2015 Air Layers update

Well, mixed results for my first time air layering although I’m reasonably happy given that I tried this technique late in the season.

First up, a success of sorts.  I airlayered the top of this European Hornbeam back in the summer and discovered one prominent root, hopefully there are other new roots growing unseen in the moss.

To protect any new root growth I cut a plastic pot and wrapped it around the trunk, filling it with free draining soil.  The pot is resting on a couple of well positioned branches so it is well supported.  I’ll wrap it in bubble wrap to protect from frost.

Next up, a Trident Maple air layer that didn’t take at all:

callous

And lastly, some promise with a Japanese Maple that I’d bought on the cheap from a garden centre earlier in the year:

Some one sided rootage but hopefully after some protection, more radial roots may form.  The moss remained in place and the pot filled with free draining soil.  No branches available to support the pot so I had to fashion a support using a tepee like structure.

I’ll inspect them closer in the spring with a view to chopping them off.

Shohin Literati Scots Pine (Pinus Sylvestris)

Took the cutters to this pine yesterday.  Sacrifice branch at the bottom left on to help thicken the lower trunk.

Before

After

It’ll go into a ceramic pot in spring.

Cotoneaster Cuttings

Took these hardwood cuttings from a shrub in the garden a few years ago.  Looking ready to plant out.  Even a wee berry on one of them.  Love the autumn colour!

In the spring I’ll put a couple in the flower bed and maybe start training a couple in little pots for short term bonsai development.