Sorry, meant to post a link...

Here is a link that might be useful: Continuing progress

Chris,
Always interesting to see your stuff. What are your thoughts on breaking the low buds this early in the development of the tree? Isn't there a concern that the resulting branches will then become too large in relation to the trunk? I wish I had started on pines earlier. With good advice from a few different sources, I've found them so far to be much easier than I had been led to believe.
Take care,
zube

Zube, thanks for your kind words! Remember I am following the path laid out in Bonsai Today # 20. The only modification is that I started with easily obtainable and very inexpensive one year old liners of JBP from a reputable nursery. So far everything in the article has proven true, and with better results than I could have imagined!

Here's what the future holds for these trees. There's not too much problem with them getting too large if one keeps them cut back somewhat. I haven't decided on a final size for this tree, so perhaps they will be useful. But even if I don't, by keeping them from getting to dense, I can gain the benefit of the trunk girth without too large a scar on the trunk. Of course, the more the merrier for "release" or "sacrifice" branches, but the main driver for the trunk girth will be the unhindered growth of the the leader, which I expect to grow to six feet tall or more.

Chris

Thanks Chris. I'll have to dig out my magazines and reread the article.
Good luck,
zube

Just expanded the article to show the pots used, etc. This is the mesh pot I am using.

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What amazes me is how many excellent nebaris I am getting out of these trees, considering what I started with.

Chris

Here is a link that might be useful: The whole story

Chris, This rookie thanks you for showing the post and the other links. This will be a great help. Thanks JW

Looks great Chris!! Have you checked with Vance about his planters? He gets great results (& look better than plastic mesh. You going to be able to attend the workshop with Marco this weekend?

Bill

Nah, Bill. I'd love to go and the price is certainly right. But since I am back in the car business, Saturday events are no longer possible.

I suppose Vance sells his planters which are made of wood and screen, and I know they look good, but these plastic ones are a couple of dollars. I know most who visit these forums are very cost-conscious, even to the point of refusing to pay for good nursery stock, so I know that the plastic mesh pots will be a good investment for them.

The advantages of the mesh pots are enumerated in the article, and one more...they are UV resistant and last much longer than a plastic colander made for food use.

Enjoy Marco's visit, he is terrific! Send him my way to buy a Honda!

Chris