Root...under ledge planting

Cadillactaste · Feb 4, 2016

So this will be one of my spring projects...I will be attempting to make my lilac seem to be growing out from under a ledge/Rock. If I can't get it right...it will be placed in the landscape. The roots are flat on one side...yet look to be grabbing and holding on as well.

So thinking potting it...placing the rock/ledge over it. So the straight section is following the ledge with branches eventually coming up around reaching for the light ...and some substrate on top of the rocks opposite the ledge area. Pondering what to plant on that side...or leave it rocks and moss.

My inspiration...reaching big...and squinting hard...is this tree. Trees clinging to the edge of hillsides.

I have a dark blue rectangular pot...I'm thinking of using. (though a slab may look best...I plan on looking into making one possibly) The only reason on attempting this is for the blooms. But...I'm not holding my breath. It may just be best for landscaping material.

GrimLore · Feb 4, 2016

Cadillactaste said:
So this will be one of my spring projects...I will be attempting to make my lilac seem to be growing out from under a ledge/Rock.

I proper sized chunk of lace rock might give you the look you desire

Grimmy

Cadillactaste · Feb 4, 2016

GrimLore said:
I proper sized chunk of lace rock might give you the look you desire

Grimmy

Where does one locate those? I think...the bonsai nursery my Thuja came from has them actually! I will go check. But was actually thinking if I used native rocks...I could sit this in the flowerbeds near the waterfall. Since its all rock scaped.

Cadillactaste · Feb 4, 2016

Like a rock scape...with it jutting out. Mind you...this is reaching deep. Turned photo so you could see proposed planting angle to some degree. Thinking just potting the tree and placing rocks to create a stacked rock scape...maybe some moss...in and about. Also accepting ideas...if not it will end in the yard. I think my pot choice is poor. Not sure I could lift a cement one though...if it works...maybe find a tray to plant it on at a later date. Hate to spend money on something that I'm still on the wall on. If I could make an unusual piece...but...I don't want to do an epic fail either.

Cadillactaste · Feb 4, 2016

Was given this advice...
while growing, replant that but rotated 180* with the rock at the bottom. The roots will eventually clasp the rock and all the new growth will be growing away from the rock. When you transplant, rotate 90* to the left and the branches will be going to the left.

sorce · Feb 4, 2016

Sick....
I like it....

I'd use a dark slate stacked like so.
Maybe setting them in a hidden cement pillar in the back....
Which could be doubly used as a pot to contain roots that are easy to water...
Since watering would kind of suck.

To make it easier to move....
You could set every other slate piece so the middle ones can be removed...
And keep it just free standing on the big bottom slab....so it can be separate.

Building the root pockets will be difficult, but are the only things that really need to be permanent.

Front view.

LIftable top stone for watering.

Top view left, side view right.

I think that's a decent visual....
This is a hubby the helper project!

If you go all out on a project this year...
I hope it's this one!

2 votes for NO GARDEN!

Sorce

sorce · Feb 4, 2016

Sorce

sorce · Feb 4, 2016

Would the pale trunk and purple flowers not just BANG in front of that black rock?

With all types of moss, lichens, those dope ass looking little things you have growing in there now, that look like seastars.

Wicked!

Sorce

Cadillactaste · Feb 4, 2016

You see my vision @sorce! Other than I would direct the branches to reach up to the sky once past the rock. I just asked about caulking a few to make a planter on a FB group. But of native rocks in my area...because moss and lichen grow content on our native rocks. We have a rock scape on our property...there is a larger one further back...but in the 60's yesterday and had on flip flops...so wasn't heading into the deep sense of it.

(Dog is in winter coat...she is NOT obese. For size comparison)

Cadillactaste · Feb 4, 2016

I like a bit of an angle to the tree I think to make it appear less straight. Though...I think planting it upside down at 180 degrees...will give me ROR and...that isn't my goal here. Your diagram fits my mind's eye.

The black represents dead space/air/sky...the roots would look all wrong creating a ROR I want it more holding onto the crevice between where the two rock meet. The rough drawing at the bottom of tree. More rock...

Cadillactaste · Feb 4, 2016

Pondering...depending on how the planting angle is. To remove all but on branch. Making it seem like it's reaching out.

sorce · Feb 4, 2016

Cadillactaste said:
caulking a few to make a planter

I've tried things like that before....
For fish tank decor...
It just doesn't hold...

I would definitely find some good rocks to make a pocket with....and at least set those in concrete.

Everything else can be moved around for new display.....and ease of move.

The only reason I recommend the slate.(besides flower color contrast)..is because I remember it being fairly obtainable and inexpensive.....

I am not against local rocks.....
But to match vein movement,
Proper layering, colors, placement, all becomes very hard if you are not humanly altering them, and then showing some of that human interaction.

I think it may be worth finding slate for color alone. Also ease of use.

However, I also feel you are up to the task of collecting a bunch of rocks to make it work. And I am very fond of those pics you posted myself..! I could sit and look at those all day!

Whatever you do....I hope you do it with the spirit of making that thing shine!
I love that you have come to this to remedy this "problem" tree!
I believe it can be made very exciting!

Sorce

Cadillactaste · Feb 5, 2016

I may end up disappointing you @sorce. I spoke to Grimmy/ @GrimLore about the weight of native rock. This thing for the size I need it. Would be basically a back breaker...if moveable at all. He mentioned lace rock. Which is lighter and I'm familiar with it having the Thuja planting.

Then...took a look at the tree this morning...my eyes went to my Thuja rock planting. It will NEVER stand up next to that one...one lone tree. Even if I chose to plant the rock vertical...and add other planting about. Would it pay to put an inferior tree through it? One that honestly isn't used often in bonsai...for those who haven't seen my Thuja planting. A photo of it. I'm one for preaching...you must have good bones then go from that...and looking at the lilac this morning...the only thing it had going for it was its blooms. Which are short lived. If I stick it in the ground. It opens my bench to better material.

sorce · Feb 5, 2016

Cadillactaste said:
I may end up

Sounds like it didn't happen yet!

Damn Grimmy, you are tuffer than him!

Sorce

Cadillactaste · Feb 5, 2016

sorce said:
Sounds like it didn't happen yet!

Damn Grimmy, you are tuffer than him!

Sorce

Only because it's still winter. Lol

Lace rock have nooks and crannies. This Thuja is on an oversized boot tray because when watered it has three waterfalls that flow from the rock that shoot out. Now...lift it more vertical in height and such factors. I will flood the greenhouse come winter. Let alone the additional space to hold another large tray...it's just not worth the endeavor. The thought process could have worked...but, the bones just aren't there.

Cadillactaste · Feb 5, 2016

*Plus...I can find nicer material to fill its spot on my bench.

Yup...allows me to add another bonsai to my mental head count.

sorce · Feb 5, 2016

(insert sad, too easily mistaken for mean comment

)

There is a way to build it so it can remain a one woman tree.

Please keep it in a pot, when I can build this thing myself, I'll either buy the tree, or sell you the display!

Sorce

P.S.
Black and purple black and purple.

sorce · Feb 5, 2016

Noooo!

Where's the Cryly?

Sorce

Cadillactaste · Feb 5, 2016

sorce said:
(insert sad, too easily mistaken for mean comment)

There is a way to build it so it can remain a one woman tree.

Please keep it in a pot, when I can build this thing myself, I'll either buy the tree, or sell you the display!

Sorce

P.S.
Black and purple black and purple.

Lol if your serious...you can have it! I don't have a spot for it. I don't want multiple lilac in my yard. We are redoing a section of the yard. But...this isn't the direction I want for that area. Was going to pass it along to my dad's wife. But...if you really want it...it's yours. They are over powering...(forgot to add...I hate the scent of lilac in bloom. One bush in my yard in a close proximity is enough. The area I'm redoing is to close for this to go in) I can knock off enough dirt and mail it to you with a bag around the roots. If your in the zone for it. 3-7 is the zoning.

Cadillactaste · Feb 5, 2016

sorce said:
Noooo!

Where's the Cryly?

Sorce

? Okay you lost me on this one. Lol

Root...under ledge planting

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