I purchased this larch last summer and had the opportunity to workshop it with Walter Pall. Unfortunately I had to leave the workshop early, and I think it shows in my poor execution of Walter's vision. I did the best I could at the time to wire it up, and over the winter I reduced many of the branches to start developing some taper. It is currently styled as a wind-influenced tree, which I think suits the material (which has virtually no branching on one side).
In a separate thread (https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/larch-root-rot.37623/) I briefly addressed the awful root issues I encountered when I went to repot this tree. I ultimately may need to graft roots on, or try ground layering, but as a result the tree is potted in a large, deep pot for now. While it's a little too big, I dig it: the colors and textures are a perfect fit. I opted against a larger training container but that may be it's next destination if I don't have any luck growing new roots.
Here is the tree as purchased:
And here it is after repotting this past weekend (front/back):
I don't like how the tree looks. The transition to the apex looks contrived, and so does the wind-influenced look. It could be that I just don't have the skill to pull this off a convincingly, or it could not be the right design for the tree. In either case, I am considering pulling the apex over and redesigning this tree in a slanting style, like so:
Any suggestions on whether to keep the current design, or go for the slanting style would be greatly appreciated. Also anyone with knowledge of developing larch roots, I could really use your help! I will try to post updates on this tree as it progresses. Thanks for reading!
Zach
In a separate thread (https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/larch-root-rot.37623/) I briefly addressed the awful root issues I encountered when I went to repot this tree. I ultimately may need to graft roots on, or try ground layering, but as a result the tree is potted in a large, deep pot for now. While it's a little too big, I dig it: the colors and textures are a perfect fit. I opted against a larger training container but that may be it's next destination if I don't have any luck growing new roots.
Here is the tree as purchased:
And here it is after repotting this past weekend (front/back):
I don't like how the tree looks. The transition to the apex looks contrived, and so does the wind-influenced look. It could be that I just don't have the skill to pull this off a convincingly, or it could not be the right design for the tree. In either case, I am considering pulling the apex over and redesigning this tree in a slanting style, like so:
Any suggestions on whether to keep the current design, or go for the slanting style would be greatly appreciated. Also anyone with knowledge of developing larch roots, I could really use your help! I will try to post updates on this tree as it progresses. Thanks for reading!
Zach