Japanese Maple Group 1983-2003

[NBPCA]

The trees for this forest were obtained from different sources, with the smallest raised from cuttings. They were first assembled in 1991 and trained as a group from then on. The order of planting of the various sizes is entirely according to Japanese principles, devised to obtain a natural aspect. Remarkably, this forest was created in Western Australia, considered too hot for maples.

Japanese Maple Group - 2 April 2010-resized.jpg

[Asus101]

I have a maple here in renmark, be it nothing more than a twig.
Im sad to have missed the chance to help repot this group when I was there. Too many missed oppertunities that trip.

[Ellen]

Is the dish oval or round and is it ceramic or stone?

[NBPCA]

Hi Ellen,

This setting is planted on an irregularly shaped piece of stone. I guess, roughly, it would be something close to an oval shape.

Cheers,
Leigh.

[alpineart]

Hi Liegh that shows really nice balance any chance of a pic with an object for size or some overall dimensions .Cheers

[NBPCA]

Hi all,

Today we repotted this group. We started at about 10.30 am and finished at about 3pm.

Some pics to follow.

Grant

[NBPCA]

First all the moss was removed and stored for later use.

Then began the painstaking scraping and probing of the surface. The group had accumulated about an inch/25mm of old soil and fine roots over the original surface roots. This was the first major repot for this group so we wanted to have a good look at what was there and expose the heavy surface roots that were likely to be there.

1 Ken carefully removing acculated soil and root.JPG

Ken has worked a number of times with the original donor Arthur Robinson and so has great empathy for this group and the Beech group that we did yesterday

2 Front shot for scale.JPG

3 Another helper.JPG

Even with three of us working on the group it took about 2 hours.

4 After a couple of hours careful scraping and probing.JPG

5 Nice surface roots.JPG

[NBPCA]

About 80% of the soil was removed so we can lower the whole setting. It had gotten too high over many years, both trees and soil mass.

Originally the group was about 1 meter tall and a bit elongated and wide, so we have been working for the last 3 years at reducing the height and increasing ramification of the branches.

1 Muck Raker.JPG

2 Muck; Clay, Spagnum Moss, Peat and chook poo pellets.JPG

3 New mix added.JPG

4 Kenn, Secret agent for Moss Add.JPG

Everyone has gone home so we will do a pic tomorrow.

Grant

[Scott Roxburgh]

Secret moss add business

Gold!!!

[NBPCA]

Here is the photo of the group after repotting. Notice the smaller root mass and the lowering of the soil level.

The tres now stand about 85cm high instead of the original 100cm. Reticulation will now be allowed to increase the overall height again but over a period of say 5 to 10 years.

Acer palmatum AR 03082011.JPG

Acer palmatum FK 03082011.JPG

[Steven]

Looks much nicer, more settled and stable now it is lower on the slab. I like seeing more of the slab on the RH side too.
Do you leave any gaps in the muck wall or are there any drainage holes in the slab to stop water pooling around the roots?

Thanks for another great installment of 'bonsai adventures at the NBPCA'.

Regards,
Steven

[NBPCA]

Looks much nicer, more settled and stable now it is lower on the slab. I like seeing more of the slab on the RH side too.
Do you leave any gaps in the muck wall or are there any drainage holes in the slab to stop water pooling around the roots?

Thanks for another great installment of 'bonsai adventures at the NBPCA'.

Regards,
Steven

We left 4 gaps in the muck wall. The wall is very porous and not impermeable and is mostly held in place by the moss.

Grant

[Luke308]

Looks amazing!!!!! Excuse my ignorance as I am new to the world of Bonsai, but what is the muck made from? Did you train the trees in a planter box or similar before moving to the slab? I'd like to make my own group planting one day, but have a lot to learn first.
Thanks

[Grant Bowie]

Looks amazing!!!!! Excuse my ignorance as I am new to the world of Bonsai, but what is the muck made from? Did you train the trees in a planter box or similar before moving to the slab? I'd like to make my own group planting one day, but have a lot to learn first.
Thanks

The muck was made from about 50% clay and the rest of Spaghnum moss, Peat Moss and Chicken poo pellets.It was made porous on purpose so that the group does not stayy too wet in winter but will readilly accept water in Summer.

The potting mix is 40% Diatomite, 20% gravel, 20% pine bark nuggets and 20% Coco Peat/coconut Fibre/coir fibre.

The trees went in as seedlings of various ages and it was added to after the original planting.

Grant

[Luke308]

Thanks Grant, very helpful.
I've never heard of Diatomite before. I just "googled" it and it seems it is available from Hydroponic stores, is that correct? Is there any particular brand you would recommend? Also, is that a typical analysis of the potting mix you would use for maples? Also the coconut fibre you referred to, does that come in solid bricks as coir fibre?
Thanks for your help once again. I'm learning so much from this site, I don't know how I managed without it