AusBonsai

I am starting on my Pines and this Mugo has, maybe, reached its final style design. It has come a long way and has had many decisions made on it regarding styling. Its branching and apex are complete and now i can work on its ramification and refinement. I do the major work on about this time of year and, so far, has not missed a beat. As i get older and a little more experienced my trees are becoming more minimalistic. It is interesting how a style grows over time and your first vision is never the same in hindsight.

I have watched this tree progress and think that the changes in the last year are a huge improvement. I know that the major bend was a worry but the results far outweigh the risks, nice job.

Yes,

Fantastic tree.

It really has come along way and reminds me that sometimes "less is more".

If I can constructively say that the jin / knob on the left hand side is a little dubious?
It has also occurred to me that this may be a work in progress.

Thanks for sharing.

Gerard wrote: I know that the major bend was a worry but the results far outweigh the risks, nice job.

Thanks Mate

Boics wrote:If I can constructively say that the jin / knob on the left hand side is a little dubious?
It has also occurred to me that this may be a work in progress.

Mainly left to pull the hanging branch further in and will probably go, we will see. Thanks for the encouragement.

I would not get rid of the jin Bodhi. Perhaps just the thicker end of the fork. I think it balances the tree nicely. You could incorporate a bit of shari into it to accentuate the trunk movement.

Cheers,

Andrew

Good strong design. thanks for posting.

Gavin

Hi Bodhi, I quite like what you have done here. Two things I would do if it were mine would be to lose the upper branch, to me it masks the pleasing trunk curve at the top of the tree and a lighter canopy, I think, would suit the diameter of this trunk a little more than a larger foliage mass. Secondly, I would resist the urge to have the apex come back in towards the trunk, to me, all of the flow is going to the right with this tree, I think that if the apex headed towards the trunk for a time as it does, then resolved itself to the right, both with it's terminal and by having the majority of foliage to the right side of the trunk, a more interesting and balance tree would result.

But as they often yell from the cheap seats: Just my

Cheers,
Mojo

Andrew Legg wrote:I would not get rid of the jin Bodhi. Perhaps just the thicker end of the fork. I think it balances the tree nicely.

I also have a couple of branches on the other side to be jinn'ed and that will help balance it.

GavinG wrote:Good strong design. thanks for posting.

Good on ya Gavin.

Mojo Moyogi wrote: Two things I would do if it were mine would be to lose the upper branch,

It will go Moj but it has been left there to strengthen the bend as it has a quite severe crack at that point. The tree is still in bending phase so it can stay for a while longer.

Mojo Moyogi wrote:. Secondly, I would resist the urge to have the apex come back in towards the trunk, to me, all of the flow is going to the right with this tree, I think that if the apex headed towards the trunk for a time as it does, then resolved itself to the right, both with it's terminal and by having the majority of foliage to the right side of the trunk, a more interesting and balance tree would result.

Agreed, and i think this tree will have a lot more changing as it progress's. At this stage i am happy it has survived as i am getting more aggressive with my styling as i get older.

After the last Mugo experience (dead) i have worked this one more gently. A dewire and old Raffia removed and a needle prune. That will be it for this tree as it recovers and i plan my next move on it. All in all a pleasing result so far and establishing in my mind that an ordinary tree can become more pleasing with a little effort.

Great development on this tree. It is turning out to be a masterpiece, given a few more years. But definately on its way. Very good work.

From a""Bushy Start"" to the final picture.
There's the very reason I love the art of bonsai.
This must have been a satisfying project for you Bodhi.
Cheers.......Brian