Japanese maple [#01]

[MACH5]

Starting a brand new thread on this maple. There is another one that exists but most of the pics, due to a reshuffling/editing of photos in my Photobucket, got deleted and no way to go back and edit that thread.

In any case, I am starting a new one for a clean start and continue chronicling its progress. This is a tree I purchased back around the year 2000. Frank Mihalic of Wildwood Gardens was the former owner of this tree. Unfortunately I do not have any photos from back then. However, I have gathered together a few pictures showing a progression through the past ten years.

I also have a thread on root grafting using this tree which you can see here: http://www.bonsainut.com/threads/root-graft-on-a-maple.18800/





Circa 2005





2008





2009







2011







2012









2013







2014/15







2016. Nebari slightly hidden by the sphagnum moss still covering the soil. The present dimensions are 19" tall from soil level and 24" wide.







In the spring I plan to transfer it into this Shuho pot. But may still be looking at other options.

 

[Eric Group]

Gorgeous! Very well laid out tree. I am planning some root grafts this Spring, but I think I am going to do thread grafts on most of mine... Seems a higher percentage of success as I have not had good experiences with approach grafts. Regardless, this tree is inspiring and you could make ten threads about is as far as I am concerned.

 

[fredtruck]

Terrific progression, Sergio. Who made the pot the tree is in now? Why do you want to change to the Shuho?

 

[Milly]

Your work and this tree is inspiring Sergio.
Love the look of that pot.

 

[Nomiyama]

One of my favorite tree's in your collection Sergio. Excellent work over the years, I see a show stopper with the ability to win.

 

[dirk hoorelbeke]

wonderful tree...

 

[JudyB]

Cool, like a time machine. Almost makes me glad the old thread doesn't work anymore! I like your Shuho, are you unsure of it because it's almost a bit rustic looking for such a clean tree? That's the only thing I see, but it could be really nice with it. That color with the spring and fall leaves.... divine!

 

[Nybonsai12]

It's funny because in the pics with white background the pot is maybe too bright. But with the black background i like It. My only thought is maybe the pot doesn't appear aged enough And I wouldn't want the bright blue to distract? Thinking out loud. Was that your thought?
The shuho looks very nice. Look forward to seeing it in the pot if you go that route.
As always Sergio, a wonderful tree and work you have done. Always on another level.

 

[JudyB]

Always on another level.

true that!

 

[Giga]

very delicious!

 

[Djtommy]

very nice tree, and that new pot looks really good. should be a nice match

 

[Adair M]

I fully expect to see this tree in Rochester in September!

 

[MACH5]

Gorgeous! Very well laid out tree. I am planning some root grafts this Spring, but I think I am going to do thread grafts on most of mine... Seems a higher percentage of success as I have not had good experiences with approach grafts. Regardless, this tree is inspiring and you could make ten threads about is as far as I am concerned.

Eric a little bit trickier to do approach root grafts since very precise work is needed. Once you get the hang of it, it is not too difficult. To be sure, I have had my share of failures with this method. Do make sure all your grafts get enough light and air and not too shaded by the canopy of the parent tree.

 

[MACH5]

Terrific progression, Sergio. Who made the pot the tree is in now? Why do you want to change to the Shuho?

Thanks Fred! It is in a Yamafusa pot. I honestly don't have a good answer for you except I am always looking to improve. I fell in love with this pot. The patina is just beautiful specially in person. I will have to see in spring and try it out. Perhaps it will work... but perhaps not. We'll see.

 

[erb.75]

Mach5, Just so you know, it's now one of my bucket list items to do a workshop with you or attend a demo/lecture

thanks for posting! an inspiration for all bonsai enthusiasts!

 

[MACH5]

One of my favorite tree's in your collection Sergio. Excellent work over the years, I see a show stopper with the ability to win.

Thank Chris! When I put this timeline together, it really hit me as to how much work and time bonsai takes and how time passes like a breeze!

 

[MACH5]

Cool, like a time machine. Almost makes me glad the old thread doesn't work anymore! I like your Shuho, are you unsure of it because it's almost a bit rustic looking for such a clean tree? That's the only thing I see, but it could be really nice with it. That color with the spring and fall leaves.... divine!

Juds I don't think is so much the rustic and aged look of the Shuho pot as it is its size. I bought this pot when I was at Morimae's garden thinking of this tree. However, ideally I wanted something a bit wider. This pot is almost exactly the same size as the one it is in just a bit shallower. Hopefully it will work but keeping options open

 

[Andrew Robson]

Love everything about it! Thanks so much for taking the time to share!

Cheers!

 

[MACH5]

I fully expect to see this tree in Rochester in September!

Thanks Adair! Well it has been already submitted for consideration. I hope you're right but we'll see If it does get in, I have been toying with the idea of showing it leafless much like the beech from the Pacific Rim Collection at the Artisan's Cup. I am considering this very, very carefully mainly due to what could happen to this tree with such an early defoliation in September.

 

[MACH5]

Mach5, Just so you know, it's now one of my bucket list items to do a workshop with you or attend a demo/lecture

thanks for posting! an inspiration for all bonsai enthusiasts!

LOL please don't waste your time with me. There are far better people I can think of for you to take classes with!