I got this tree(for free) from a guy(Erik) who emigrated in 2012 to Malaysia. He got the tree from his father and he wanted for his tree to be cared for.
This is the tree May 2012:
From the start the tree portrayed a windswept feel, and I decided to pursue the style. I had to do a lot of research because windswept trees are very difficult for me to visualize, especially the branch and twig structure.
I did not want to have a tree with defined pads like this:
Looking through hundreds of pictures on the net I found this real life windswept tree and did a virtual of my tree next to it:
I liked this image and was convinced that broadleaved trees, like my Celtis, can look like this. I studied branch and twig structures of other windswept bonsai and I like this:
Drawing inspiration from guys like Robert Stevens and Jun, I decided to give it a try.
I decide to get rid of this branch because it was straight and very close to the upper branches (August 2012):
The tree from the other side:
Looking at the above image there may be some deadwood incorporated into the design.
This is the tree October 2012 after some heavy cut backs:
From there I left the tree to grow freely. It got a bit dry in the beginning of the growing season but no harm done. This is the tree yesterday at a nursery where we showed and worked on some trees:
Defoliating the tree and wiring every branch and twig took me about 5 hours! After wiring the tree and styling it this is how it looks now:
The other side:
Being my first real windswept I am happy with the outcome.
The nebari is covered by a mulch and the tree is in one of my ugly Rockset pot creations.
The crown seems a little bit crowded by all the branches, twigs and the wire accentuate this.....maybe I should thin it out a bit?
The tree does look to be too vigorous for a struggling tree?
A friend, Amith, from SABonsai, did a virt for me showing another option:
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