AusBonsai

hi All
i have never worked with Australian natives before so here it is. I picked this melaleuca up from the nursery the other day and thought i would have a go
Tree as i got it.
Halfway there.
There we have it.


please let me know what you think.

Andrew

Hi Andrew,
Your tree looks nice but if I were you I would try to get a few curves into the branches as to my eye they look a little straight and young against the trunk which has lovely soft curves. I once had some lovely linariifolia bonsai but when I moved to this coolish place they really objected. You have picked a great species for your first foray into native bonsai they make really beautiful trees and as they age the bark gets more and more impressive.
Craig

Thanks for the advise Craig.

I find the branches very brittle on this tree is that standard for melaleuca or is this just a dry nursery stock tree ?


Andrew

Hi Andrew,
They snap very easily. One trick is to dry the tree right out before wiring and you will find the branches move more easily. Also worth noting these trees will shoot where ever you cut them so you could achieve some movement that way. If you could get Pups attention he is a melaleuca expert and might have some very good advice for you
Craig