First update!
Today this one recieved an initial branch selection. I removed 90% of the branches that will not be used, about 1/2 of the overall foliage. This included most of the long straight branches, while others were left to try keep the tree healthy over winter. I have left all remaining shoots untrimmed until spring to try help maintain the tree's vigour, but eventually the shoots will be much shorter.
From the start I have envisaged a waterswept / windswept design for this one, being planted atop a slab or similar. After first seeing Shibui's waterswept callistemon in person I have wanted one of my own (the photos just do not compare to real life Neil

). I will allow the natural growth to reach up to the light so as the branches continue to grow in the direction I desire naturally until the final potting up, then it will be tilted to the right. On the left there is a number of small dead branches, these will be kept (and probably bleached a little) to show the damaging force which has caused the tree to sweep from left to right.
This one will be cut back when repotted (probably just to a slightly bigger training pot) at the beginning of spring to try induce some back budding in places. The final design I have in mind does not require foliage as far down the trunk as you would expect, but it would still be nice if it were to happen. The main spot I'd love some new shoots is on the lower straight portion of the bottom left branch, below the dead wood I spoke of and preferably at the rear. I plan to continue to fertilize this one at least monthly over winter (if you think either less or more, feel free to share your thoughts). It will then receive a feed much more often over the warmer months, either weekly or fortnightly.
It doesn't look like much right now, but should be coming along nicely in the next 12 months, fingers crossed.
Hope you guys like the plan! It's a great feeling when you can picture exactly where you want it to be in the future. Good luck to everyone else that has entered this year's Shohin Competition, I look forward to your updates.
Cheers,
Pearcy.
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