10 Summer 2003, finished for the time being; looks kind of pathetic, as most trees after first styling. Nigra pines in particular, just like ponderosas with their long needles look quite untidy after first styling. But it does not matter what it looks like now. It only matters what it will look like five years down the road. We'll see.
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14 Summer 2004, with pot by Derek Aspinall
15 Summer 2005
16 Summer 2007; now for the first time the tree starts to look showable. But it will still be a long way until it goes to an exhibit
17 Summer 2007, just a snapshot; getting better every time - just as it should be. Now I will have to concentrate on the needle length. The crown is dense enough. I don't want a poodle. But the needles will have to become shorter. This will happen by feeding less and cutting down on watering. We'll see.
