Czech Yamadori

I have spotted this little larch back in 2008 or so.   And our relations have evolved from " this is it" to  " well,  maybe later" and finally to "OK, lets go" in spring 2015. Why all this hesitation? First, I was not sure if I like the bulb shaped base of the tree.  And frankly, I do have doubts even now... Second - the major part of the trunk has been just like a straight beam.  No taper, no movement. Spring 2017. Time to work on the straight trunk.   My favourite (Double C)n  method =  multiple Cut and Close method.  Before After I have planned a bit more acute angle, but the tree was not very happy about it.  At a certain moment I have heard a cracking noise and after an inspection I have discovered quite nasty looking crack just above the cut.  So I have stopped it.  Hoping it was not too late... Spring 2018 The larch has recovered  and produced a good number of new shoots. The crack covered nicely by callus .  

Slats  ( Larch ) 35 x 25 x 400 Why to go for slats perpendicular to the axes of the rail board if they take much more time to process? I believe it allows better circulation of air.  So it should be better for the trees.   And if this  " better circulation " is true, then my humidity trays should provide even better environment for my trees ( I will cover this a bit later ). Rails  ( Spruce ) I have opted for a 140 x 25 mm profile.  Solid and good bending resistance.  A torsion could be a problem with such thin elements,  but I am not too much concerned about that as the distance between the poles is just 2000 mm. Wood protection Osmo stain.  Please note the additional protection of the face of the poles.  A piece of a rubber foil. Joints Simple butt joints have been used.  Stainless screws 4,5 x 60 mm Additional reinforcement  on the poles  to support the wooden rails Nearly finished.  Still need to make c. 20 additio

I do spent more and more time thinking how should I reduce the number of my trees.   I do realise I have too many of them.  How do I know?  Easy.  The joy of keeping  trees is gradually but steadily evaporating and changing into a chore...I hate to end up with neglected trees full of quick wood. To start with I have decided to occupy more space on our balcony.  Sounds strange, isn't.  Reduction x More space for trees?  Never mind.  I will get there one day. For sure.  I hope. A solid rack to start with.   Mortise and tenom.  No iron to hold it together. Just dowels. Now working on the top frame.  Slats and Rails.  

Pyracantha blossoms nearly in full bloom...

I must have lost last few remains of my  active brain cells.... This is a first shot of  the planned time lapse series.  The ramification is a bit weak  at the moment and the nebari doesn't look good either.   But it is just a matter of time to get there. Anyway, plannig the first pruning in next few days  to remove the taproots at least on some of the seedlings to see how it develops.   I have tested this method of flat root development  successfully on Cydonia oblonga and it works well there.

This small Pyracantha a. is part of my Mr. Jekyll shohin collection.  OK, I know.  Shohin_starters is the correct word to be used here.    Height: 15 cm I wonder what kind of mess is hidden by the merciful canopy of leaves?       I am at doubt. What is more attractive? Tiny, gentle buds just before they open or the decorative beauty of fully opened blossoms covered by the early morning dew?  Appreciated with a sip of Tullamore dew perhaps? A note from Mr. Hyde:   Forget about shohin.     Just wait to see my new four handed monster trunk mahaleb from this spring collection... Luckily both of the guys is united when it comes to the weather: Bugger. No rain for more than 36 days now. 

Waking up with the first thought about the items on the to do list you have prepared  in your bed just before you went to sleep. Quick "inspection" of the new items in the garden to see how they are doing.   Any new development?  New leaves?  Buds?  Great! The tiny leaves are not doing well?  What should I do? Hope and Despair are the two part of the coin.... Repoting .  After the completion of the 10th tree I feel like a robot.  I do hate monotonous work. Health control.  With such density of plant on a spot you have to be very careful Watering.    The weather is far too nice for an April.   Today I have chased off the wild ducks and occupied the pond for a few moments instead. The water  was close to 17°C.  And not to forget the main part. WATCHING.   Rhodohypoxis  Euonymus.  Full of flower buds... Magnolia Beauty and the Beast.  In the main role:  Blossoms of A. campestre and  unknown Ants Mahaleb Where is the front?