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A Tale of Three Cedars
Posted: April 30th, 2016, 8:05 pm
by Watto
Many years ago now (sometime in the 90's) I was lucky enough to dig three cedars. When I dug these I didn't know anything about successfully digging trees, especially conifers, but they all survived - probably more through good luck than good management. They were all the same - long skinny slanting trunks - but I like them because I dug them.
Over the years I have developed these three in different ways, showing that although trees look similar, with bonsai techniques there are many possibilities.
I will progressively post the three bonsai and I hope that you like at least one of them.
The first is a literati (bunjin) that had a new look today. I do need to get a better pot for it, and hopefully that will happen later this year.
Re: A Tale of Three Cedars
Posted: April 30th, 2016, 8:09 pm
by Watto
The second one was a slanting style, but has been changed to be more of an informal upright. With a bit more work it might be OK.
Re: A Tale of Three Cedars
Posted: April 30th, 2016, 8:14 pm
by Watto
The third is a semi-cascade and is progressing quite well.
Re: A Tale of Three Cedars
Posted: April 30th, 2016, 8:49 pm
by Thymetraveller

Crackin' trees!!!
Re: A Tale of Three Cedars
Posted: May 1st, 2016, 6:32 am
by Lane
I love all three, the direction you have taken them in over time compliments each one of them.
Re: A Tale of Three Cedars
Posted: May 1st, 2016, 7:49 am
by kcpoole
Very nic watto.
Cannot decide betweeen No 2 or 3 my fave,
The Bunjin, have you thought about losing the apex? Keeping only the 1st 3 branches in the apex?
Ken
Re: A Tale of Three Cedars
Posted: May 1st, 2016, 8:39 am
by Watto
Fair go Ken, it took me 3 years to decide if the first branch on the bunjin should go, now you want me to make another decision!
Here is a photo of it a week ago
Re: A Tale of Three Cedars
Posted: May 1st, 2016, 8:57 am
by alpineart
Hi Watto , mate I love cedars , definitely one of my favorites . While I have a few Deodara's in training my Atlantica's are my preferred tree's

. You have done well in a short period , this has inspired me to take a long hard look at mine

when I find the time .
Cheers . Alpine
Re: A Tale of Three Cedars
Posted: May 1st, 2016, 6:40 pm
by Watto
Yep, I'd say they develop slowly but they are worth the time.
Re: A Tale of Three Cedars
Posted: May 1st, 2016, 8:36 pm
by boom64
HI Watto , Well done three good looking trees. "Develop slowly" I have a sacrifice branch on one that is now five times longer than the original tree. Just a little thickening...You have given me encouragement to persevere. Cheers John.
Re: A Tale of Three Cedars
Posted: May 2nd, 2016, 12:10 am
by GavinG
Good decision to lose the first right branch on the Bunjin - it was just too heavy. Works well now. Like Ken, I'd be thinking about lightening the top - maybe open the top layer into two sections, and losing the little left branch in the middle? Nice pot, by the way, works well.
And it's really good to see the before and after shots, so it's easy to see why you make the decisions. I always think about the photo just after I've figured something out by cutting something off...
As Pup famously says, Bugger!
Thanks for posting,
Gavin
Re: A Tale of Three Cedars
Posted: May 2nd, 2016, 5:55 am
by Watto
Thanks John, I find that these are slow to thicken in the trunk once in a pot.
Gavin I suffer the same with taking photos - sometimes I remember, and sometimes I forget.
Re: A Tale of Three Cedars
Posted: May 2nd, 2016, 8:08 pm
by Watto
Not sure about the pot Gavin but unfortunately my favorite PK pot got busted, so I am on the lookout for a new one.