AusBonsai

Here is my Picea Abies. I have had this tree since about 1991 so it has been with me for a number of years.

I'm posting this now as the Albury Wodonga Bonsai Society is having a workshop on August 13, 2016 with Grant Bowie. I'm really looking forward to it.

I understand that these trees are like rubber bands and take a long time for wiring to set, however this tree has some potential (in my eyes anyway) so have to give it a go!

It really hasn't had any considered styling over its journey and I'm at a loss as to what to do with it.

First pic is from 1992. The ones that follow are from earlier this year from many different angles.

I'll post updates following the workshop.


1991















Theo

I think that is some form of Picea glauca Theo and I like it!

I LOVE how you haven't forced down branches. Don't let anyone do it! I would like to see the internal branch structure more..

Thanks Treeman

Internal structure is a little difficult. Here are two photos fresh from the lens!

Lots of branching in there and there is some back budding too. Just need to find the best ones!

I'm sure I'll be in good hands with Grant!





Can you tell I have the day off.

Theo

It could be really special. I would be inclined to form it like this.
Most of the branches still ascending from the trunk and coming out to almost the horizontal.

Thanks Treeman

I agree. I think it has potential and I like your thoughts on it.

It's one of my very first trees so it is pretty special to me.

Theo

I don't have many exotics but I do have 1 Picea. Ray Nesci gave me the exact same advice which was not to bend the branches down, and to have them coming up and out.

So my neglect has finally paid off woohooo!

Great tree Leo! Look forward to the post workshop pics.

Mike/Rory - the advice not to bring the branches down, is that applying to all Piceas? I have zero experience with Spruces so I'm assuming that's the natural growth habit?

Matt.

Thanks Matt

And it's Theo with a Th.

I get Leo a lot, but not generally on forums! Lol

Sorry mate, I'll blame autocorrect..

Spell my name with one 'T' if it makes you feel better!

All good mate!

Matt S wrote:Great tree Leo! Look forward to the post workshop pics.

Mike/Rory - the advice not to bring the branches down, is that applying to all Piceas? I have zero experience with Spruces so I'm assuming that's the natural growth habit?

Matt.

No. Things like P abies, P.glenhii, and any others which naturally have naturally horizontal or below type branches I think should be encouraged that way but to my mind it would be wrong to force this one completely against it's natural habit. The result would look contrived.
I can imagine that doing this may take 3 - 4 days of wiring and trimming. But If something's worth doing.....

Well it has been a while since the workshop, where I got a little bit done. Over the ensuing weeks I have continued to prune and wire this one into some sort of shape.

It still has a very long way to go but it's growing strongly which is a good thing.

Major wiring done, won't worry too much about detailed wiring just yet. Pic doesn't really tell a story, but it's the best I'm capable of with the iPad!

Comments always welcome.



Theo

Looking really good Theo, love it
Cheers
Kirky

wow thats looking so much better now with the wiring i can see the vision for this now its going to be a wonderful tree