Willow Leaf Fig

This tree was purchased from a friend who found the tree too heavy for her to manage.  At that point is was
an upright tree with 2 sets of bar branches.  The area of bar branching was becoming too thick and a ‘reverse’
taper was happening.  (I unfortunately didn’t take pictures before I commenced work)

I cut the tree back to a first branch and wired it up to become the new apex.  At the same time I planted the
trunk on an angle, giving the lovely movement you see today.  Also by planting on the angle, it meant that I
didn’t have to pull the first branch up so much and I also used a side branchlet to bring the apex of this tree
back into a pleasing line.  All the branches were grown again and re-trained.

After a time the branches were again re-wired and pulled down to create the image of an aged tree.  This tree
is about to be critiqued by an international bonsai artist and should there be any modification to the design,
I will publish a further picture.  It is always my intention to enhance my trees till they reach their full potential.

Maple Fusion Techniques 

Page 184 –  Craig Coussins Book    -   Maple fusion techniques  by Doug Phillips USA

“What is a ‘fused-trunk maple”?  It is one tree created from many.

I (Tess) decided I would have a go at this project. Selby and Peter (another bonsai nut like myself) created
the frame.  The Frame measured 20 cm across the base and about 35 cm high.  The actual base taking into account
the root spread will be about 30cm.

I used Japanese maple advanced seedlings (not Tridents as used in Dougs demonstration).  Actually 179 seedlings
and it took me about eight hours work to tie these trees to the frame using the ‘wire twisties’ similar to that used in
the book.  So far the tree cost in excess of $500 in materials and labour, I will keep you posted as to how it turns out.  Pictures below are of the work in progress.