straight when viewed from some angles and I may look at bending it to fit with the others. Time and its growth will tell me.

Steve B - All the clay has now been removed (although I did lose a few branches, growth and health have increased since it was potted into a free draining mix. It sits in a water tray during the hottest months and I water daily for the remainder. I give it a good handful of dynamic lifter in spring at the first sign of growth, and then another handful at the end of summer. Also some slow release in the mix.

Terry

This afternoon I thinned out the branch pads and gave this Mel a general clean up.

Looking great Terry!
Cheers, Dario.