AusBonsai

Hi Aussie bonsai fans,

I purchased this Banksia about 6 months ago and cut it down from about 7 feet tall to 250mm. I then bare rooted it and chopped about 80% of the roots off, wacked it into a training pot with a 50/50 mix of Debco Bonsai soil and crushed gravel. It has back shot beautifully and the new growth is vigorous and healthy.

I never had a plan for it other than being a bit of an experiment however the texture of the bark has really grown on me and I'd now like to start training it. I just can't decide what to do with it so I'm asking for suggestions please. Any styling ideas or virtuals would be most appreciated!

I'll post 20 Japanese Black Pine seeds to the person who comes up with the best style in a virt

Regards,
Steven

Gidday Steven

I think the first picture is leading me to think that another prune is required to just leave a lower right branch on the outside of the trunk lean then only allow one main leader (apex) to head towards the left. Fairly standard design but with a nice trunk as you have maybe simple and unclutered will serve the tree well. Right Lower branch, left middle branch, 2 back branches for depth and maybe later another right upper branch then a simple low scale apex.
Hope this helps you decide either way. I picture it same angle as the elm below especially the trunk line heading to the right first.
Ignore the lower left branch though. Chat soon Mase
Bonsai at the Bay.

Golden ale... Love it!

Agree the bark is really something. I am just curious how is it possible to hide the "chopping line"?

Could you do something along the lines of a windswept broom style ? (if that is even a style)
From slide c maybe train the branches bake to he right.
Like the ones you see on unprotected ridges or near the coast

It is quite windy today in Sydney so could be a good day to observe

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/36/97458 ... e8.jpg?v=0

I am just curious how is it possible to hide the "chopping line"?

Thats the Art of bonsai azx. A new leader is chosen and the wood is carved back so that as the new leader grows the scar is coverd. Oh hang on is that Craft

My photo software is down at the moment but I would think to pick a leader and go from there? Get out the ruler if you still can't decide

Well heres my idea.

Rather than a sketch or such I offer an observation of Banksia.

You can grow as "Clip and Grow" or in most cases with Banksia "Chop and Grow" or "Hack and Grow". You have completed the first part; ie the cutting, but have not yet had the full effect of the Growing.

Let the top growth grow uncontrolled or only lightly controlled and let Darwinism take over; ie survival of the fittest trunk line.

Thin out the existing shoots at the top and allow 2 or 3 strong ones to become the possible apex. This will mean that where you made the major chop it will heal over very quickly. You can then select in a year or two which way you want to go.

G'day and thanks to everyone who replied!

A special thanks to Antonio and Jezz for the virts! I can't decide who's was best so I will send you both some Pinus thunbergii seeds. Please PM me your postal address and I'll ship them to you right away.
Grant, thanks very much for your observations on Banksia growth/training. It is tried and proven advice like this that is invaluable to us all. You are a great resource to AusBonsai members and Australian bonsai!

Regards,
Steven

JBP SEEDS !!!OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
YOU RIPPA PAL!

Sweet, Thank you soo much! I hope your tree develops well into what ever style you want it to be.

Hey Steven, hows your Banksia coming along?

Anja wrote:Hey Steven, hows your Banksia coming along?

Deceased

I moved it to a sunnier spot about 6 weeks ago which turned out to be where my dogs like to lift their legs. It appears that canine urine and Banksia do not mix!

RIP my trunk chop Banksia.

Steven

Bummer Steven. I have had shocking luck with them - lost a whole heap of starters that I put down to too much P in the fert. I am air layering 2 integs I have growing the garden, but it is very very slow. I'll just keep plugging away at them