Repotted my first "real" bonsai...though small as it is

[Cadillactaste]

I repotted and cut back the top branches which had been to the point of making it a weeping if I chose. But, that wasn't in the cards. So it's backbudding now. (Bougainvillea)

Trying to decide on proper front...
I think one of these two




This one I think is facing the viewer to harshly

 

[Cadillactaste]

Hard to believe I have had this tiny tree for two years...

 

[MaverickLancer]

To my eye, the first image gives just enough tilt towards the viewer. The foreshortening also compacts the trunk a bit, giving it the illusion of more movement. I keep getting held up by that scab though. I agree that the third image is a bit too "in-your-face" since this tree is more elegance than power.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Everyone has things that might bother them on any given tree,I get that. I personally think it just adds character to the tree. Adding to its story. Pulling ones eyes to where the most movement in the tree is located. But, I respect ones opinions...thanks for sharing yours with me.

 

[M. Frary]

I like scabby and scarred. A lot like me! Lol.

 

[sorce]

I think the perfect roundness of the wound is what is bothersome.

I don't know these, but maybe even if you intend it to heal, you could extend it a little to add a more natural feel.

I like this. I think it will grow into that pot well. Just a little more trunk, like 3/4 width of the scallop, and it'll feel better. I love how the pot edge mimics the movement of the tree.

• I'm a sucker for this one, it reminds me of one of mine!

Will we get a flower show?

Sorce

 

[Vin]

D,

I'm not saying you have to do anything about it but this is a no no. Leave it if you like but if you want to fix it, the sooner the better. Cool little tree either way.

 

[mat]

D,

I'm not saying you have to do anything about it but this is a no no. Leave it if you like but if you want to fix it, the sooner the better. Cool little tree either way.

View attachment 79346

That will form a bulge if left as is.

 

[Cadillactaste]

D,

I'm not saying you have to do anything about it but this is a no no. Leave it if you like but if you want to fix it, the sooner the better. Cool little tree either way.

View attachment 79346

Vin...I so missed that! It is a cross bar...sort of. It's slightly higher than the other branch so it slipped my notice. But, now that you mention it. It needs addressed...I need to decide which branch to remove. Looking back at older pictures it seemed more staggered. But, it's growing into a definite looking cross bar. Which is a no no.

That will form a bulge if left as is.

Yes Mat, your correct...and I know that rule. I typically always viewed it at the angle shown photo 2...which used to be my preferred angle. (And hides that flaw) Was just tweaking it up...and now, I do see that is an issue I need to address.

 

[Cadillactaste]

I think the perfect roundness of the wound is what is bothersome.

I don't know these, but maybe even if you intend it to heal, you could extend it a little to add a more natural feel.

I like this. I think it will grow into that pot well. Just a little more trunk, like 3/4 width of the scallop, and it'll feel better. I love how the pot edge mimics the movement of the tree.

• I'm a sucker for this one, it reminds me of one of mine!

Will we get a flower show?

Sorce

Something to consider Sorce...it was pruned with most likely a concave cutter I'm thinking. It is a scar that I first thought...healed nicely. I know these can rot...if you create dead wood. Even Neli has talked me out of adding it to my one bougainvillea that I did consider adding it to.(my twisted bougainvillea I thought to add some twisted Jin at some point.) So...I keep that in mind...in how one could address it, and not end up with dead wood. Right now, it's a healing scar...that...if it came to fighting rot...I could live with.

As for flower...I'm not sure I am going to let it bloom. Since now I am pondering which branch to remove on that cross bar area. If I keep it from blooming it will continue to push its strength elsewhere...say, back budding. Which I am really wanting to focus on ramification at this point. Especially when I'm removing a branch that has a bit of structure to it.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Thanks again Vin for pointing out the cross bar.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Trying to decide if that top left branch needs shortened...or developed more into my apex. Still new at finding an apex. But it sort of bothers me.

Anyone care to add their thoughts on the matter...so I can chew on it some...maybe a fresh perspective.

 

[Vin]

That looks much better. I would say the thick branch on the left needs to go as well. Then on the upper right you have a branch that is thicker near that looks kind of weird. Just what I see, not saying to start cutting. It really does look much better all and all. Good job!

 

[Cadillactaste]

On the right...that thick looking branch is actually the trunk. I'll have to grab a different angle so you can understand. It's the Y in the tree you see from above.

I agree...that thickness of that top left branch is distracting...maybe that is what stands out so. Removing it all...I can't wait until daylight to view the tree and get a new perspective on it. I like the canopy lowered and more compact. With the small shohin it seems more fitting. Thanks for the virt. Vin!

 

[Cadillactaste]

I guess I'm having a hard time finding where the apex might be...with that shorter flattened top. Where would it be located Vin? I can picture it being to the right when that thick top left branch removed. Sort of...but when the top is trimmed as the virt...I'm not sure...is it needing still restructured and ramification to build it yet?

 

[Milly]

Go back to the picture where Vin highlighted the 'problem' and consider removing the middle branch and shortening the right branch, thereby making the left branch the apex.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Thanks Vin...I removed that thick branch...trimmed back a few branches that seemed a bit long. And lifted the back one a tad to try for an apex.




Found this photo taken right after repot...what a mess it was. Lol

 

[Vin]

Time to sit back and have a cold beer or lemonade. Needs to rest and grow for now. Regroup next year and see where you are.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Time to sit back and have a cold beer or lemonade. Needs to rest and grow for now. Regroup next year and see where you are.

Cappuccino for me....early morning anyways...say 5am. But, I'll take that lemonade with fresh strawberries blended in with it. YUMMM! Yup...time to let it rest...and recover. But, at least it is heading in the right direction. It was a mess! Emmarressed to say it was mine...I can't get over I actually contemplated weeping form. Lol (shaking head) with that weeping form in my mind...and not in the tree...I lost my direction. Glad I found my way back.

Thanks again Vin, for pointing out what I overlooked. And fine tuning it with your virt. Much appreciated...it's calming to look upon now...verses total chaos.

 

[Vin]

They were just things I saw. It was your hands and vision that gave it direction. Looking forward to seeing it next year. Good job!