This winter has been pretty awful. In addition to being colder than usual, it’s also been wetter than usual. That does not make for a pleasant time.
Just over the past few days we’ve seen temperatures moderate a bit – and by that I mean it gets into the 60s during the day. Everything’s still ugly, but if temps continue like this (and that’s the prediction) then certain species are likely to start swelling their buds. The other day I noticed buds on an American elm I collected last month. Bald cypress is absolutely one of the best at this. I went out this evening to take a look at everything, and one of my cypresses from last fall I’m holding for a client has buds that are about to open! These trees all come from south of here, and as I’ve mentioned before they often exhibit “memory” of where they came from. What this means is, my very large cypresses in the yard that I planted 18 years ago will sit there for another month with no activity at all. The collected trees from down south will be out by then and making shoots. Very exciting!
In the meantime, here’s a fun thing to do. Help me figure out the best front for this large BC.
Option #1
When I pot these specimens in plastic tubs, I always pick what I think is the best front. Usually I get it right. But not always. In this case, you can’t argue with the nice movement in the trunk and the buttressing roots. This is a really nicely buttressed BC, with great taper and character.
Option #2
When I was watering this evening, this view of the tree caught my eye. It is more or less from the left rear corner of the tub as seen in photo 1. Once again there’s beautiful buttressing and flaring. In addition, this view has a broader surface spread than the first one. I’m thinking that it makes a bigger visual impression this way. So now I’m torn.
I love both angles! I’d decide based on whether I was going to do flat-top or ‘triangle’/xmas-tree style, if doing the latter I’d make the front the new way (with the wider base, the view from the back-left), if doing a flat-top I’d keep the front as you planted it!
(of course, I’ve never styled a BC in my life and am just now getting my first buds – thanks in large part to your help!- so my opinion isn’t worth a whole lot 😛 )
Thank you for the input, Derek. That tree will be heading off to a buyer if it recovers from collecting. I figure it’s going to make an awesome bonsai no matter the style.
I like number 1. It looks less straight somehow
I like view #2. The trunk visually shows slow movement to the left as you go upward about three quarters the trunk shows a little movement to the right.
This is a very interesting tree with slight movement in both directions.
Nice root display on both sides. I think picture #2 ia a bit more dramatic.
good luck and can’t wait to see what you pick.
Thank you, Bob!
Option 2 shows a wider base and to me the tree looks stronger.
Option 2 is killing it! Thanks to everyone who commented.
I like #2 also. A lot of movement and beautiful. Mine never look that good.
I like the first, for me the root facing the front of the second hits me as being too prominent, but if I could see it in person I might change my mind.
I like #2 as well… seems well balanced
I was noticing this past weekend that all the American Elms in my yard had flowered, I also saw a Mexican Plum in bloom already! Spring is close but we have a wintery blast coming to Dallas this weekend.
I prefer option 2.
Thank you, Gil!
I’m thinking the second picture looks like the front of the tree!
I enjoy option 2. I feel power and movement as the tree leaves the soil line and flows upward.
My first thought was #2; but when I enlarged #1 I saw the number and size diversity of undulations at the trunk base. The question is how much more interesting this view willl be as the plant continues to mature. Fortunately, you can always change your mind when you see the outcome.
Nice observation, Jim! I have had occasion in the past to style a tree and then, years later, change my mind on the front. It’s all part of the fun.
I also prefer option 2 (better buttressing).