It was always wonderful. I feel the pot is too ho-hum for the quality of this tree. It leaves the tree standing there by itself it is not incorporated into the style of the tree at all. Visually you have the tree and the pot. I find myself in this position of criticizing this bonsai because of the quality of the pot. I know how difficult it is to find a fine pot for a unique tree when the availability is limited. There is nothing wrong with this pot, there is nothing wrong with this tree, together they work, sort of, but they do not complete each other. I kind of have to use an analogy to demonstrate what I mean. For those who understand or like Baseball there is one feature of the sport that is always interesting to watch: The double Play.
Every major league team has to have an infield that is capable of turning a double play or they simple wont be able to compete. However; there are teams that have combinations of players who can turn the event into a dance. In 1984 the Detroit Tigers had a combination of Lou Whitaker and Alan Trammel that elevated the double-play to an art form, which brings us back to this tree. It's a great tree and a good pot they just do not sing together in harmony, something this tree deserves.
Hi Vance,
I am surprised with your assessment.
I always welcome your opinion. For dsicussion sake, I offer this. This pot is more ornate than it appears. There are subtle patterns/designs in the pot that are not visible. In almost all cases, when I pick out a pot for a tree, I usually have the tree with me. However, in this case, I did not. I had a couple of other pots in mind. Darker, unglazed similar to the one it was in last year. The pots that were available in that color didn't seem like the right size. I saw this lighter, tan pot and thought maybe it could work. This tree has never been in a pot of this color and I wasn't sure it would work. So I walked around the nursery and found either another hinoki or similar foliage/color to compare. Honestly, I did not think I would like it. However, when I held the pot up against other similar trees, I liked it. I thought the darker foliage and the lighter pot made the tree pop. When I got home and repotted the tree, the pot was a good fit size wise and I still liked the pot color. You what it could also be. After looking at a tree for 12 years in similar color pots. Maybe I am just happy seeing a different look/color.
The main reason for repotting it it was because the tree had severely outgrown the old pot. The root ball was really compact and would dry out super fast. I had to be extremely cautions because the tree was just repotted last year. I only took the tree out of the old pot, combed the roots a bit and even that I was hesitant. Then I put it in the new pot. I was pretty worried because it is not a good thing to fool with Hinoki roots 2 years in a row.
As far as a more shallow pot. Unfortunately, it can't be done. This new pot is deeper than the other one and the tree still needs to be mounded up in the pot. This tree can from a large nursery can about 12 years ago. I think it was a 2-3 gallon pot. The tree is practically sitting on just it's own stump right underneath the soil level.
I think this is the first time that you and I disagree on something.
That says something since we have been corrersponding for around 5 plus years. Who knows, I might change my mind about the pot. Ironically enough, this is the highlest quality pot the tree has been in. It is a unique pot with excellent drainage made by Paul Olson.
Rob
