Skinny

First of all, hello all. I live in southern Aus (Phillip Island ish) and have been practicing bonsai butchery for about 7 years.
Iv'e got a couple of problem trees that I would love some input on.

I have been given a 40 yo oak, and am at a loss with what to do with it.
Any ideas?









And a Coastal Banksia i Grew, it would be about 8 years old.






Any suggestion at all are welcome.

Thanks.

artyanimal

Skinny,

Well, here's the deal with these little gargoyles and really for all bonsai...

You've gotta cut 'em!

Do you intend to use the first pic of the oak as your front?

If so, I would attempt to counter balance that huge python of a root on the left with some hollowing out of the trunk that favors the center right hand side of the tree all the way up and returning to where the branch was removed from the main trunk (top center).

Next, I would try and eliminate that fence post of a branch sticking straight up from the left side of the main trunk. Probably best done by gradual reducition over two seasons to help with some lower back budding. The ultimate goal being to finally cut it all the way back to very nearly the main trunk and 'restart' branch structure from there.

I would do the same type of drastic reduction with the branch on the right with a different goal in mind, which is to form a new leader that could also then favor/grow to that side and again, counter that evil snake. hehe

I've done battle with a few of these demonistic creatures before, so if you'd like an oak vert to consider just message me with your email and I'll try and demonstrate the idea better.

As for the banksia, I have no experience but, it seems clear to me that the branching and therefore, foliage should also start way, way down by the main trunk. There are some interesting possibilities with those roots (over rocks maybe) as you seem to already be headed in that direction.

Cheers,

Arty

Skinny

Thanks very much for the reply Arty.
Sorry it's taken so long to get back, we moved house and all my trees have been stored at a friends place since Christmas.
I'd love you to elaborate and have messaged you.

Skinny

artyanimal

Skinny,

Sent you a vert, that should give you a little better notion than the above explanation.

Let me know what you think when you get a chance.

Cheers,

Arty

Skinny

Excellent Arty....Now I get where your going.
Thank you very much.

Pup

Skinny I would suggest that you read an article by Grant Bowie, curator of the Australian National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia. Regarding your Banksia integrifolia ( coastal Banksia ), at AusBonsai com
It is a site devoted to Australian Bonsai conditions, for all tree,s there are a lot of members from Melbourne.

Sorry Guys but he has asked about an Australian Native while I have a lot of knowledge of them. The curator specialises, in Banksia's.

Cheers, 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

Skinny

That was a great read Pup, very informative.
Thank you to.