Total re-do..large Honeysuckle, Lonicera Fragrantissima

[bodhidharma]

There is a time in most Bonsai Artist's lives when he realizes the tree he has had all his Bonsai life is in dire need of a make over. As your experience grows and you are learning to view trees with a more developed understanding you realize the tree you created when you first started is very, very average. This is when you have to have an open mind and be prepared to strip back branches and trunks you have lovingly grown. I think the Honeysuckle will now grow into a much superior tree than the first styling i gave it. This is its first styling after i decided to cut it down 18 months ago. The growth has come along enough to start my new plan. It will take 5-7 years till i can show it. I hope you enjoy its journey.

[hugh grant]

I can deffinetally see a better tree cming through there. The dead wood at the base is beautifull, I'd be making sure to the best of my abilities to prevent rot which I'm sure your doing.

Hugh

[Matthew]

i LOVE it .A few seasons to get those pads defined and a TOP tree it could be

[Leigh Taafe]

A vast improvement mate - top job!

[kcpoole]

Hey Bodhi, Nice improvement.
You must have too many of the Grant and Leigh tree Restyle threads

Ken

[newzealandteatree]

Bodhi, that's the way to go. Have fun. I like the massive base and the taper - foundations on which a very nice bonsai will develop.

Cheers,

CJ
http://newzealandteatreebonsai.blogspot.com/

[lennard]

Everything you can ask for in that base

"...I will have to graft a new branch on bottom right hand side..."

Why?

Lennard

[hbk13007]

Another awesome tree bodhi, can't wait to see this one develop!!
regards,
hbk

[bodhidharma]

Everything you can ask for in that base

"...I will have to graft a new branch on bottom right hand side..."

Why?

Lennard

The branch that you see in the photo (bottom right) is a secondary from the back branch and will be shortened. This, i feel, will leave quite an empty space in that area of the tree. If you look at the tree and the way the base slopes out to the left i feel that needs to be balanced out with a branch.

[bodhidharma]

Thanks all for your encouragement. " Fragrantissima " is a difficult tree to work with. Its foliage grows so fast that it needs to be pinched every second day. Its branches are brittle and break when wired so it is a process of wire into place when the branch extends, let it thicken, and then cut it back and clip and grow it then repeat the procedure in two months. This is why i estimate 5 plus years as it is difficult to get dense foliage cover. BUT THE BASE MAKES IT ALL WORTHWHILE

[alpineart]

Hi Bodhi , that is 1 awesome base for a Honeysuckle .You were certainly blessed to have found it .They are hard work keeping them balanced and in check thats for sure .I have a few small ones and they are time consuming .Flowering hasn't happened as i continually trim the new growth off .Every now and again the hedge trimmers/scissors come out just to keep them in line .Cheers Alpine

[bodhidharma]

Hi Bodhi , that is 1 awesome base for a Honeysuckle .You were certainly blessed to have found it .They are hard work keeping them balanced and in check thats for sure .I have a few small ones and they are time consuming .Flowering hasn't happened as i continually trim the new growth off .Every now and again the hedge trimmers/scissors come out just to keep them in line .Cheers Alpine

G'day Alpine, for sure they are hard work. It would be a good tree for a beginner, you HAVE to work on them consistently. I am lucky, i have heaps on the property all the same age as this waiting for me to move on them. As i get older though i am losing the interest to dig them up.

[bodhidharma]

Posting an update on this tree as it powers its way on to its new look. A thread graft has been applied and an aproach graft .
The canopy is coming along in leaps and bounds. Good feeding regime.

[Guy]

I turn my bonsai every so often to change the sun aspect and give a more even growth and this gives a chance to view and find potentially better fronts-sometimes it ends in total remodelling

[alpineart]

Hi Bodhi . mate this it going great guns . Personally i would dig one up throw it on the bike , head over for a Sunday squirt and return with a Yamadori pine .Then again i cant seem to keep my small ones under control , so maybe its not s good idea .I'm trying to slow mine down , restricking root growth , less watering , more shade , full sun , bugger me it ain't working the just keep powering on in all conditions .If you o get energetic post a few pick of the wild ones , im keen to see them in all their glory , mine were collected in a flooded swamp so the cant drown as the swamp is submerged for 3-4 months , then its bone dry for the rest of the year .

Cheers Alpine