Alex DeRuiter
Chumono
I swung down to Gregory Beach Bonsai in Dowagiac, Michigan today to visit Don Blackmond. First I'd like to say that Don is an awesome guy. He was really helpful and worked with me to find a tree that suited me -- which also indicates that he's an extremely patient person, too. lol
So in the end, I picked up this massive Trident maple. I like a couple different fronts on this tree. It's got a little ways to go, but this was definitely a steal. If anyone would like to check out his stuff, it's at http://www.gregorybeachbonsai.com/
The selling point to me was that this tree has a very natural feel to it. I made a couple quick adjustments so far, but I'm saving the bulk of it for spring.
Possible Front:
Bit of a scar:
Favorite Front:
Sorry for the picture quality. We can't all be like Vic.
Thoughts? Suggestions? I like the placement of those two lowest branches, even though they're a bit skinny. I figured I'd regulate some growth up top to get some refinement and let those two bottom branches grow wild. There are a couple other possible leaders on the multiple trunks, but I'm waiting a little while to decide. Also, there's that branch that crosses the front. What would you guys do? I kinda like it, but if I keep it, it's going to need movement. Otherwise I might just chop it.
*Edit - I'm also going to chop that scarred root back a bit. Probably not to the trunk, but I'm going to cut it back at least so it will heal and flow better with the base.
So in the end, I picked up this massive Trident maple. I like a couple different fronts on this tree. It's got a little ways to go, but this was definitely a steal. If anyone would like to check out his stuff, it's at http://www.gregorybeachbonsai.com/
The selling point to me was that this tree has a very natural feel to it. I made a couple quick adjustments so far, but I'm saving the bulk of it for spring.
Possible Front:
Bit of a scar:
Favorite Front:
Sorry for the picture quality. We can't all be like Vic.
Thoughts? Suggestions? I like the placement of those two lowest branches, even though they're a bit skinny. I figured I'd regulate some growth up top to get some refinement and let those two bottom branches grow wild. There are a couple other possible leaders on the multiple trunks, but I'm waiting a little while to decide. Also, there's that branch that crosses the front. What would you guys do? I kinda like it, but if I keep it, it's going to need movement. Otherwise I might just chop it.
*Edit - I'm also going to chop that scarred root back a bit. Probably not to the trunk, but I'm going to cut it back at least so it will heal and flow better with the base.