Meet Mr Chunky..Ulmus procera.

bodhidharma · Post by **bodhidharma** » January 25th, 2013, 11:21 am

This is my weekend project. Taming Mr chunky. I have been working on this tree for a while now (collected 2005)and this is its second year in a Bonsai tray. I have let it grow and it has given me good branching and quite a few new ones. It is also now ready to start wiring secondary's. No Tertiary branching yet but it will produce these in the next two growing seasons. I have been letting its main branching grow then pulling them into place and then cutting back to the stub. I have found that this gives you a decent sized branch at the trunk to work with. This will be its first major wiring job. keep you posted but dont hold your breath. I will have a glass of the size comparison when it is done

Graeme · Post by **Graeme** » January 25th, 2013, 11:30 am

That's an interesting 'Mini' you have got yourself there mate. Wouldn't mind sitting in the corner and watching you wire the wee'un - oh yes and then helping you with a glass or two of the size comparison as well.

Bretts · Post by **Bretts** » January 25th, 2013, 11:47 am

Your just teasing now Bodi

Pup · Post by **Pup** » January 25th, 2013, 12:01 pm

Bohdi, that is one fine looking match. A good tree and a damn fine dram. If I was able, I would share in the work load, of both wiring and emptying.

Happy Stralia Day

Oi Oi Oi

Cheers

Pup

lackhand · Post by **lackhand** » January 25th, 2013, 12:50 pm

Bodhi you have some truly amazing material you're working with. Look forward to seeing what the weekend brings for this one. A fine Australia Day project indeed.

hugh grant · Post by **hugh grant** » January 25th, 2013, 1:30 pm

Agreed, always love the material you work on!

Hugh

jezz_39 · Post by **jezz_39** » January 25th, 2013, 2:56 pm

Remember to post the updates after the FIRST glass

Really nice material, would love to get my inexperienced itchy fingers on material like this!

bodhidharma · Post by **bodhidharma** » January 25th, 2013, 4:56 pm

O.K...Chivas in one hand and posting with the other. Thanks all for acknowledging this humble Bonsai'ist. Makes me feel i am not alone with my Bonsai lust. I was presented with a few problems wiring up this tree today and problem solved on the run. I used a lot of brass eyelets to anchor the wire as fixing points were scarce. The tree needs a few negative spaces filled but other than that it turned out not to bad. Anyway i will put up the piccy's as i have to water (with Chivas in hand) feed back welcome and discussion appreciated.

jezz_39 · Post by **jezz_39** » January 25th, 2013, 5:13 pm

Im liking this, Bodhi!
I know when this is in leaf, and a bit more branch placement, it will be powerful tree, but at the moment the reverse taper is taking my attention. There is already a nice bit of carving, perhaps a split and hollow through the middle?? The issue doesnt seem as prevalent from the back view but I feel it detracts from the overall image and through a bit of carving not only will it elimate the reverse taper, but introduce some nice movement in the top section.

Is it safe to do any more work today or is the Chivas starting to take charge?

Meagi · Post by **Meagi** » January 25th, 2013, 5:33 pm

Hey bodhi
Just when I thought I sniffed out every EE you have
I'm surprised yet again stunning mate .
Don't think I've seen this one
Look forward to my monthly visit as always
This and others should be looking even better by then .

Cheers

bodhidharma · Post by **bodhidharma** » January 25th, 2013, 6:37 pm

jezz_39 wrote:Im liking this, Bodhi!
I know when this is in leaf, and a bit more branch placement, it will be powerful tree, but at the moment the reverse taper is taking my attention. There is already a nice bit of carving, perhaps a split and hollow through the middle?? The issue doesnt seem as prevalent from the back view but I feel it detracts from the overall image and through a bit of carving not only will it elimate the reverse taper, but introduce some nice movement in the top section.

Hey Jezz, The lower branch, once grown, will take care of that issue if i go that way. It is an evolving tree and carving (you must be physic) Is planned and the tree will be opened up at the front and hollowed out. It might sell in the meantime though.

Meagi wrote: by Meagi » 58 minutes ago
Hey bodhi
Just when I thought I sniffed out every EE you have
I'm surprised yet again stunning mate

Yes, i am a little sneaky that way. I leave them that full of foliage they just blend into the background.

jezz_39 · Post by **jezz_39** » January 25th, 2013, 7:15 pm

Ive been searching for English Elm and been thoroughly disappointed. Perhaps this is due to the fact they dont grow too well up here?
Ive been fascinated by them for quite some time though, and would love to have such a specimen in my care.
Definitely looking forward to where you take this tree, and its pleasing to think im somewhat on the right track with regards to styling

Again, thanks for sharing. I'm looking forward to the day I have some large stock to work with

Bretts · Post by **Bretts** » January 25th, 2013, 7:49 pm

Looks fantastic Bodi, I do not see reverse taper as an issue myself. For such a sturt tree it has nice movement. Maybe carving into the stump on the right could make it better but I like just as is

Pup · Post by **Pup** » January 25th, 2013, 7:58 pm

I like Brett and yourself see no issue with the trunk line, on such a stout tree it is no big deal, and as you have pointed out, when the left lower branch fills out it will disappear. Also carving is an option.
If I was allowed I would put it on my bench any time.

Like it cheers mate, I have run out of Kilkenny with this hot weather

Pup

bodhidharma · Post by **bodhidharma** » August 26th, 2013, 2:59 pm

I got this guy a new pot to make it look larger again. I needed its pot for a picea group am planning. This pot is very collectable and cost me an arm and a leg and i had to pawn the Wife. But worth it.

AusBonsai