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...

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...

Away For The Weekend...

I'm away for the weekend - the son of my boss from my previous job is having his Bar-Mitzvah in Paris, followed by a weekend of celebration in the french countryside. 

Never been to one before, regardless of the fact that something like 30% of my school was jewish back in the day. Should be quite an experience... Left a couple of posts to auto-publish whilst I'm away, including this one...

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...

Just SO Readable...

Ok, so this is looking a bit like Peter Chan Week over here, but would like to add a bit of a review of his book - Bonsai Secrets which was delivered about a month ago and that I've read cover to cover at least 3 times (have it lying around in the most visited parts of the flat so often sit down and read for a few minutes, or just marvel at some of the specimens within...).

The book is just so well written, with a bit on the historic roots of Bonsai in China, the migration to Japan along with other substantial parts of Chinese culture, along with the evolution of the art over the last century.

Most of the pictures are just stunning (I'm a particular fan of the Red Maple specimens) and it's very hard not to be inspired by the obvious pasion Peter feels towards Bonsai.

A warning though: This book makes you feel like you need to move into the country-side and grow the beautiful, majestic trees. I see myself as a metropolitan dweller, but the draw of nature is palpable when you read this.

The book describles very succinctly various techniques that should be followed to ensure the best looking tree, along with visual photographic guides.

If I had a star rating system going I'd definitely give it a 5! Love it.