A few pics of my new clump.

abqjoe · May 24, 2017

I know I've posted a few phone pics of my new Maple clump but I wanted to share some better pics. This tree was obtained from our local clubs eldest member Connie who is about the sweetest little lady you could ever hope to meet! She is also a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Bonsai too. This tree is 40-45 years old and has been in training since the 90's. From what Connie told me she had flown one of her teachers out here to Albuquerque years ago, Ben Oki. Ben Oki helped with the styling. I am honored to own this tree and I'm very much looking forward to furthering it's refinement. I love having stock like this to work on because it forces me to learn how to do stuff right!

thumblessprimate1 · May 24, 2017

Cool. Pics of without leaf please, if you have any?

Wilson · May 24, 2017

Nice story, and tree! Glad your collection is ever growing!

MACH5 · May 24, 2017

Good clump Joe! Would look much better in shallower pot. Looks like you may need to re-establish better height relationships specially with a few of the tallest trees. Tough to really tell with leaves on. I would not do anything as far as design decisions are concerned until leaves drop.

abqjoe · May 24, 2017

MACH5 said:
Good clump Joe! Would look much better in shallower pot. Looks like you may need to re-establish better height relationships specially with a few of the tallest trees. Tough to really tell with leaves on. I would not do anything as far as design decisions are concerned until leaves drop.

The only pic I have of this tree without leaves is this one which Aaron posted of it last December.

MACH5 · May 24, 2017

Front will need to be reassessed. The gap through the middle leads one to go right through the tree and leave the composition. I would consider rotating it. The outer areas, specially towards the top, are too dense so they need quite a bit of thinning as this will also help transfer the energy back to the interior areas and allow weaker buds develop. And yes, as I suspected, a number one tree needs to be re-established. I would think based on the photo it would be the right tallest trunk. The other tall one needs to go shorter as it's too similar in size to create a good variety of heights between all the trees.

The key to a successful clump is the careful consideration of relationships between all trunks (and branches) as it relates to size, direction and lengths. This is a good tree to develop and refine further.

abqjoe · May 25, 2017

MACH5 said:
Front will need to be reassessed. The gap through the middle leads one to go right through the tree and leave the composition. I would consider rotating it. The outer areas, specially towards the top, are too dense so they need quite a bit of thinning as this will also help transfer the energy back to the interior areas and allow weaker buds develop. And yes, as I suspected, a number one tree needs to be re-established. I would think based on the photo it would be the right tallest trunk. The other tall one needs to go shorter as it's too similar in size to create a good variety of heights between all the trees.

The key to a successful clump is the careful consideration of relationships between all trunks (and branches) as it relates to size, direction and lengths. This is a good tree to develop and refine further.

Thank you for the advice my friend!

MACH5 · May 25, 2017

abqjoe said:
Thank you for the advice my friend!

Sure no problem Joe.

Make sure you always cut back to thinner, finer growth. The silhouette in a Japanese maple should always be soft and delicate.

jeremy_norbury · May 25, 2017

Very nice

wireme · May 25, 2017

Yes very nice, good pick-up.
I'm curious about the moss, do you know if those distinct gaps are intentional or just how it grew in?

Waltron · May 25, 2017

very nice piece

abqjoe · May 25, 2017

wireme said:
Yes very nice, good pick-up.
I'm curious about the moss, do you know if those distinct gaps are intentional or just how it grew in?

Connie thins the moss on her trees in April so it's just now starting to spread back out.

abqjoe · May 25, 2017

It was pretty windy yesterday when I was taking pics so I decided to try it indoors.

Tieball · May 25, 2017

I like it. I like that it is open and airy. I can see and appreciate the multi-trunks and the quiet sensation of calm.

abqjoe · May 25, 2017

Tieball said:
I like it. I like that it is open and airy. I can see and appreciate the multi-trunks and the quiet sensation of calm.

Thank you, exactly how I feel too

AndyJ · Feb 24, 2019

abqjoe said:
It was pretty windy yesterday when I was taking pics so I decided to try it indoors.

Hi - I'm having a go at building a clump and have found yours here on BNut. Brilliant tree, I love it! Do you still have it? Are there any update pictures?

Cheers,

Andy

Nanuk · Feb 24, 2019

Very nice. Love me some Maples.
Been looking for one for myself but at the moment the pickings are slim around here.

abqjoe · Mar 8, 2019

AndyJ said:
Hi - I'm having a go at building a clump and have found yours here on BNut. Brilliant tree, I love it! Do you still have it? Are there any update pictures?

Cheers,

Andy

Here is a pic from last summer and a winter pic I took of it a couple of weeks ago.
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Wilson · Mar 8, 2019

abqjoe said:
Here is a pic from last summer and a winter pic I took of it a couple of weeks ago.
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Hey dude, good to see you around again. Although I couldn't see the photos.

Wilson · Mar 8, 2019

That snow covered shot is AWESOME!

A few pics of my new clump.

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