The Noleanders Douglas Fir

[Dan W.]

This was my workshop tree at the ABS/BCI convention in Denver last June. Marc Noelanders led the workshop and was a great teacher. I highly recommend working with him if you get the chance.







The tree was colllected in April of 2007 by Todd Schlafer in Colorado. I repotted it this spring into a Sara Rayner pot that I also bought at the show... for this tree.

The tree is pushing new growth nicely and seems to like its new home so far. -- I'm loosing a small branch near the apex (right side) that you can probably see in the pic. That branch was weak at the workshop and I probably should have removed the wire to try and help it recover. It's not too big of a deal though, as there are enough strong small branches near by to fill that area again within a couple of years.

There are more pics on my blog here: http://backcountrybonsai.wordpress.com/2013/06/06/the-noleanders-douglas-fir/

 

[Dan W.]

After the fact, I think I'll adjust the planting angle slightly next re-pot. I was in a hurry to get it done and didn't look quite as closely as I should have. But I'm still very happy with how it's turning out.

 

[Poink88]

Nice tree.

One question...don't you think the area wrapped in raffia is too vertical? I mean it looks too perpendicular to the ground. On the workshop photo, it wasn't and the subtle change when re-potted seems to have caused that.

Or is it just the angle the pic was taken?

 

[Poink88]

Oops. I think we crossed post.

 

[Dan W.]

You're exactly right Dario. That's what I noticed shortly after I was finished repotting too.

 

[Poink88]

Whew. It took me a while to compose that so it won't come offensive. Thanks for taking it as it was intended.

On the lighter side, now you have a perfect excuse to tilt the pot a little for improved drainage. LOL Nice Sara Rayner pot BTW.

 

[Dan W.]

lol.... I would need improved drainage if we got rain here... jk, we've actually had far more rain this spring than last. -- I love this pot! Sara does a great job and this one especially drew me in.

 

[Poink88]

Looking at it further, it could also be the rotation (need to go clockwise) and not necessarily the tilt...but it could be both. Rotation is more problematic since you will have to remove more roots at the front right side. I think you did great moving it from the training pot to this. Sometimes you just cannot do it safely all at once.

If you have time, please take a pic from mid height (of the tree) and rotate the pot about 5 degrees clockwise. (please)

 

[Dan W.]

It is both. I plan on taking a pic of the tree as I should have potted it when I get a chance.

The roots won't be an issue. They should be able to make the rotaion without too much harm. But it will be a couple of years before I do.

 

[october]

Dan beautiful tree.. as far as repotting angle situation in general. I know exactly what you are describing. In fact, the issue of not the best angle achieved on the repot or that you notice after the repot that there was a better angle, happens to me every now and then. It is really annoying. In some cases, it does upset me quite a bit. Especially with conifers because you know you will be looking at it for 2-3 years. I usually tell myself, well, the tree is very healthy. I can change the angle, but if it dies, then nothing can be done.

I think bigger, finished trees, like exhibition trees have much more leniency. I mean, an inch one way or the other or an inch of rotation might not mean anything. However, on unfinished, smaller trees, 1 inch of a tilt or rotation can affect the design quite a bit.

This fir is still magnificent at the old or new angle.

Rob

 

[Dan W.]

Thanks Rob, I'm glad you like it! I do

 

[Beng]

Looks great Dan, I did a workshop with him at Natures way he was such a nice guy and a good teacher. He was kind enough to sketch everyone future tree, not once but twice! He even stayed past the end of the class to help the remaining students finish his tree. Was very impressed with him as a person and with his skill level. Would love to take another workshop with him someday. I think his last name is spelled wrong in the post I believe it's Noelanders but I could be wrong.

 

[Dan W.]

You're right Ben. I just checked his book and it's Noelanders.

I had very much the same experience... I was the last guy.... who picked the one tree with twice the branches that needed wiring of any other tree in the workshop. He was a great guy all around.

 

[Dan W.]

I love the spring growth on these.

 

[wireme]

Keep an eye out for adelgids on that fresh and tasty new growth.

 

[Dan W.]

Here's a picture closer to the final planting angle. I think I'll have to keep looking at it and plying with angles before I finally settle on the future re-pot. At least I have time

 

[Dan W.]

Here are a couple of recent shots. Good eye Dario!

I plan to re-pot this coming spring. I don't think I will have to disturb much soil since I'll only be turning the tree clockwise a bit.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Beautiful...an iconic tree in your collection.

 

[Vance Wood]

Spectacular tree and a native as well. I hope in two years you consider entering it in theNational Show in New York.

 

[Dav4]

I'm not sure how I missed this thread the first time around. What a wonderful tree! Seeing that gnarly, old fir, along with the maple, dusted with snow reminded me of years gone by and seasons changing. It almost makes me want to move back up north................almost.