my naked trees.

JudyB

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I always take photos of my more developed stuff in the winter to keep track of progress, and to study for winter and spring work. Thought I'd share these here.
First up are the Korean Hornbeams, yes I am considering removing the left smaller trunk on the 4 trunk one. A couple small Japanese maples next.P1030381.jpgP1030383.jpgP1030388.jpgP1030389.jpgP1030394.jpgP1030392.jpgP1030393.jpgP1030381.jpgP1030383.jpgP1030388.jpgP1030389.jpgP1030394.jpgP1030392.jpgP1030393.jpg
 

JudyB

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My twin Hackberry a chinese quince , a japanese quince that I'm working on getting more roots on the side of the root trunk, a ginkgo (that I wish I had not chopped I miss how it used to look) and an ugly crabapple that I'm trying to develop into something. I have some other stuff, but most of it is satsuki that have not finished dropping leaves, or stuff that is really in early stages.
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just.wing.it

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Amazing trees @JudyB, your hornbeams are a true inspiration for me.
I love the beauty berry too, I think a deep yellow pot, almost like a true gold color would look good with it.
But at first glance, I did also like the purple.
I think either would be fine.
The purple is similar and goes with... while a yellow would compliment.
 

JudyB

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Amazing trees @JudyB, your hornbeams are a true inspiration for me.
I love the beauty berry too, I think a deep yellow pot, almost like a true gold color would look good with it.
But at first glance, I did also like the purple.
I think either would be fine.
The purple is similar and goes with... while a yellow would compliment.
Thanks for the idea and the input. I do love my hornbeams! I have 6 right now.... and that's after selling 2! What do you say about trunk #4?
Thanks @fredtruck , I always enjoy seeing yours as well.
 

just.wing.it

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Thanks for the idea and the input. I do love my hornbeams! I have 6 right now.... and that's after selling 2! What do you say about trunk #4?
Thanks @fredtruck , I always enjoy seeing yours as well.
I know it's against the grain of Japanese bonsai to have 4 trunks....I think the #4 represents death or something horrible, I can't remember...
But I like all 4.
 

JudyB

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Yes 4 means death. That doesn't bother me too much but for some reason with all 4 (in person) it reads flatter if that makes any sense than with just 3.
 

just.wing.it

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Yes 4 means death. That doesn't bother me too much but for some reason with all 4 (in person) it reads flatter if that makes any sense than with just 3.
I can see that... But the image I see is very natural with 4... But I also understand that sometimes change is necessary.

Edit...bonsai are supposed to have a front, right? So how much does the flatness really matter, if the front view provides a good looking tree?
Just thinking aloud....or in type...?
 
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love them all, but especially that twin hackberry :eek:
 

just.wing.it

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The rationale I’ve read for avoiding even numbers of trunks is that the eye will automatically divide such a grouping in half. As mine does with Judy’s (very excellent) example.
That's interesting and not hard to understand.
But....in this instance, I dont have that issue, there is enough movement and size differential in the trunks that it all melds well for me.
 

JudyB

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The rationale I’ve read for avoiding even numbers of trunks is that the eye will automatically divide such a grouping in half. As mine does with Judy’s (very excellent) example.
Good point and well taken, I have been pondering this change for a number of years. I still can't decide. Maybe next spring I will know.
 

Cadillactaste

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Good point and well taken, I have been pondering this change for a number of years. I still can't decide. Maybe next spring I will know.
Very good point, but...it looks amazing with four trunks. It falls into that bending the rules a tad. I'm chewing over a purchase...a branch crosses in front of a BC knee. Up high...in leaf it resembles a twin trunk I think. But I was always under the impression the V is to be kept clear. So...I'm chewing it. Rules are guidelines.
 

coh

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Wow, that twin hackberry is stunning! Great job with that. Really like the chojubai as well.

I go back and forth regarding the 4th trunk on the hornbeam group. I have no issue with the number 4 or the appearance of 4 trunks, but I do think it looks better without for a couple of reasons - (1) it makes the composition more asymmetrical and interesting, and (2) that small trunk just looks weak/undeveloped compared to the others. Maybe with time that could change and it could be more effective as part of the group. I think if you do remove it, the group might benefit if there is a way to lower some of the branching on the right side just a bit.

The beauty berry works with either pot, the contrast of the first is nice but the second seems to echo the berry color nicely. I don't think you can go wrong either way.

Nice photography too :)
 
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