AlainK

Thanks everyone for the kind words, I suspect that the very nice juniper forest was Pup's, wasn't it.
Anyway, I wouldn't have minded being second best with such a fine opponent.

A few words about the tree:

This mugho pine (Pinus mugho "mugus") was bought as a young plant in a garden center around 2000. It was in an 8-cm pot and had no particular character.
When I repotted it, I twisted the trunk so as to make a semi-cascade, twisted the roots and tied them with raffia to try to make them fuse together.
Since then, I've wired it to create different levels of foliage.
I still have to give the branches an even more dramatic movement (viewed from the side, it is still rather conventional) and of course put it into a better pot, about half the height of the present one.

I'd like to add that this little pine is much smaller than people think at first, when they only see a photo of it, it's 22 cm from the top to the bottom of the low branch (9 inches).

Unfortunately, I don't have photos of the tree before July 2004, but the following will give you an idea of its history:

July 2004:


June 2007, before "plucking out" the needles (mekiri) to make it backbud:


... and after:


A side view:


... and from the back:


The last photo shows a branch I have a problem with, but fortunately, it is at the back. I will have to do something about it sooner or later, though...

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Alain K.
http://www.rdb45.fr
http://ak2.apinc.org/bdB

Pup

Thanks for the vote of confidence Alain. You are a true gentleman and a gracious winner. I like the smaller pot however there is always an however or but. The colour does not match a conifer. IMHO Pup

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G, day I live in western Australia I have been trying for the last 20+ years with some success to grow Bonsai. I am a perpetual learner and an advanced beginner

AlainK

You're quite right: I put it in the brown pot to boost its growth, but I wouldn't put it back in a blue pot.

I might go to the "Noelanders trophy" in January 2009, and I will find a suitable pot, no doubt. There should be people like john Pitt or brian Allbright, and others too.

I'm saving money...

__________________
Alain K.
http://www.rdb45.fr
http://ak2.apinc.org/bdB

Pup

Alain Mrs Pup and I are going to the UK and Holland next year. Mrs Pup would like to see Paris what if you can say will the weather be like in June? also how far are you from there?. I have a Sister who lives in Holland just moved north of Amsterdam

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G, day I live in western Australia I have been trying for the last 20+ years with some success to grow Bonsai. I am a perpetual learner and an advanced beginner

AlainK

Hard to tell the weather 6 months in advance, but on my birthday, which is on June 16th, it is usually warm and sunny. We've had a few rotten years though...

I live 1 hour from Paris by train or by car (120 km). Do send me a message when you come, depending on the date I would be delighted to meet you there if I can, or if you come to Orléans, I will show you the sights and share a good meal in the evening.

That also goes for anyone who happens to visit France, you will be very welcome (by me at least )

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Alain K.
http://www.rdb45.fr
http://ak2.apinc.org/bdB

Mattbonsai

Well, Mr and Mrs Pup, seeing that you're visiting the UK (for some unknown reason ) you can come visit me aswell if you want , shame you have to go back abroad, cus we probably could have a Hillier bonfire raiding party :lmao

Alain, if the invitation is to everyone, next time I visit France I would very much like to visit you, really fancied visiting the other French cities, only ever been to Calais and the outskirts of Paris.

BTW really nice tree, I dont know why you lot dont like the Brown pot, I like it

-Matt-

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Pup

Matt will you still be in Hampshire in late may early june?
Might get to meet up. I know I will be meeting LUA ,if she is still a member of Bonsai Kai. so maybe we can all get together for a warm beer. Pup
Ps the pot is too big. Also if you show a pot with graphics you should know what is says, and put it in so we know whether it is say a winter or summer saying.

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G, day I live in western Australia I have been trying for the last 20+ years with some success to grow Bonsai. I am a perpetual learner and an advanced beginner

Mattbonsai

Yep, Will be in Hampshire through to August, it would be good to meet up, depending on how much you like trees, we could go meet up at Kew gardens, I know it's close to Lua, and I have no problems getting there, but it's your holiday so it's your choice lol.

-Matt-

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Pup

G,day Matt, we will be staying in Lingfeild in Surrey, I have also been asked by Ed Brown of the Bonsai Kai. To visit and give them some insight as to what it is like growing Bonsai in Western Austalian conditions. So when we get closer to the time I will give you more info. Meantime have a great holliday. Pup

__________________
G, day I live in western Australia I have been trying for the last 20+ years with some success to grow Bonsai. I am a perpetual learner and an advanced beginner