AusBonsai

G'day all,

I have spent some time over the past few weeks reading posts on this site, as i'm keen to learn. Now i've decided it's about time to create a post of my own to ask for advice and chat about some of my bonsai.

Years ago i was given a Port Jackson Fig and have cared for it, root pruning and leaf pruning etc. I was also given some advice to hang some weights on the branches to lower them down. Apart from that i have not spent any time shaping the tree, partly because i have been slack and partly because i am scared to get started. In fact the only shaping that has occurred was done with a tennis ball (thanks to my brother).

The tree can be seen below, please feel free to comment or provide advice. I have some other bonsai and will create another post later.

Cheers, Brad.

Front pic first:

Not to bad considering.

Mick

Hi newba003,

nice way to introduce yourself for you first posting, a lovely healthy tree.

You have obviously been doing your best to raise your fig, and not that I know a great deal about the climate conditions in Adaelaide, but Im surprised to see your fig looking so well, what a credit to you.

I would hesitate in doing any major work to the tree given we are about to enter winter, and as i say, not knowing too much about your local climate or growing conditions, I would continue to do what you have been doing for the last few years in keeping your tree healthy, and leave any major rework `till the warmer growing season has arrived.

My thoughts when looking at the tree, is that it is a little to square across the top, and has no real apex as such.

Perhaps bringing in some of the side growth and lowering the height will acheive this, although it would depend on your choice of style ?

At the moment it has a broom effect, but from the first picture I can see some nice taper and shape in the tree, which may bring a different style as well, depends on how brave you might feel when it comes to removing growth ? !

Im also a fan of the pot, I do like round pots for the reason that there is no real set front for the tree when in a round pot, and it allows for constant review from any angle to determine a tree front and style, without being held to ransom by the trees placement in the pot.................if that makes sence ?

Also love the wine barrel for the display...............beats the blue 44 gallon drum I have my largest tree on by far !!

Lovely tree, well done and I hope you get the direction you are looking for from our members.



Regards,



Paul.

Nice tree
All it needs now is to cutback all the long branches to get some branch ramification, and leaf reduction happening.

cut them all ( not now tho, Wait till spring, then When the new shoots Emerge, start to pinch out the growing tips one a couple of leaves emerge, Hepp doing this and you will develop the branching and foliage.

Ken

Thanks Paul,

I appreciate the time you took to give me some feedback about various aspects of the tree.

I'd have to agree regarding the pot, I took the tree to the shop with me to choose it. Over the years I've re-potted in a handful of times, raising it up each time to expose the roots.

It is starting to get cold here at night and frosty in the mornings. I don't plan on doing anything until after winter (possibly an excuse because I know I need to be brave with the apex of the tree - I will think hard before cutting). Also, the weather north of Adelaide is difficult, it's either cold or in the low 40's and dry.

The wine barrel has door on the front and casters so it doubles as an esky and I can spin it around and move it easily. Nice working height too.

Thanks again.

Brad.

Just a thought newba003,


do a search on fig ramification, use the search area on the top right hand side of the screen.

there are quite a few posts regarding figs and there cultivation, as wel as tips for leaf reduaction and branch ramification.

I dont know if you have viewed them before, but any information there may help for the development of your knowledge and tree.

In fact Lindsay Bebb just posted about figs ony moments ago.


Regards,


Paul

Thanks Paul,

I'll have a read. Plenty to learn by the sounds of it. I do take the buds back a leaf or two but haven't pruned the branches.

Also, thought you might like to see a few shots of another Port Jackson Fig I acquired last week. And a very beginning of a forest of three Tiger Bark Figs that I plan to work on (just planted no shaping yet).

Cheers again,

Brad

After reading some of the "trunk chopping" and "ramification" topics i can;t wait to get into my main fig in the warmer months.

Thanks all.

Personally, I don't think it needs a trunk chop at all. It's got good taper already.
I'd be concentrating on branch placement if it were mine

Thanks Nathan.

I meant some serious work on the branches not on the trunk. It is just good to get on here and read all the notes and get opinions (for a new starter like me especially). I'll post some pics after i've done some work when it warms up.

Although probably not qualified to make proper judgement, i personally think this tree has a beautiful shape and taper. Reduce the leaf size and ramify and you'll have a beautiful bonsai. Some really nice sub branches there also which will keep you very occupied.

I've cut back my figs at any time in the year, and maybe it's been Melbourne's weird weather but they've just gone bananas with growth.

Andy

I find in Sydney, my PJ figs do not stop growing, but wait till spring anyway.
knowing my luck I would trim and then get a cold spell

Patience, the right time will be here soon and in the meantime, think of the steps you will take on the tree

ps. Just trim back the branching hard to develop ramification is all it needs

Ken