To continue the story of what Dianne did next with the story of her 12ft air layer which is strange but true!
As it was to be our airlayering workshop last week I thought I should tell you about the one I’ve just done. It all began when Graham Simpson sent me a photo of his lovely Cherry Bonsai which was just my kind of tree – flowers AND autumn foliage.
Just for interest this Juniper (Sargentii – I think) which I bought at the Swindon Club around 20 years ago when we had a member who had a little bonsai sales business. (He moved to York I believe). The tree was then about pencil thickness. There is a long upright back branch which has been treated as a Shari. It can just be seen above the foliage.
This pine was originally grown as a patio plant in my parents’ garden. When my mother had to move I acquired the pine which impressed me with its small needles. I moved it to a new pot and fed and watered it. I then discovered the small needles were the consequence of lack of watering. It grew and grew.
After a few years I took the tree to a workshop were the demonstrator suggested reducing the foliage leaving two trunks coming from a fork about one third of the way up from the soil level. (Above photo)
Re potted this year in its new pot made by David Jones [Walsall Studio Ceramics]. It’s a lovely pot, but now the tree needs some attention. Hidden in the foliage are some half decent trunk and branch lines, but Graham is already thinking that they need to be revealed. A garden centre purchase some years ago.
Dianne has kindly shared her Ent journey, even though as she said people perhaps don’t plan Ent trees do they!!!
For those of you who know me know I have a specific way to find my bonsai trees. They’re either full of beautiful blossom or have stunning autumn leaves. I found this Zelkova Elm for sale at a show with super autumn colour on every leaf and knew I had to have it except it was not quite a root over rock but more exposed roots.
A few more Spring photos from Andy, while we all enjoy this nice weather during the lock down. Does any other member have any pics????
‘If the oak before the ash,
Then there’ll only be a splash,
If the ash before the oak,
The there’s going to be a soak.’
So a fairly dry summer coming up then – or perhaps my ash is dead?
This is a very natural occurrence on some species of trees and more so if the climatic conditions are suitable for the formation of aerial roots. These roots grow above ground and in air only but that air needs to be highly humid to allow the roots to form and grow. They can be used as anchors to fix the plant in place or to a rock providing additional support.
They can be formed as a method of absorbing additional nutrient and moisture. They are referred to as adventitious roots and provide an excellent opportunity for air layering for bonsai if already present. Look forward to the follow up from Derek as too what he did next with this Privet.
Thank you Sally and Derek for posting these lovely spring images of your trees coming into leaf and flower this year. It is a stunning array of colour and blooms.
You must be logged in to post a comment.