We had house guests staying in the train room for the past week, and anyway it’s summer and the weather is too nice to spend days in the basement. It turns out that bending tree armatures is an excellent patio activity that requires minimal tools or precision, and is thus compatible with the consumption of French Blanche and other summer delectables.
These were my first tree armatures, and I started with 26-gauge floral wire. I quickly found that managing trunk diameter is the principal challenge. The denser the tree, the greater the challenge.
For the densest trees, I had to resort to strands from electrical extension chords. These are too fine for branches longer than a centimetre by themselves, but when twisted together, they’re reasonably robust. Similarly, it takes quite a few strands to build up to the diameter of a single thick wire.
There are 48 named trees in the thicket, and some of them are compound trees with multiple trunks. I suspect they will keep me busy through many fine afternoons this summer.
Pembroke:87 
That sounds like it could be a very meditative pastime. There is something about the sinewy curves of trees that I find I can look at for hours.
Couple of thoughts: first, such a different type of glade. Out here, tree trunks that slim would be very young plants. I’ve used household electrical wire to form trunks on some of my west coast trees.
Second, I wonder – are you planning to flock the branches? I’ve used short fibres from sisal, hemp and jute string or rope to snip up suitable lengths. I found this provides another way to get branch density – if that is what you are after.
Final thought: glad you said “minimal tools or precision”. I was gearing up to ask whether the branch on the right was a little longer than the prototype . . .
Will you name a tree after me?
These ones, having been planted by brother, probably already have names. I’ll check with him, and if not, then sure!
These are lovely. 5, my fave. Thank you, Rene.
Graham ________________________________
Thanks Graham.