Entry: Lagerstroemia Indica – Crepe Myrtle – USA
ofBonsai Magazine
The tree I chose for the contest is a crepe myrtle, a deciduous,flowering tree native to India but used here in Florida as a common landscape planting.
I collected the tree one and a half years ago out of a friends yard and have allowed it to grow. I’m not sure of the color of the bloom but my guess is purple (from the leaf size). It was a part of a giant clump that had fused but then consequently rotted through the middle.
I picked this tree because it is fast developing and the odd shape and deadwood should prove a challenge to create an artistically satisfying design.
I actually like the deadwood aspect of this tree whereas most prefer there be none on a deciduous tree; I believe this will add to the aged look which we strive for in bonsai. Therefore the front will include a view of this. At present the height of the top branches is 36 inches tall.
One Quarter Progression
From the raw material and initial styling I allowed the tree to grow. The tree responds very well to pruning and, days after trimming, new buds appear.
Half Way Progression
I removed the wire and rewired the new branching as needed. Basically, styling this tree will be a race to the deadline.
I will save the carving process on the hard cuts until the tree goes dormant.
Three Quarter Progression
As you can see, the tree has grown back, and more, the pruning that was done last. And actually I’ve trimmed it more in the interim between photo shoots.
The last shot shows the tree trimmed and a few branches wired into place. I’m pleased with the branch placement, I just need some thickening and taper.
Final
I was hoping for more growth but the heat and excess rains slowed the growth of this crepe. It was also attacked by fungus, further slowing the growth.
I carved out the deadwood and did another wiring.
It is still early for me to repot it into its first bonsai pot.
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Scores:
Selection: 5
Design: 5
Technique: 5
Final Outcome: 5
Documentation: 8
Originality: 5
Total: 34
This still looks very raw but has a good futre. It will take many years to form a credible crown.
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[tab title=”Judge #2″]
Scores:
Selection: 5
Design: 6
Technique: 6
Final Outcome: 6
Documentation: 5
Originality: 7
Total: 35
Needs additional wiring.
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[tab title=”Judge #3″]
Scores:
Selection: 7
Design: 7
Technique: 7
Final Outcome: 7
Documentation: 7
Originality: 7
Total: 42
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