Trident Maple Layered raft

[alpineart]

This was taken as a layer in December 2008 ,

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It too has been neglected and has suffered die back . While the original tree was one of my first 2 man tree's i regret not keeping it as the original broom . It is very reluctant to back bud on the 18 or so year old trunk but persistance has paid of with a new shoot on the main trunk .

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I think this need a bit of nurturing to help it along the way .As with a lot of material here its growing but only just , so some serious work is required .

Cheers Alpineart

[lacertilian]

Hi Alpine,
I like this setting alot, I wish I had one similar to play with.
Where do you get your trays/slabs/flat planting structures (I don't know what they're called ) from?
Do you; use your skills to make them, find them locally or buy them from somewhere?
Thanks for showing!

[alpineart]

Hi Lacertilian , mate i collect from anywhere and everywhere , rarely do i purchase materials as this defeats the purpose of "The Hunt" for the unique piece .I bring home a rock or two every time i go out for a drive to the river or into the hills .I first check that no wild life will be uncovered or harmed , if it has a critters home underneath then it is NOT taken and i look else where If i don't use them for bonsai i fill up holes in the garden .

They granite slab was found on a farm in Avenel Victoria the rest were sourced around here with the moss and lichen attached . I was probably throttling through the hills on the bike , way back when i did this and came across moss covered rocks on the fire breaks . I arrange to rocks to suit the trunks and to create a natural looking effect , or as natural as a man can . Sometimes i get out there and manufacture false rocks depending on what i'm actually after .

This needs a lot of work and a good feed to get some serious lower down growth happening .

Cheers Alpine

[lacertilian]

Glad to hear you don't disturb habitat too much during your quests for these awesome slabs!
All the rocks I can find locally are sandstone, that is too soft/fragile for this type of use though, right
Thanks Alpine

[alpineart]

Glad to hear you don't disturb habitat too much during your quests for these awesome slabs!
All the rocks I can find locally are sandstone, that is too soft/fragile for this type of use though, right
Thanks Alpine

Hi lacertilian , mate some sandstone is quite solid . If it tends to be the weaker type it can always be adhered to a sheet of villa board using glue or render , then the added outcrops can themselves be glued or rendered to the main piece . Can't always get what you want , but you can utilize what you have .

Cheers Alpine