Japanese maple raft project

[cmeg1]

I'd get a whip/ 1 yr old seedling and wire the trunk for shape, then grow out for a few years

Exactly what I got going on with Zelkova seedlings....about 7 of them planted last year in the groundAnd shaped for raft . I can’t wait to see them trunk up this year shouldn’t take them long .

 

[Cadillactaste]

I'd recommend a standard Acer palmatum. Cold hardy and vigorous, and very responsive to growing in a pot. Don't forget that this one started as just a palmatum cutting. I'd get a whip/ 1 yr old seedling and wire the trunk for shape, then grow out for a few years to build bulk, then see what you have.

I can do growing in the ground. Got the space down by the garage. I'm less taken back by the task with how easy the Amythest Falls was to train from a 12" straight sucker.


As a raft project...do I want to wire it over with movement like it would eventually go in a pot...and rooting the other end a year or two in before moving to a pot?

 

[cmeg1]

@Cadillactaste here is what I tried,just wired the seedlings in the staggered shape and planted in ground to later plant horizontally in a container when they get an inch or two thick.

 

[Dav4]

I can do growing in the ground. Got the space down by the garage. I'm less taken back by the task with how easy the Amythest Falls was to train from a 12" straight sucker.
View attachment 229214

As a raft project...do I want to wire it over with movement like it would eventually go in a pot...and rooting the other end a year or two in before moving to a pot?

My tree was grown out in the ground for many years before being collected/layered. The best thing to do is have a bunch of whips, wire them all out for shape, then grow them out and see what you get.

 

[Cadillactaste]

@Cadillactaste here is what I tried,just wired the seedlings in the staggered shape and planted in ground to later plant horizontally in a container when they get an inch or two thick.

Thanks! So you don't worry yet about establishing roots on the other end until it's removed from the earth. Thanks!

My tree was grown out in the ground for many years before being collected/layered. The best thing to do is have a bunch of whips, wire them all out for shape, then grow them out and see what you get.

Yes, was pondering doing a few. Thanks Dave. I have the room how far apart should I plant them?

 

[Dav4]

Thanks! So you don't worry yet about establishing roots on the other end until it's removed from the earth. Thanks!


Yes, was pondering doing a few. Thanks Dave. I have the room how far apart should I plant them?

Ideally, at least 3-4 ft apart.

 

[Dav4]

So, here is this tree in it’s first show. It didn’t receive any awards, but I had many people tell me what a great tree I had there, more than any other tree I’ve ever put in the show . The judge went as far as to tell me he would gladly take it off my hands if I ever grow bored with it ...

 

[Dav4]

Here is the tree this morning, back in a grow box to start the next chapter in its life. No more turface for this one?.

 

[Mike Hennigan]

Absolutely stunning! I think once you really develop the fine ramification it will be more than award worthy!

 

[D1raq]

So, here is this tree in it’s first show. It didn’t receive any awards, but I had many people tell me what a great tree I had there, more than any other tree I’ve ever put in the show . The judge went as far as to tell me he would gladly take it off my hands if I ever grow bored with it ...
View attachment 232705

Great work on this tree. You should be proud

 

[Dav4]

Absolutely stunning! I think once you really develop the fine ramification it will be more than award worthy!

The multiple trunks need age… They need to double in girth and develop old bark. Once that happens, We’ll be in business

 

[BobbyLane]

So, here is this tree in it’s first show. It didn’t receive any awards, but I had many people tell me what a great tree I had there, more than any other tree I’ve ever put in the show . The judge went as far as to tell me he would gladly take it off my hands if I ever grow bored with it ...
View attachment 232705

ah, i knew i recognised it from the show thread! has a very natural, harmonised look about it, going to be great.

 

[cmeg1]

Very cool raft project you got there I’m making some too.....glad your enjoying it!
Looks great!
Very nice display

 

[TomB]

So, here is this tree in it’s first show. It didn’t receive any awards, but I had many people tell me what a great tree I had there, more than any other tree I’ve ever put in the show . The judge went as far as to tell me he would gladly take it off my hands if I ever grow bored with it ...
View attachment 232705

That's really nicely presented, and the spring foliage works perfectly. Lovely.

 

[Deleted member 21616]

beautiful tree, and excellent pot choice too! at least to my tastes

 

[0soyoung]

Good tree to get older with @Dav4 !
Definitely a keeper.

 

[ysrgrathe]

Great presentation, love the pot + moss work.

 

[LanceMac10]

Looking at the display, I'm thinking this tree needed an upgrade from, sorry to say, the "RedNeck Photostudio" to a @MACH5 Ansel Adams..


....the little tuft of vegetation in front of the base on the viewers right?.......forget it!!!! I need closeups, I'm steamy here!!!


Didn't you know you have to be a great photographer to have "nice" bonsai?!?!

.....love the spring colored growth, nature's bling!!




Amazing bit of display pottery, lovely green......not even because I'm an Irish kid!!!

 

[coh]

Here is the tree this morning, back in a grow box to start the next chapter in its life. No more turface for this one?.

Gonna treat it to some real bonsai soil now, huh! About time!

Cool tree and it will definitely look awesome once it develops further. I would also be happy to take it off your hands if you ever grow
bored with it

 

[Dav4]

Gonna treat it to some real bonsai soil now, huh! About time!

Cool tree and it will definitely look awesome once it develops further. I would also be happy to take it off your hands if you ever grow
bored with it

Yeah, I figure 18 to 20 years in turface is just about enough!