Training or Trainee??

[Gerard]

A few days ago someone posted the comment that the more we know about pines the more we know we dont know.
This has prompted ne to show a few pictures of my first JBP which has had "me" in training for about 2 years.

Hiro 2008 049.jpg

I took the tree along to a workshop with Hirotoshi Saitoh

001.jpg

Hiro gave me some instructions on how to develop the tree, this was when I realized that I knew nothing

Hiro 2008 011.jpg

This drawing by Hiro (dates according to Japanese calander) was my first awakening It showed me what to watch during the next year as my tree went through it's growth phases.
I was beginning to understand that I could control the strength of different parts of the tree.

[bodhidharma]

And away we go Gerard, on to the next step I too, got a rude awakening when i started studying pines and realized how little i knew. 12 years later and sometimes i do not think i have progressed at all. Great drawings, hang on to them they might be a collectible some day.

[Gerard]

Thanks Bodhi,
One drawing is mine the other is a photo of a drawing.

Two years later I find that I am still training the tree and the tree is still teaching me

marked.jpg

I have found the confidence to experiment a little.
Areas 'A" and "B" have been allowed to grow freely while "C" "D" and "E" have been controlled.
I expect "A" will thicken the trunk
"B" will be allowed to get fatter before being shortened.
while the other areas have more budding and shorter needles I am still trying to encourage more back budding.

011.jpg

Gerard

[bodhidharma]

That is a great advancement Gerard.

[Jamie]

coming along nicely mate

i am just starting the to head down the road of pines myself, they are scary to start with, i expected mine to die just by me looking at it. but it is happy so all good

[anttal63]

Well done gezz! Lookin good mate.

[Jarrod]

Best way I hav found to learn about pines is to watch them grow for a few seasons. Once you know the different stages of growth you start to understand pruning and care.

This tree is coming along really well!

[Gerard]

Best way I hav found to learn about pines is to watch them grow for a few seasons. Once you know the different stages of growth you start to understand pruning and care.

Well said Jarrod,
Watch what happens when you remove a full candle compared to a half or none at all.
Watch what happens when you use scissors to cut the needles or when you thin the needles by plucking them.
Listen to and ask club members because they have many years of watching done already.

Gerard

[Gerard]

005.jpg

An update,
after areas A and B have been allowed to grow freely, notice how the candles are much longer. These branches have begun to thicken faster than other branches on the tree. Candles are consistent all over the remainder of the tree and back budding will allow me to shorten a few of the upper branches. Soon I will remove all the candles over a short period with the exception of areas A and B

[daiviet_nguyen]

Hi Gerard,

For me, it is trainee!

In last photo, some of the branches, especially the ones on top has no secondary branches.

Are you planning back-budding or some other plans Gerard?

Best regards.

[Gerard]

Hi Daviet,
I am pleased with the back budding this year and expect more again next year, although some of the branches near the apex will be selectively removed as there are still too many coming from the one place.

[Jamie]

hi mate, coming up nice

you have possibly seen lindsay new episode of world of bonsai. he shows some heel/free grafting on pines, if your back budding doesnt go to plan you could always go down that road to get the buds exactly where you need them

Jamie

[Gerard]

Just an update after wiring last week

029.jpg

[makro]

Hey Gerard,

Looking good mate. I was there at the Workshop you mentioend as an observer and its great to see the tree progressing.

[Scott Roxburgh]

Nice work mate, it is coming along great!

Putting the two pictures, next to each other shows the dramatic change in such a short period.

I like that you put a bit more movement in the leader with this wiring, and it looks like it is starting to bark up a bit more too, which is always welcome!

Also have you tried using copper wire? I find that it gives a much cleaner look and you can use a lot less and gives better control.