My first attempt at a tanuki/Phoenix so was a bit of make it up as I go and hope for the best kind of project.
When I bought the stock I checked the roots and found a reasonable gap mid way through the roots where water wasn't penetrating, so I lightly untangled the roots and repotted. Then thinned the tree out and left it for a few months.
The stock tree:
Attached to the deadwood:
The deadwood has been soaked in wood hardener. It's a piece of redgum I believe, I've heard that this isn't the best though as it can rot easily, so will be interesting to see how effective the hardener is...
Attached and potted, now to trim and start the preliminary styling
I have two fronts I am considering and the angle will likely change when I have a better base to support it with.
All the lower branching from about 3/4 of the way up are sacrificial and will likely be removed.
First front:
Second front:
I have to some virts to convey my final image.
The first is just to remove the sacrifice branches:
Second is the tree filled out:
For once I'm quite happy with the initial styling and feel like I actually have it on its way to my final goal.
But one thing I am questioning, and I'm hoping some more experienced members will be able to help, should the apex be more involved with the tip of the deadwood? Should it be somewhat emerging from the apex foliage do you think?
Anyway it made it quite a fun and therapeutic weekend. Would love to hear people's comments, criticisms and any guidance.
Thanks for taking the time to look!
