As discussed in Pt I, because the ground layer was so successful, the tree was potted up in March of '07 in this training pot. The new layered roots equaled approximately 1/3 of the original root mass.
The tree prospered during the'07 growing season combined with my feeding regimen, the roots soon colonized this 9 x 9 3 inch pot and repotting had to be once again considered.
The original root mass was severed from the tree as 2/3 to 3/4 of the roots were the result of the ground layer. It was difficult to find the tourniquet in the mass of fine feeder roots, but was found nonetheless and finally removed.
This the right side of the tree.
The tree was planted out on this slab from Erin Pottery. The slab dimensions are: 15.5 x 10 x 2 inches. Because of the shallowness of the slab, a layer of Sphagnum moss has been added as a top dressing to help maintain moisture and retain the soil in place. This side was chosen for comparative purposes only.
The following picture depicts the left side:
... and finally the back or front:
The old front:
The tree photographs with quite a severe lean to the left in this position, I am not sure why, as this has always been the chosen front.
Although this picture viewed from a slightly different angle offers a better view of the intended silhouette which is similar to the back view. The disadvantage of this view although favourable for the tree, does not highlight the slab well. The slab was meant to be used in my opinion with the old front view.
As stated in my original article "Taming the Hinoki Cypress", Hinokis do not take well to a repot and wire at the same time. Therefore as the wires have not begin to bite in, the tree will be left to recover this summer. I will be monitoring closely for biting and remove the wires at first sign. Then a complete re-wiring can and will be carried out at a more favourable time, which is during fall.
Much more refinement is needed during the third phase of this project. All the branches will be re-wired and brought down into perspective now that the tree is positioned somewhat in its final resting position. More work is required in cleaning and defining the crown, not to mention a slight reposition of such. The good thing about Hinokis they remain fairly flexible.
Considering the starting material I believe the tree is coming along quite well. Hinokis take extremely well to ground layering and the method used in Pt I can be safely applied by anyone.
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