The annual Bonsai Societies of Florida convention is taking place all week end. The exhibit opened today and I have my very own crape myrtle on display.
If you get a chance stop by to check it out. You will not be disappointed. It is at the Ramada near I-4 and Rt192 in Kissimmee
The last time I did any work on this tree was January 21, 2007!
So here we are 3 1/2 years later , and boy has this tree changed.
What happened? Well I found out that Too Littles not neccesarily like to be bonsai. Their leaves are small and the trees pop out new growth everywhere. However their branches have a tendency to continually move upright after the styling wires have been removed. Which meant that it was a high maintenance job keeping the tree styled as I had it. So I took it to a nursery for the past 3 years to let it grow and to thicken up even more.
Another problem with the tree was a very odd one sided surface root, that had always bothered me.
After a bit of thinking and a lot of heavy pruning I began to find a new tree under a mass of branches and leaves. Best of all a maintainable style. I plan to keep the branches short and dense, so I won’t have any problems with branches bending back. Just look how massive the trunk looks compared to the styling from years ago
My new tree front was the old back, and the long surface root has been reduced and now shows on the right side of the trunk. I am so happy with this tree now, it is quickly becoming one of my favorites!!
I’ve only had this tree for about a year now, but the changed are drastic. Even without the foliage this tree has great strength and presence. Additionally this type of ficus is so easy to work with, and it perfect for bonsai because of its small leaves. A rewarding tree at any level of experience.
I have learned so much from this tree. My first carving, and very first apprach graft were performed on this little tree. Such easy material to work with, and the leave size reduces so naturally.
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