AusBonsai

I'm not sure if this is more bonsai, penjing or hon non bo but I don't think it matters.
I just love it and should have known it would eventually inspire my next project.

so, I was out buying pots when I saw this suiban (water tray) and couldn't resist

the stone blocks are granite, from Masters, 400 x 200 x 200' $35 each

this setup is only temporary. The next stage will be to lay a concrete slab under it.

I also need to decide what to put between the suiban and the blocks for appearance and to cushion the eventual load.

Any and all constructive comments on this project will be much appreciated.

and these are the three main trees to be used

all ficus retusa, sourced indirectly from the same owner

all in development as bonsai but to be now sacrificed to this more noble project

Amazing stock, I'm sure it will turn out to be a beautiful feature in your garden.
Looking forward to seeing more photos of its progress

Anthony

Looking well forward to the outcome of this project.

Please do keep us posted.

Regards,
Mo

okay, the big fig day has arrived
well, tomorrow actually

three big Retusas, all Root Over Rock, will be going into a metre long suiban
the final result to look as either a single tree or three trees that belong together

suiban is clean and level
it sits with three paths past it so it will have to look good from all sides
no front or back

supplies have been gather
lunch is organised
team has been organised

more photos to follow

Well the spiced lamb and cucumber salad was absolutely delicious, the garden impressive and the company wasn't bad either
I had to leave before the setting was complete and only have a small picture sent to me via text so I'm looking forward to the update. This setting is destined for greatness!

Regards,
Steven

As Step One Lee recommended leaf pruning of all three trees. It's a good idea to leaf prune at this time of year anyway but it turned out to be essential for this project. It meant we could better see what the trunks and branches looked like and how they fitted together.So, first lesson learned, trim off all the leaves.
Then we experimented with various placement options. We didn't worry too much about branches. We just wanted to get the rocks, trunks and roots working together, if not as one tree, then as three trees that belonged together.
Input from an experienced team was beneficial as always.
We came up with this as the preferred option. Everyone liked the negative space or void in this layout.
Then we washed off all the soil from the trees.
A gravel bed was laid on the suiban with a layer of muck on top. The trees were placed into position on top of this muck layer, the roots were carefully spread out and then more much was pushed into and around the roots. Moss was them applied to the muck.Small rocks were used to support the trees and add interest.
It was someone's idea to use strong string to tie and hold it all together. Laurie knew how to tie a knot (no-one else did!) and it worked really well. We were conscious the whole time that the setting had to "look good" from all directions. This is a view from what could be termed the "back" showing the string holding it all in place.
The finished product - well at least for now. With thanks to The Team - John, Lee, Laurie and Steven.

Looks good but your pictures are too small to see any detail. Any chance of posting some larger pics?

Hi all,

Pretty good landscape that! Just one question- what is Ho Non Bo?

Cheers,

Brad75.

That is legendary. I love the trees and the placement. Agree, some larger pics would good to see more detail. This is going to be epic.

Josh.

Wow!

I concur we need sharper, larger photo's!

Thanks!

okay
some more random photos from this undertaking
all larger and better quality

Impressive

Regards,

Peter

Niceeeeeeeeeee!