Large Yamadori Hawthorn

Good to see it busting out. What have you decided to do with the rock/root? I wonder if it would be better with a hollow there instead.
 
Is it possible to turn it around and make the back the front, in order to hide the root/rock?

Hi Steve. Here is the back.



The tree leans strongly in the other direction, so there is really only one option for the front for me. Also, the root is still visible from this side. The stone does not bother me so much - more the root.

Many people have suggested colouring the rock. I believe that Japanese "rules" state that a rock should be dark in colour, but this is not a Japanese tree -this is an English tree! The limestone is indicative of where these trees naturally grow.

I will certainly consider carving and reducing the root once the tree is established, but I think the rock will be staying as is.

I know that this is not traditional nebari but it is still not too offensive on the eye as it is in my opinion. The tree has a very rugged, wild presence that is mirrored in the weird nebari - something like what Walter Pall might call "fairy tail style".
 
A quick update. The hawthorn grew strongly over its first year, putting out 1 meter growth extensions.



I have recently carried out the first work on the tree - reducing and carving any unwanted elements and smooth barked 'water shoots'.



The tree as it looks today. Now waiting for the leaves to drop before I do the first wiring.



More images on my blog;
http://yamadoriartuk.blogspot.co.uk/
 
Looking good! This is going to be one phenomenal bonsai!
 
God I think this tree is gonna look amazing no matter how it's styled,if it's done well. Have you done a virtual on this tree?i would do several different ones. This tree looks wicked,I love that look.

Even though the tree really did grow around that rock,I would try to remove it.thats me though.
On the other hand it kinda looks like it's grabbing an old tombstone. lol my wheels are spinning with this tree
 
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God I think this tree is gonna look amazing no matter how it's styled,if it's done well. Have you done a virtual on this tree?i would do several different ones. This tree looks wicked,I love that look.

Even though the tree really did grow around that rock,I would try to remove it.thats me though.
On the other hand it kinda looks like it's grabbing an old tombstone. lol my wheels are spinning with this tree

Here is one idea Derek. I would love to see other people's ideas.

 
The tree looks fantastic in my eyes.Certainly must be a joy to own.Keep up the good work.
 
Very Nice Wicked tree Lee.

Adorable child.

I would like to see it in a much more shallow, wide pot. Raised a bit. I would add more rocks/rock leading up to that one. If you cant beat em join em! This way you can make it look like its supposed to be there.

Sorce
 
Get some lichens growing on the rocks too add age.....

Marvelous.

Sorce
 
Wow Lee that is a spectacular Hawthorn you've got there!
Seems like they grow like weeds there in the UK, Because you guys always have such nice hawthorn yamadori and bonsai.
I asked Uncle Tony to find me one too, can't wait to have one myself and hope its as nice as yours.
Looking forward seeing this one progress.
 
Thank you everybody for replies. I am glad that the tree has been received so well by everybody as I think it is really something special. I am massively indebted to my good friend John Ostranica who not only found the collecting site, but also found the tree and suggested that I collect it for myself as he had already collected a good tree that day. I am relatively new to bonsai, but it is my dream to take my trees to Europe's top shows one day, and I hope that I can eventually take this tree to that level.

Very Nice Wicked tree Lee.

Adorable child.

I would like to see it in a much more shallow, wide pot. Raised a bit. I would add more rocks/rock leading up to that one. If you cant beat em join em! This way you can make it look like its supposed to be there.

Sorce

Thank you sorce. I had already had the idea to maybe add some more rocks. The more I think about it, the more I want to keep the rock. Limestone is an integral part of the landscape which these trees grow in, and it helps to create a natural image of a native Northern England tree. I will soon be back in this location, collecting more trees and will get a few more stones while I am there. I just hope I can find another hawthorn of this quality while I am there!
 
Lee are you gong to bonsaieurope 2015? If you collect some nice yama and you want to get rid of them just let me know. Maybe we can arrange something there than.
I will be demoing there so we might bump into each other anyway.
 
Lee are you gong to bonsaieurope 2015? If you collect some nice yama and you want to get rid of them just let me know. Maybe we can arrange something there than.
I will be demoing there so we might bump into each other anyway.

I will definitely see you there Chris. It is just up the road for me, so I have offered my services to help Tony out in any way. I already have a couple of surplus pieces, so will definitely be needing to move some on next year.
 
Hardiness/Resiliancy

Wondering how hardy the Hawthorns are. I just got my first yamadori hawthorn today while out in the training areas. Literally, I found one that had been run over by an armored vehicle..It came out of the ground easily, but the root ball was limited to the broken tap, three main and a small amount of fibrous roots. I cleaned it up and potted it when I got home. Hoping it grows because there is wonderful shari caused by the collision with 20 tons of steel.
 
Very nice tree Lee. I have never seen this dynamic movement on specimens at my collecting areas. I'm curious to see its further development. Greetings.
Maros
 
Wondering how hardy the Hawthorns are. I just got my first yamadori hawthorn today while out in the training areas. Literally, I found one that had been run over by an armored vehicle..It came out of the ground easily, but the root ball was limited to the broken tap, three main and a small amount of fibrous roots. I cleaned it up and potted it when I got home. Hoping it grows because there is wonderful shari caused by the collision with 20 tons of steel.

From the few I've collected so far they seem fairly resilient. Dug in the spring and all had the giant roots sawed off and came out with a few fibrous roots. All 3 are still alive. I also have 1 I bought from Zach Smith at Bonsai South that he collected and it has a great root system.
Now collecting one this time of year I don't know about. Collect mine in the spring before bud break.
 
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