AusBonsai

I had this chinese elm growing in a plastic pot for quite a few years and really did not know what to do with it. So about four years ago I gave it a good cut and planted it into a bonsai pot, with the idea of creating a shohin. Last year I decided that it was time for the next step and again gave it a good trim and altered the planting angle.
The photos below are from 2011.

In August 2011 I planted it into a Pat Kennedy pot but slackness prevented me from taking a photo.
I wasn't quite happy with the look and so this year I took this tree for some advice from experienced bonsai artists when I visited Bonsai by the Harbour.
Today was the day to put that advice into action and the following photos show its progression.

Nice job,

It looks a totally different tree from that angle.

grant

Brilliant.. Will be watching this one!

Looking good Wato. Have you got plans for bringing the bottom two branches forward? Unless I'm mistaken, it looks to me like they are moving backwards. . . .

Cheers,

Andrew

Thanks for the kind comments.
The first branch is going backwards and is a bit too short and think to bend properly, so my intention is to let that branch grow a bit and then cut it so the new tip of that branch is in a better position and coming towards the viewer more.
The second branch goes both ways as it acts as the back branch as well at the moment so I will need to also do a bit of work on it.
I am quite pleased with these results in 18 months and hope it continues to progress successfully over the coming years.

I hope you all noticed that the standard measuring device was unopened!!!!!!!!

I hope you wont hate me for this watto but the 3rd last picture labelled "old front before trim and repot" tells a much more interesting story then the new front in my opinion. It seems more natural and tortured.

Squizz

squizzy wrote:I hope you wont hate me for this watto but the 3rd last picture labelled "old front before trim and repot" tells a much more interesting story then the new front in my opinion. It seems more natural and tortured.

Squizz

I don't disagree, I love the look. Each to his own I guess

Your not off the Christmas card list Squizz, but its getting close!!!!
Just joking. I have many trees (mostly dug from somewhere) that show the struggles of life, but in this tree I was looking for refined and elegant.
I do however value everyones opinion.

Cheers Watto. I thought I was treading a fine line.

Gee I wish I had enough quality stock to be able to choose like you do. One thing with the direction you are taking. I notice a lot of more experienced people have trees on here with branches that angle slightly up where I always try to have mine flat or slightly angled down. What is more desirable?

Ps. I still like the new direction you are taking the tree.

Squizz

Squizz - the "general rule" is that conifers point down, and deciduous point slightly up. But its just a general guide as each tree will dictate to a certain extent which direction is prefered.

Thanks Watto

I didn't know that. It makes sense now why I see so many branches pointing slightly up

Squizz