Japanese Red Pine

Post by **NBPCA** » March 5th, 2014, 1:24 pm

Hi Everyone

We have done quite a lot of intensive work on our pines here at the Collection over the last year.
We have been trying very hard to get some structure into our trees and to reduce our needle size as much as possible.

Here is the transformation of a red pine that is on loan over a peiod of about 2 years - 2012 till 2014.

Red Pine 2012.jpg

Red Pine 2014.jpg

Cheers
Leigh

bamboos · Post by **bamboos** » March 5th, 2014, 1:38 pm

Hi Leigh
Wow what a difference that is indeed a transformation !!
Steve

Scott Roxburgh · Post by **Scott Roxburgh** » March 5th, 2014, 2:07 pm

Awesome transformation, what time this year was this one decandled?

ric · Post by **ric** » March 5th, 2014, 2:24 pm

Thanks Leigh, I hope you get a chance to do a 360 degree of this one. I feel it may have lost some of the character of a tree ,in becoming a stylised "bonsai"
but an awesome amount of work
Cheers
Ric

Post by **NBPCA** » March 5th, 2014, 2:26 pm

Thanks guys.

This one was decandled on 19 November 2013.

Ric, you haven't lost any character at all. The character of this tree will show up in the 360 (I just need to prep up a new turntable with the right compass points for the images to be taken).

Leigh

Josh · Post by **Josh** » March 5th, 2014, 2:28 pm

What a difference in 2 years. Hard to believe it's the same tree, wish mine looked that different in 2 years

What an amazing job you have done with it. As mentioned, a 360 shot would be awesome. One day I'll make it up there to have a look.

Josh

Rory · Post by **Rory** » March 5th, 2014, 2:41 pm

Interesting discussion. I would have to say, that looking at those 2 pictures, I much prefer the first picture, as it looks a lot more natural. There is something.... hard to put in words.... 'unnatural' about the 2nd picture I don't like. But everyone is entitled to their opinion.

MoGanic · Post by **MoGanic** » March 5th, 2014, 2:50 pm

I agree that the second pic looks less natural, but I think it has more to do with the fact that there looks to be too much foliage on the tree over all and this isnt balancing well with the trunk (i.e the trunk is less of a feature as a result).

A beautiful tree nonetheless.

If I may be so bold as to offer my critique however, I would suggest bringing the apex lower to almost close the gap between the apex and the two pads directly beneath it.
I would also strongly consider removing some of the lower pads to lessen the weight of the canopy.

Again, still a wonderful and very high quality tree.

Regards,
Mo

deepeetee · Post by **deepeetee** » March 5th, 2014, 2:51 pm

Massive Transformation in 2 years

Must say i have a similar feeling as bonsaibuddyman

Looking forward to the 360

Dave

Brad75 · Post by **Brad75** » March 5th, 2014, 3:08 pm

Hi Leigh,

That tree looks like one from the Classic Bonsai of Japan book. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Cheers,

Brad.

Isitangus · Post by **Isitangus** » March 5th, 2014, 3:13 pm

Wow what an amazing transformation

Scott Roxburgh · Post by **Scott Roxburgh** » March 5th, 2014, 4:24 pm

You have to be kidding me!

Firstly, the staff and volunteers at the NBPCA have done an amazing job getting this tree MUCH healthier than when it first arrived. Secondly, they then gave this tree the chance to be a great bonsai.

A massive effort and sound horticultural practices, that should be applauded.

DavidWilloughby · Post by **DavidWilloughby** » March 5th, 2014, 4:48 pm

Hi Leigh,

There is no two ways about it, the tree has certainly undergone a transformation in the time it has spent at the National Collection as it looks to be in amazing health. As far as the look goes, my preference would lean towards that of the 2012 image only because I like the rugged charm about it but that is just personal preference. I can see where ric (the owner of the tree) is coming from and cannot wait to see it in the flesh.

Scott, I couldn't see how anyone was knocking the work and effort of the staff and volunteers associated with the National Collection just merely making comment on how it looks stylewise.

Cheers

David

EDITED:Syntax/Grammar

Jason · Post by **Jason** » March 5th, 2014, 4:59 pm

Amazing transformation! I actually made a 'phawwww' noise when I saw the second pic

Wow! Thankyou for sharing

GavinG · Post by **GavinG** » March 5th, 2014, 5:21 pm

In the second photo, the foliage levels look very stiffly horizontal underneath, and the dynamic trunk line is obscured by the needles. Seeing the tree in the bark, the foliage pads do not appear to be stiff or clunky, and the trunk is something you appreciate by peering deep within the tree. Just on the evidence of the photos, the reservations may be justified, but in the round it's a much more impressive tree. The change in needle colour is also accurate I believe - the tree is much healthier - and it is difficult to tell from the photo that the needles are smaller. The detail movement in the downward-angled branches is also very impressive in the bark.

I'm not keen on poodle-clipped trees at all, but this tree does not give that impression when you see it. Come and visit, see for yourself!

Gavin

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