Monster alder incoming.

[Victorim]

Hi guys,

Popped to the father in-laws yesterday, had a wander around his gardens.. "looking for stuff to steal are you?","hehe, maby" I said. Nothing of interest..

As we were leaving, he asked if i saw the alder out the front. Wow. This alder is growing on a bank over a pavement, and because of where it is it's been cut right back god knows how many times for god knows how many years. Long story short, it was awesome.. we're digging it next week.

Sorry no photos but was quite hungover and didn't think to snap it.

Any tips for alder?

Will update.

 

[justBonsai]

I see a lot of alders as landscaping trees. They can grow pretty big and look similar to beech. Always wanted to try one as bonsai.

 

[sorce]

Dig Alder before you are Older!

Sorce

 

[Victorim]

Well I asked him to send me a couple of pics, but I don`t think he realized I wanted the the bit next to the ground.. Anyways, here is the top of one of the trunks :

 

[Victorim]

And here he is! Should I cut back to first growth now? or leave as is?

 

[Victorim]

@Vance Wood You did say I should get some bigger material

 

[ghues]

Hello, that is not an Alder (Alnus) but looks like some form of sambucus. Not a good Bonsai subject but I've heard of folks making wine from the berries.
G

 

[Victorim]

Hello, that is not an Alder (Alnus) but looks like some form of sambucus. Not a good Bonsai subject but I've heard of folks making wine from the berries.
G

So an Elder not an Alder. Thank you for the ID. Looking up it does have a white pith in the branches.. ah well..

 

[sorce]

Dig Alder before you are Older!

Sorce

Dig Alder before IT is Elder!

Lol!

Still is fine...seems big enough.

I just saw a seed throwing a root down the other day....that....is too small!

I would probly lop about half more of those one inch branches off.

Sorce

 

[Victorim]

Dig Alder before IT is Elder!

Lol!

Still is fine...seems big enough.

I just saw a seed throwing a root down the other day....that....is too small!

I would probly lop about half more of those one inch branches off.

Sorce

Took it back to here.

 

[sorce]

Took it back to here.
View attachment 140728

Nice.

That feels way more balanced.

And You still have all the good parts left!

@aml1014 has, or had some...

Nice bark!

Sorce

 

[Hack Yeah!]

Did your elder live? Was thinking of digging an alder myself

 

[Victorim]

Hehe yes it's alive. On the naughty corner of one of the benches. First on the cull list when I run out of room.. just I keep adding benches... will pop a pic later in the week. Don't get excited though.

 

[Victorim]

@Hack Yeah! Been through the mill a bit.. the bulb pan pot got smashed in bad weather, and the cats had used the left trunk as a scratching post, removing most of the bark. So are you looking at Elder or Alder? Don't bother with Elder

 

[Hack Yeah!]

I'm going to dig a multi trunk alder, it needs to be removed from where it is at either way. I'll throw a pic up when I get it

 

[Victorim]

Still going..

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

Even though it is Elder, and not Alder, it is looking cool. So far so good. I would hang on to it a few more years and see what it does.

 

[Victorim]

Even though it is Elder, and not Alder, it is looking cool. So far so good. I would hang on to it a few more years and see what it does.

Will continue @Leo in N E Illinois Has been a good guinea pig for new tools. Was the first to test the nibbler power tool bit last year, and now my new hand carve set. Flowers berries add some interest in the summer, and pops out odd red winter growth. Alot of buds coming on the main trunk now so will have more lot more options this year, and will get rid of some of the thick straits.

It's still giving me enjoyment, so that counts for something

 

[Hack Yeah!]

I'm impressed with the super fast transition to bonsai pot, gotta love your practice trees

 

[Victorim]

I'm impressed with the super fast transition to bonsai pot, gotta love your practice trees

The basket was a brick of root pal. They are weeds. Want to see what restriction gives now its set a lot buds.