I first introduced this spruce to the Nuthouse almost two years ago, in another thread, "New Colorado Spruce." But I think it fits what's asked for in this thread.
This tree was in the "setback" area of my favorite local garden center for at least one year, more likely three or four. It got nibbled by deer, apparently suffered some mechanical damage, and then was attacked by fungus. I noticed its trunkline early on; but because of the fungus, left it alone.
I kept walking past it for a couple of years. Then in spring 2009 I noticed that it was recovered from the fungus infection and thoroughly healthy. Its form still made it a chancy candidate for a landscaping sale, so the GC sold it to me for $5 (US.)
In August '09 I took it to the Styling and Refinement Workshop with headliner Hiroshi Yamaji, at the Mid-America Show in Chicago. I didn't know what Yamaji might see in it, or how much work it would need; even made a special stop the nite before to buy raffia!
Yamaji-san apparently had no difficulty seeing its potential. He told me to start wiring, and not to bother with raffia: the trunkline was fine! (So much for my special efforts the nite before! <droll>) Then he started bringing out what he saw in it.
I didn't realize how fast a healthy
Picea pungens can grow, so the wire caught me by surprise when it started biting in.
It will take a few years for the scars to fade enough for the tree to be shown. And it needs more refinement too, of course, and a home pot. (Sara Raynor has a muted finish that should work excellently well with Colorado spruce.
) But this is its progress so far.
First picture is of the tree when purchased; 2nd and 3d, before and after styling at Mid-America '09. Fourth and 5th, just before and then after dewiring and pinching, about a month ago.