Cork bark elm

larlamonde

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The problem I have with the elm is the overall shape. Right now, it has the shape of a Christmas tree, or a young conifer. If you want it to look old, things will have to change.:)

See I like trees that look like trees. Not everything has to look like some contorted thing from Lord Of The Rings.
 

JudyB

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I've had this since 2008, or 09, not sure exactly. One of my favorites too, still developing the apex, I've let the branches grow long this year to beef them up a bit, I'll do a big hard cutback this winter, and start to ramify again for more taper and movement. Here is a old shot of it, and a current shot, all dressed up.
Thanks for liking it, it's pretty neat in person.
 

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Nybonsai12

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Looks great in the current pot all mossed up. Bet it would look nice and spooky after the leaves drop, very natural and very old.
 

Brian Van Fleet

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Wow, that '08 shot really gives an idea of how impressive that base is; better than it shows up in the current photo somehow.
 

sorce

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Wow, that '08 shot really gives an idea of how impressive that base is; better than it shows up in the current photo somehow.

Judy. Really love this one.

Seems if you, or when you, "cut it back hard this winter", and keep that foilage compact as in '08, with that new taper and ram, the base will show that impressive again.

Please keep us posted!

Love it!

Sorce
 

JudyB

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I will attempt to find a medium between wanting the big branch spread, and showing off the base better as I regrow it. Part of it may also be the pot. Unfortunately the yellowish Iker that I got for it is just a bit too small. Maybe I'll have him make a slightly larger one, but don't want to do it if it's going to be the wrong pot for the tree. Anyone have any opinions on this pot for this tree?
Course the perspective is a bit off, as I just set it in front of the tree...
 

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Brian Van Fleet

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This pot disturbs me, almost to the point that I can't look at it. The color combo is troubling, and the splash of glaze looks like brain matter. Wheel thrown pots are pretty boring, and this one is really not a pleasing shape to me; this tree deserves better.

I would look for a burnished Bigei bag or oval pot, shallow and probably 25-30% narrower than the current pot and no deeper. Or maybe a light blue glazed rectangle Yamaaki, or a cut-sided Koyo.
 

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GrimLore

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I would try to go more shallow and a bit smaller. I am not much for glazed so that's my opinion only. Very nice tree ;)

Grimmy
 

JudyB

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The Koyo looks nice to me, but may be too deep. But the idea is good I think. The current pot is pretty shallow. The Yamakki seems too ornate for this tree to me, so I'm surprised by that idea.
The heavyness of the first pot would seem to suit it better, but I think I will go with a glazed if I can find a subtle one.

Very funny brain matter pot! I had a feeling that this one would bring strong likes or dis... I will put that one aside for something quirky.

Thanks for helping me out, and saving me more grief...
 

sorce

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I like that Iker pot. But not for this tree.

Koyo is the closest imo.

I noticed I didn't notice the current pot. That can be good. ! ?

I think you will be pleased with the spread in the tighter image, you will find the balance.
 

Nybonsai12

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I would like to see it in a simple cream/faded white oval. Especially after it drops all it's leaves. My only concern is that the big trunk chunky bark may be too powerful?

When all dressed up did you show this tree Judy?
 

Brian Van Fleet

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Maybe something like this old Yosen...?
 

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Brian Van Fleet

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Definitely...every d-tree looks good in a cream oval!
This one might be too big, but they're not too hard to find.
 

JudyB

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I like that one. I think the tree is strong enough to pull it off... But that one is def. too big. I'll hunt around.

Yes, that's why all the moss, I took it to the regional show at Dawes. I figured, it was the last chance for a few years while I rebuild...
 

coh

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Very nice transformation! I like the direction this one is headed.

The trunk and base did look larger in the earlier photo, I suppose because the canopy was smaller and less developed. But the ratio looks more "tree like" now, at least to my eye.

Chris
 

Brian Van Fleet

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I like that one. I think the tree is strong enough to pull it off... But that one is def. too big. I'll hunt around.
What are the tree's dimensions? What size are you thinking? I'll keep an eye out too.
 

JudyB

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Current pot is 13x10.5x2. brain surgery pot is 8.5x6x2. Somewhere in between, but 2" is fine for depth. Thanks for offering to keep an eye out. I'm still thinking something like the koyo, but they were super expensive when I went looking...
 

Brian Van Fleet

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Current pot is 13x10.5x2. brain surgery pot is 8.5x6x2. Somewhere in between, but 2" is fine for depth. Thanks for offering to keep an eye out. I'm still thinking something like the koyo, but they were super expensive when I went looking...

Funny...that's the same size as the Yosen. If you planted it higher and revealed more nebari, the size is probably ok...though I'd be looking for 28-30cm wide x 4-5cm deep. Koyo are pricier, but it's art, collectible, hard to kill, and I'm convinced they'll increase in value over the next 5-10 years.

You need to be careful...Koyo pots were a gateway drug for me...it starts with an innocent pot purchase, then you want an Ikko...soon, you're drooling over Inos and Bushuans, then willing to trade your car just to get ahold of a mediocre Tofukuji...
 
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