Brad in GR
Chumono
Have been on another Ryan Neil kick lately (goes in cycles during the last two winters when time is had to view 1.5 hour vids). Notably, the Fraser Fir nursery stock styling session.
Despite acknowledging this not being the best time of the year to work this species (gathered from Bnut this would be between summer solstice and beginning of August, or early spring), I am desperate to build skill in styling, wiring, branch selection and composition overall.
Zone 6a (Grand Rapids, MI): early snowstorm beginning of November with sub 20 degree temps for few days, now leveling out high 20's at night and low thirties during day, deciduous have had leaves off for a few weeks now.
Nursery stock Norway Spruce picked up for $20 on sale locally. Liked the base of this one and flare at/below ground level.
Slip potted after major (too much) foliage removal - roots are completely bound but healthy, soil not horrible, added loose peat based/conifer bonsai soil in slightly larger pot. If the tree survives, plan to wait at least 2 seasons before attempting root work assuming healthy.
Self critiques:
1) timing/seasonal: sub-optimal. Accepting this risk, dangerous as may not yet be dormant and removing many of buds via foliage.
2) Foliage removal was too extreme (channeling Ryan's significant removal of the Fraser fir around December per his video) - did not research
Despite acknowledging this not being the best time of the year to work this species (gathered from Bnut this would be between summer solstice and beginning of August, or early spring), I am desperate to build skill in styling, wiring, branch selection and composition overall.
Zone 6a (Grand Rapids, MI): early snowstorm beginning of November with sub 20 degree temps for few days, now leveling out high 20's at night and low thirties during day, deciduous have had leaves off for a few weeks now.
Nursery stock Norway Spruce picked up for $20 on sale locally. Liked the base of this one and flare at/below ground level.
Slip potted after major (too much) foliage removal - roots are completely bound but healthy, soil not horrible, added loose peat based/conifer bonsai soil in slightly larger pot. If the tree survives, plan to wait at least 2 seasons before attempting root work assuming healthy.
Self critiques:
1) timing/seasonal: sub-optimal. Accepting this risk, dangerous as may not yet be dormant and removing many of buds via foliage.
2) Foliage removal was too extreme (channeling Ryan's significant removal of the Fraser fir around December per his video) - did not research