Two more field grown Ume

[arjun]

Thanks for sharing, really like them. Tyler did detail carving on the one I have and I really like it.

 

[Dav4]

This one is more complicated so my progress isn’t as noticeable compared to the first. I may do a bit more later this summer but may need to wait until winter to further the design significantly because the trunks are so covered up with leaves that I won’t cut away until the tree has really recovered from the repot/root work.

 

[Dav4]

Both trees are growing strongly, so it was time for a hard, selective cutback and wiring of the shoots before they lignified. I’m hoping that the hard cut back will stimulate some of the latent buds further down on the trunks to pop… In fact, I’m counting on it .

 

[queenofsheba52]

Nicely done for sure

 

[Dav4]

I figured sooner then later was the MO for carving as I’ll bet these will be bushes by July 4th… probably done until leaf drop but you never know

 

[Hack Yeah!]

The trees and your new garden look great

 

[Dav4]

This one has been wired out and cut back twice this summer, most recently about a week ago. Here's to on more solid flush of growth and maybe a flower or two this winter... .

 

[BobbyLane]

Thats a lump!

 

[BobbyLane]

Are you going to join up the holes?
will look more cohesive and natural. I can tell that you drilled holes here, if you know what I mean.
You do have a lot of powerful trees Dav.

 

[Dav4]

Thats a lump!

Yeah, it was a bit difficult to come up with a design but I think it's headed in a good direction.

 

[Dav4]

Are you going to join up the holes?
will look more cohesive and natural. I can tell that you drilled holes here, if you know what I mean.
You do have a lot of powerful trees Dav.

So, when I carve, regardless of the species or type of tool I'm using, I deliberately stop carving knowing I've got more to do in the future. I may work it a few times in the beginning then let the work age for a season or two while I stare at it. Eventually, I'll get back at it and refine it... and yes, I usually end up removing a lot more wood from the inside of these umes. My plan with this one was to let the carving wounds callus this summer then peel away the bark to expose the new wood, and do a bit more wood removal... slow and steady!









Unfortunately, this one's bonsai journey has come to an end. I believe it dried out while I was away for 11 days in mid June... a few breezy days at 95-98 F and low humidity, only getting watered once in the morning is asking for carnage. I guess I'm lucky this is the only one that went toes up. Still, I think it had great potential and I deeply regret its loss.

 

[BobbyLane]

So, when I carve, regardless of the species or type of tool I'm using, I deliberately stop carving knowing I've got more to do in the future. I may work it a few times in the beginning then let the work age for a season or two while I stare at it. Eventually, I'll get back at it and refine it... and yes, I usually end up removing a lot more wood from the inside of these umes. My plan with this one was to let the carving wounds callus this summer then peel away the bark to expose the new wood, and do a bit more wood removal... slow and steady!









Unfortunately, this one's bonsai journey has come to an end. I believe it dried out while I was away for 11 days in mid June... a few breezy days at 95-98 F and low humidity, only getting watered once in the morning is asking for carnage. I guess I'm lucky this is the only one that went toes up. Still, I think it had great potential and I deeply regret its loss.

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Doing the carving work in stages is a good strategy, as the wood ages and the previous work weathers/dries, more cracks appear and one can use these cracks to channel out more details.

 

[Dav4]

Some editing and wiring are in store for this one before it starts to grow in the next 6 to 8 weeks.

 

[Dav4]

Some wiring and a re-pot to further push back the rootage. I’ve also been nibbling at the canopy over the last few weeks as the buds swell-trying to compact the image and balance the vigor a bit. No flowers this year. I suspect the batch of seedlings I acquired close to 15 years ago will never be prolific flower producers.

 

[Dav4]

More carving/hollowing today. The timing was good and bad as the lack of leaves made the work easier but the swelling buds are more easily damaged right now. I’ll probably get more hollowing done after the leaves have hardened off.

 

[Shogun610]

More carving/hollowing today. The timing was good and bad as the lack of leaves made the work easier but the swelling buds are more easily damaged right now. I’ll probably get more hollowing done after the leaves have hardened off.
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Mikita ?

 

[vp999]

I love it..Im trying to learn from you for my newly acquired Umes...Do you put lime sulphur on the carving or anything afterward?

 

[Dav4]

I love it..Im trying to learn from you for my newly acquired Umes...Do you put lime sulphur on the carving or anything afterward?

I don't really do anything to ume deadwood. It's very hard and rot resistant on its own and dries to a muted dark grey color that doesn't clash with the bark like it might if treated with the lime sulfur.

 

[Dav4]

A cut back and some deadwood editing… “feels like” temp of 95F outside right now… I’m getting a beer.

 

[vp999]

A cut back and some deadwood editing… “feels like” temp of 95F outside right now… I’m getting a beer.
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They’re going to look amazing Dave! I have 3-4 that’s I’m developing now too so I’ve been following your posts for ideas and directions.