Shrub to Tree (Part 1)

So here are some photos of the new "tree" - CHAMAECYPARIS THYOIDES - Rubicon.

Went to a garden centre over the weekend with my dad, just to look for a few plants for their garden and saw this shrub with unusual colouring on new growths, an interesting purplish tint.

My father liked it and decided to grab it for me, I've been looking to experiment for a while now, and i guess the timing couldn't be better.

Will trim it down to something more resembling a tree later in the week.

The Other Tree - Almost A Month On...

Unlike the Chinese Elm, this one is growing at a much more sedate pace, as is fitting given its nature. It seems to have taken a while to get comfortable and is only now starting to sprout new leaves/flat needles, which are a lovely pale colour.

All I can really say is that I'm very much looking forward to see how this tree will look a few years from now, with a hopefully thickened trunk and denser foliage... Maybe a few extra inches in height as well... And maybe, just maybe, it will decide what to be called as well...

Back To My Tree...

Here's a quick update on the progress of my Tree... Still need to name him though, any suggestions?

He's been growing very quickly, new branches just shoot out in a matter of days so he's in need of another trim already! Very much so if you were to judge by the below photos...

Will let him grow for another few weeks and into July before I do that though as I want to get a better idea of how the branches harden as they grow, leaf count, etc...

I'm also looking to do a bit of wiring, just on the second lowest branch for now, as I feel a bit more balance could be beneficial.

He's not having as many yellow leaves of late, I guess as a result of not letting the soil stay soggy - will definitely be replanting as soon as is feasible - though I'd rather get a bit of help/advice before I go ahead with that...

Forgot Where I Found This...

but looking around the web for more inspiration of interesting-looking natural trees, I came across the below picture... Not sure quite what to think - a Bonsai grown to look like this would be... highly unusual to say the least...

Isn't This Just The Most Beautiful...

Tree? Hidden in the "inspirations" part of the Kaizen Bonsai site I mentioned earlier is this picture... Just stunning... Looks almost like a contorted human.