#ProgressionThursday - Zelkova Bonsai
Updated July 29th, 2021
Hello PeaceLoveBonsai readers, hope you are well and enjoying a great Summer (or Winter for those readers down under). I've had a busy spring and summer. Looking forward to giving ya'll some updates on my trees. I'll start with a quick update from a an earlier post.
I'll mark this post as the Good, the Bad & the Ugly
The Good
As I intended, I repotted this tree in the spring. (Unfortunately, I didn't take any photos...grrr) I chose a blue color container to highlight the greys and greens of the tree. I think it turned out well and the tree is growing strong in it's new pot.
The Bad
But its not all rainbows and butterflies.
In order to get the taper in the tree, I had to chop back a few years ago (see my previous post below for more info). As you can see, it still isn't healing. I'll need to work on this going forward.
And the Ugly...
Like an idiot, I left the wire on too long, and unfortunately, the scars are significant. I'll most likely have to regrow this branch, which is a bummer, and a good reminder to check those wires early and often, especially on your deciduous trees!
All in all, I'm pleased with the progress of this Arbor Day seedling. Read below for more info on it's journey to becoming a bonsai.
Original Post: December 2020
Happy Thursday to all the PeaceLoveBonsai readers! Here's hoping you all had a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving. Today, a progression of a zelkova tree that I originally purchased from the Arbor Day Foundation.
After receiving the tree, I planted in my grow box. If you look closely, you can see the price I paid, $6.50. Not bad!
Spring 2016
Spring 2017
In March of 2018, I decided to try my hand at creating a zelkova broom. I cut the top, pulled up the tree and placed it in a grow box.
March 2018
Unfortunately, the zelkova only grew from one side. At this point, my dream of turning this into a broom was pretty much dead. I debated whether to chop again and try a broom lower on the trunk, or keep the tree as it was and grow as an informal upright.
As you can see, I decided against another chop and let the tree grow mostly unattended until now.
December 2020 - A Little Fall Color
December 2020 - Before Work:
December 2020 - Styled and Wired
Next spring, I hope to find a pot for the tree. I'm thinking a blue glaze to match the yellow fall color? Not sure, what do you think? Let me know down in the comments and be sure to let me know what trees you are working on this winter.
Until next time, PeaceLoveBonsai!