Looking for a Cascade of advice

[Underdog]

I want to try to make a cascade for over my waterfall in the pond. 1-2 ft drop,
My thoughts are to use a larger evergreen/juniper and I have some options.
I know it's not instant bonsai but want the best head start I can get. I have a few trees available as in I can dig them.
What I believe is a large Balsam Fir growing under a pine already heading in the cascade direction. Unsure about easy collection.
A boat load of Norway Spruce of any size I could dig available. I have a few smalls already and see they backbud well.
Procumb Nanas... Like bellybuttons... everybody has one, but me. Logical choice I spose... My landscape buddy is re-stocking and getting some of these with me in mind. He also had a field of Colorado Blue Sp waiting if I want.

Am I overthinking or could I just top the tree leaving the first large healthy branch for the cascade and the second for an apex or backup?
What's your best tips for building a cascade for zone 4-5. Still healthy enough to want a big tree and what species would you use?

 

[Cadillactaste]

In a pot or in ground? I would be worried about removing a tree growing under a tree. (In shade) to putting into the direct sun. I planted a weeping Siberian peashrub beside my waterfall. Hardy to zone 3 ?... Real delicate foliage...reminds me of a weeping hemlock at a distance...but blooms. ? photo taken from google image...because I can't find a photo of mine blooming at the moment. Stunning hardy tree.




If your planning on setting your pots around the waterfall. Figure a way to anchor them...especially a cascading bonsai...which can be a target for toppling over with wind. (Been there done that... ?) My back patio is sunken from my backyard...I tried setting my pots on top of big rocks..but they didn't stay put.

You can see mine at the far side...to many big rocks to plant closer for healthy root ball. Planted a rhododendron in the one place it could have went...(husband wanted it there...he loves their blooms.)

 

[Cadillactaste]

Seeing you meant...as bonsai with location post is placed. Make sure to figure out how to secure it...cascades are so easily blown over. Especially at the top of a waterfall. I had tried my potted wisteria up there at one point. Even tucking pot in around rocks...but it still toppled over. Cracking my pot it was in. Bungee cord it down...securing it. Maybe a bungee cord under a big rock...then attach another over the cascade's pot...and connect them.

 

[Carol 83]

In a pot or in ground? I would be worried about removing a tree growing under a tree. (In shade) to putting into the direct sun. I planted a weeping Siberian peashrub beside my waterfall. Hardy to zone 3 ?... Real delicate foliage...reminds me of a weeping hemlock at a distance...but blooms. ? photo taken from google image...because I can't find a photo of mine blooming at the moment. Stunning hardy tree.

View attachment 184367


If your planning on setting your pots around the waterfall. Figure a way to anchor them...especially a cascading bonsai...which can be a target for toppling over with wind. (Been there done that... ?) My back patio is sunken from my backyard...I tried setting my pots on top of big rocks..but they didn't stay put.

You can see mine at the far side...to many big rocks to plant closer for healthy root ball. Planted a rhododendron in the one place it could have went...(husband wanted it there...he loves their blooms.)
View attachment 184370

LOVE that landscaping.

 

[Cadillactaste]

LOVE that landscaping.

Thank you! We went to hardscape when we put in the waterfall. Just seemed the best route. Less trouble with the wildlife actually...with stones over mulch. Best move we ever did.

 

[Carol 83]

Thank you! We went to hardscape when we put in the waterfall. Just seemed the best route. Less trouble with the wildlife actually...with stones over mulch. Best move we ever did.

Looks like a great place for coffee in the morning, and to relax in the evening.

 

[Underdog]

Anyone want to suggest your best advice to start to a large cascade?
What would you use living in Ohio?

 

[Cadillactaste]

Well...most trees aren't weeping so you are constantly wiring to keep them in check. Honestly...I find a weeping natured tree...a dream to keep. No fighting Mother Nature...they just weep on their own. This is a weeping ryusen maple. I would offer protection in pot in winter though. But...full sun it may burn it's leaves...


A weeping conifer?

 

[Underdog]

I should have mentioned full sun in this location.
Amazing looking tree tho... maybe on the shady side of the pond

 

[Cadillactaste]

I should have mentioned full sun in this location.
Amazing looking tree tho... maybe on the shady side of the pond

Yes, full sun changes what can go there. Tamarix likes full sun...you can get them at nurseries...but plan on wiring. Lovely in bloom. The foliage with feather looking pinkish blooms. Yet another that suffered from the harsh colder than normal winters...




Thanks on the nice words on that maple. It once stood tall...proud...and weeping in my landscape. Until we had a few arctic spells in winter. Had significant die back all but a foot from ground was dead. Thank goodness for my bonsai hobby...or I would have tossed it. My husband thought I was crazy...but...he is now grateful I saved his favorite tree. Tossed it in as a slanted trunk...so I could go for a cascading weeping form over one side.

 

[herzausstahl]

In a pot or in ground? I would be worried about removing a tree growing under a tree. (In shade) to putting into the direct sun. I planted a weeping Siberian peashrub beside my waterfall. Hardy to zone 3 ?... Real delicate foliage...reminds me of a weeping hemlock at a distance...but blooms. ? photo taken from google image...because I can't find a photo of mine blooming at the moment. Stunning hardy tree.

View attachment 184367


If your planning on setting your pots around the waterfall. Figure a way to anchor them...especially a cascading bonsai...which can be a target for toppling over with wind. (Been there done that... ?) My back patio is sunken from my backyard...I tried setting my pots on top of big rocks..but they didn't stay put.

You can see mine at the far side...to many big rocks to plant closer for healthy root ball. Planted a rhododendron in the one place it could have went...(husband wanted it there...he loves their blooms.)
View attachment 184370

Nice! Did you build it yourselves? Does the stream run into a pond or a pondless feature? If your not on it, check out www.gardenpondforum.com. Bnut equivalent for ponders, mines on there.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Some how...double post...one that pictures didn't attach. ?

 

[Cadillactaste]

Nice! Did you build it yourselves? Does the stream run into a pond or a pondless feature? If your not on it, check out www.gardenpondforum.com. Bnut equivalent for ponders, mines on there.

Its a vanishing waterfall kit from https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...FjAfegQIAhAB&usg=AOvVaw1MVCY0dHV5s_ozX7ux7HHt .

Appreciate the offer of the forum...but I don't have time for another forum. This was a one time gig...Our buddy with the heavy equipment...and a few other angles of the backyard. Showing the shallow area at the bottom.

 

[GrimLore]

I should have mentioned full sun in this location.

You can make a lot of trees cascade, bend crazy, etc...

Full Sun Challenge coupled with your Zone I would Strongly recommend a Fruit tree that will do well in your region...

Pick something that his nice Floral but not to much, Cherry for example leave quite a mess when they bloom and are larger...

Start with a no bigger then 2 foot whip, like they sell at TYTY https://www.tytyga.com/?matchtype=b...MIj4rS2vSj2gIVTgaGCh11VQ92EAAYASAAEgKGQvD_BwE

It will grow from bare root at this time of year over potted to at least 5 feet left run wild except the obvious large bend you will need to do. In a short 3 seasons trimming and shaping for years two and three you will not believe how big it will get in full sun...

Also, a Chinese Elm from them potted now will do the same, our 18 inch whip planted April 19th last year is now close to 6 foot, potted, and gets Full East and partial West Sun daily.

Grimmy

 

[Underdog]

Thanks Grimmy.
I have a flowering peach in the front I layered a big branch off then killed it by not securing to the pot.
Neighnor has a Purple Leif Sand Cherry with a twisty branch I have permission to try and layer.

I just had evergreen in mind.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Sand cherry has a limited lifespan...have one in my own landscape. Admired the neighbors years back...the neighbors is now dead and gone.

 

[Underdog]

Full Sun Challenge coupled with your Zone I would Strongly recommend a Fruit tree that will do well in your region...
Pick something that his nice Floral but not to much,

I/m gonna start one of these tho as well. Thx

 

[JosephCooper]

A weeping conifer?

Weeping Norway spruce, and Weeping Hemlock are the only I know of

 

[Underdog]

I can dig both of those around here. Not weeping but with enough wire?

 

[GrimLore]

I can dig both of those around here. Not weeping but with enough wire?

Funny we have one in Full East/West sun here and I forgot about it, Blue Atlas Cedar - https://kiginursery.com/conifers/cedrus-atlantica-glauca-pendula-weeping-blue-atlas-cedar/. Seems to me it would need a fair amount of water potted as would Hemlock and Fir though.

Grimmy