Carpinus betulus "Rusnak"

 

Hornbeam Bonsai Coming Full Circle

Carpinus betulus "Rusnak"

 

Carpinus "Rusnak" preparation for the exhibition

Carpinus betulus "Rusnak"

This is the last post of 2022, so let me wish you all the best in 2023.  

CARPINUS BETULUS "RUSNAK"

I went to the woods recently to collect mushrooms. I found none, which speaks volumes about my mushroom hunting capabilities (staring at full baskets of other guys I met afterward). So I didn't want to return empty-handed I collected some nice moss there. Now it overs the soil of Rusnak pot. The foliage of the hornbeam is becoming tired from the long hot summer and is slowly turning yellow. 

CARPINUS BETULUS "RUSNAK" in new pot

 Tree in a new pot by Hugo Studeník since spring. Doing fine so far. 

Carpinus betulus "RUSNAK"

Hornbeam after spring editing. Cleaning dry braches and some adjustments. Two weeks ago repotted one year too late after 3 seasons. One major root heavily shortened. Removing some old soil still from collecting times ten years ago. A potted bit deeper as a result of rootwork.  Getting there slowly. Moss to keep wet top level of the soil. Must be protected from birds since they make it pigs breakfast in minutes if not covered with mesh. 

Carpinus betulus "RUSNAK"

Carpinus betulus "RUSNAK"

Carpinus betulus "RUSNAK"

Hornbeam was cut back and edited a bit. Too much growth at the upper parts of the crown is shading inner structure and would cause dieback of weaker parts of the crown. Now much lighter and hopefully safe for inner growth for a few weeks. Shoots at the top cut back to one or two buds maximum. The lower part of the growth was largely left untouched to gain vigour. 

After editing top part of the crown. The light must be allowed to reach inner parts of the structure to avoid dieback of shaded branches.

The tree before editing after a few weeks of unrestricted growth. Top of the crown already too dense. 

Carpinus betulus "RUSNAK"