AusBonsai

Hey Gang,
Dug these olives the other day, didn't mean to go as big as the biggest one but just couldn't resist the corky bark near the base, already got an enormous, squat broom in mind for that one

Anyway didn't flat cut a single one due to lack of chainsaw so hoping for a 100% survival rate, with other-daily seasol soakings. Basically this is what can be achieved with a hand mattock, a garden saw and too much spare time.

Cheers,
Matti

p.s. that's a 330ml stubby used for reference and refreshment..

Nice trees Matti, all have got good potential. Hope they survive.

Nice start. They're tough as nuts. Keep us posted.

Matti...wiz down to Peter's,he'll dock that stump for you ,that way you get a better start to the formation of roots where they should be...and a lot easier to pot up as well!..refreshment well deserved,tho a nice wedge of lime would be the topper ....Dog.

nice matti

all have potential to be good trees in time! what I would be doing is getting rid of those tap roots though! will make it way easier to pot and as B- Dog said will give a better start if flat cut!

jamie

Sorry forgot to mention i'd chopped the tap roots after these shots were taken, in fact the 6th shot is one my 2 year old took of me in that process. Cheers Jamie

Dog, mentioned you to Peter cos i was there buying a JBP on sat, but couldn't tell him any more than "Bonzaidog".. he goes "who's the bonzaidog.." When you say docking the stump you mean the taproots too don't ya?

Matt...I've got this mental picture of a puzzled Peter...just flat cut them at their widest point ,so the nebari radiates from that edge,outwards. As has been pointed out before (Dugz Bonsai) a 45deg clean chamfer around the edge of the flat cut, helps send the roots in the right direction. ....Dog. Just mention Neil from western power next time!

Hehe yeah he was a little puzzled.

I wonder if anyone's ever done the flat cut after 1 or 2 years, i know at the time of digging would be best but i've missed that now that they're potted up. might even take a bit off the tubers to get them into the desired pot once they are ready for a bonsai pot.

Matt....It would be interesting to do a comparison of flat cutting them now,vs leaving them for a couple of years to recover...when I get back from Melb in 2 weeks I'll P.M you to get a couple more ,if you're interested and have enough room at home! ....Dog.

No worries Neil, I have space by my definition but not by the missus'. If i brought any more home i'd probably have to cull some of my lesser stocks to make way.