The Other Idea...

Also, the top of the tree is so densely grown that its difficult to reach into and trim back any new twigs forming leading to even more dense growth. I understand that they will lengthen in time and the leaves nearer the trunk will fall away, but I would like the tree to have more height to it, so I would like to trim back some of the thicker branches - make the peak of the tree more defined and allow for an extention of the trunk beyond its current height...

The Idea...

I feel that the tree is more than a little unbalanced... Looking from the front - there is a lot more foliage and weight on the left hand side of the tree... I like the assymetry, but would like more balance for sure...

So the branch circled (or ovaled depending on precision...) is, in my view, in need of thickening and lengthening - the foliage needs to be denser too. So any growth from this branch will not be cut back (heard this helps with the thickening of the branch - someone please correct me if I'm wrong), the decisions on which to keep will come later...

The Growths...

The Chinese Elm is definitely in need of a trim... But I want the second bottom branch to fill out and lengthen to give the tree a bit more balance... Growing so vigorously! Just take a look at the pics, this is only in the couple of weeks since the last trim.

Won't be trimming all of them back though, as I mentioned earlier about the wish to lenghten and thicken a certain branch... That Idea will be described tomorrow...

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...

Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia)

And wanted to grow the classic from some seeds, got some cousins for my existing tree...

These guys need 2 months in the fridge after soaking for 24-48 hours...

Quite a few seeds here, so if I'm lucky and most of them germinate I would like to grow them in various sizes and styles... A versatile species so should be interesting...

Anyway, they're in the fridge now, first stratification I've attempted... Wish me luck...

On the Sill...

So here's the tree in its new "habitat", south-south-east facing windowsill, seems happy there so far but it's early days yet...

The entire wall is mostly covered in windows and theres plenty of fresh air - unless it gets so hot outside as to be uncomfortable without air conditioning. Will obviously need to turn the tree on occasion to ensure even growth on the front and back side...

After a Trim and a Good Nights Rest...

Here's how the tree looks after yesterdays trim, first from the back and then from the front. It currently lives on the windowsill (I have limited outside space at the flat, will see if I can convince my parents to house some of my collection if it grows substantially enough, my Father is a big plant lover so shouldn't be tough), I'll have pictures of that later...

Anyway, heres the tree from behind:

And from the front:

What do you think?

Moss, Gotta Love the Moss...

Again, maybe I'm ignorant as to how difficult it is to lay moss (from what I've read it's not that hard), but I am swayed by a healthy looking layer over the soil of a Chinese Elm. I'm sorry but it just looks so lucious...

Somewhat interesting floating root feature too... I like the thickness of the trunk, wonder if there's an easy way of calculating the age of the tree without "chopping" it down and counting the rings...

The First Book...

So, this is the book:

Bonsai Pocket Encyclopedia by Harry Tomlinson, great little read.

Has the basics on Wiring, Trimming, Cutting, Propagating creating Jins and many other topics. Descriptions and pictures of all the common styles and simple, easy to understand information on over 75 different species, including the Chinese Elm, though the example they show is underwhelming...

Maybe I don't just understand the complexity and intricacies of Root-over-rock...

Massacre...

As I've had such great luck with killing Bonsai trees, especially Chinese Elms, in the past, I decided to be a bit more careful with the first trim. Only a few of the new-grown branches... I think I might have gotten carried away a bit...

A massacre?

Let me know if I've gone overboard on my first trim. Tree looks quite healthy... for now...

Pre-Bought...

Ok, heres the "mature" tree that I bought the other day as Aylett Nurseries just north of London (they usually have a decent selection of trees and accessories, not to mention other plants - especially orchids, which my girlfriend adores).

As you can probably see, it's giving quite nice growths already, hopefully a sign that it's a healthy tree rather than severely over-fertilised.

I've managed to kill a couple of Chinese Elms in the past, though under/over-watering and untimely re-potting, will try to follow expert advice this time around.

Before any trimming I wanted to decide on the "front view" of the tree, which of the below do you think I chose?

 
Or...

It Begins...

After many, many attempts at growing bonsai trees (and subsequent horticultural massacre) I have decided to give it a proper go.

Reading material is on order, as are plenty of seeds. A somewhat messy Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) has been purchased alongside a rather basic Bonsai Encyclopedia that I have yet to open, plus the usual trimming shears, Bonsai feed, etc...

Let's hope, for the sake of my self-esteem and the (existing and potential) tree-lives now in my hands, that I don't repeat my past mistakes.