Rock Collecting

[JBP_85]

Hi Everyone,
I’ve been out over the last couple of days collecting rocks so that I have a variety to choose from when I start my root over rock Trident seedlings this coming spring. @Shibui recommended I get a range of options. I just figured I’d share what I’ve found so far and get opinions/recommendations. I took multiple pictures of each rock to show interesting features, textures, sizes, and different positioning. I know porous rocks are recommended, I’ve found a few that I think meet that criteria but most of the local rock (granite and shale I think) have relatively smooth surfaces. I plan on venturing out further as most of these were found within a 3 mile radius of my home.

Cheers,

 

[Bonsai Nut]

I like photo #6.

I'm not sure porous rocks are required as long as you have fissured rocks that you can pack soil into. Your most natural RoR compositions are doing to start with the tree growing down the rock face, following lines of moisture or soil that would occur in nature, and then eventually the feeder roots spread in a lower soil mass while the base roots thicken and embed into the rock. That is why it is almost impossible to create a realistic looking RoR on a smooth rock. You have to think like a seed. If there is no place on your rock for a seed to settle, root, and survive - and to grow and send roots down in a constant search for water and nutrients - it isn't going to look natural.

 

[JBP_85]

I like photo #6.

I'm not sure porous rocks are required as long as you have fissured rocks that you can pack soil into. Your most natural RoR compositions are doing to start with the tree growing down the rock face, following lines of moisture or soil that would occur in nature, and then eventually the feeder roots spread in a lower soil mass while the base roots thicken and embed into the rock. That is why it is almost impossible to create a realistic looking RoR on a smooth rock. You have to think like a seed. If there is no place on your rock for a seed to settle, root, and survive - and to grow and send roots down in a constant search for water and nutrients - it isn't going to look natural.

Thanks for the feedback and tips! Number 6 has been the one that I have been gravitating towards as well. I like the natural shelf. It’s also easy for me to visualize where the water would flow. In terms of placement of the seedling my instinct would be to place it where the green dot is with roots (yellow lines) following the rock contours. Does that seem like correct placement when the time comes? I know the root structure will have a lot to do with placement but just going over potential possibilities.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

I like the way you are thinking! The only line that you need to think about it the one that leads upwards. Roots as a rule will not grow upwards unless there is water. You may even have trouble if you drape a root up there (and down the back side of the rock). But otherwise it's looking good!

 

[Sean Walker]

I dig the same rock especially it’s orientation in #5

 

[penumbra]

I dig the same rock especially it’s orientation in #5

Same here.

 

[JBP_85]

Thanks @Sean Walker and @penumbra! In looking at then orientation in number 5 you guys may be onto something there as there may be less battles with gravity and more root pathways. I will definitely give this positioning another look.

 

[Clicio]

Is number 6 that one below?
If the answer is yes, then I agree with everyone and think you should use it for your ROR project.

 

[JBP_85]

Is number 6 that one below?
If the answer is yes, then I agree with everyone and think you should use it for your ROR project.
View attachment 343683

@Clicio yep this is #6. Looks like this is going to be the one I’ll be using! Thanks for your input.

 

[Shibui]

6 looks good. I would place the tree just a little higher up the slope so the roots don't have to go up and over as @Bonsai Nut outlined.
8 and 9 are also good possibilities for a root over horizontal rock planting.

Try to avoid shale. It is a sedimentary rock and tends to split into pieces when exposed to weather.
Rock 2 looks like it could also be a crumbling type of rock. Some break up into smaller particles after rain, sun and especially frost. There is no point spending 5-10 years developing the best root over rock in the world when the rock falls apart and leaves you with root over nothing.

 

[penumbra]

I would place the tree just a little higher up the slope so the roots don't have to go up and over as @Bonsai Nut outlined.

This^^^