Tiger Bark Ficus (My Learning Tree)
Posted: July 18th, 2013, 12:46 pm
I got this Tiger Bark Ficus in 2006 when I did a beginners bonsai class at Defined Bonsai. This was the first tree we did so I think it was mainly to introduce us to the basics especially wiring. I never did think much of it so it just sat there for a couple of years. I have since used this as a tree to learn new things as I didn't care to much about it I just did it, figured it is ugly now so if it doesn't work or dies then I am no worse off. Each step of the way has been a great learning tool and has convinced me to be a bit more aggressive with my other trees.
I am now looking forward to developing more ramification, building a good apex, and getting the branch length balance right (needs a little longer middle branch on the right hand side). I plan on keeping this tree smaller for a few years at least, it is currently 20cm tall from the base.
As a beginner I would say the best piece of advice I could hand on to other beginners is to give it a go. If your tree doesn't quite look right or there is an obvious error then you will have to do something about it, it will not fix itself.
I am now looking forward to developing more ramification, building a good apex, and getting the branch length balance right (needs a little longer middle branch on the right hand side). I plan on keeping this tree smaller for a few years at least, it is currently 20cm tall from the base.
As a beginner I would say the best piece of advice I could hand on to other beginners is to give it a go. If your tree doesn't quite look right or there is an obvious error then you will have to do something about it, it will not fix itself.
