Lightroom Cloning

Hi
I have taken this photo and I want to remove the stem on the lower right hand of the main stem. I usually use exclusively, DPP for everything I do PP wise, but I have just got Lightroom 3.
I have had a few goes to remove it myself with no joy. I have trawled through all the searches I can, I've searched through Youtube for tutorials but with no luck. I can only find info on removing spots/blemishes. Can anyone point me towards a tutorial or give me a breakdown on how to do it please.
Thanks

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

No idea wether it will work, but you probably have the best chance ehen cloning "along the stem" (NOT heal)
Like this: In small steps, from either side.

Thanks Rene
I have had a go, but, its difficult to get a straight edge on the stem. Also with the circles overlapping its showing remnents of the black stem underneath. I thought I would be able to duplicate the shade of green alongside the stem and 'paint' it in.
Anyone is welcome to have a play with the image to see if its possible to do, but, in Lightroom please to see if its possible.
Thanks

Like you note, you can use the clone tool to patch in the green background into the branch, but the biggest problem will be where the branch meets the stem -- Lightroom just isn't designed for this type of thing and I'm not even sure what the best way of approaching it would be, since as far as I know there is no way of erasing a clone such as you can a brush.

It would be simple in an editor with basic layer and masking abilities like the Gimp, Elements or I believe PaintShopPro simply because sophisticated cloning and masking and such is a major "specialty" of such programs.

Using the technique René described can yield ok results (just don't look too closely), the background certainly helps in this instance.

See attached image, with spots used.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

Good job! Lightroom creativity!

I use LR but for cloning, I use PSE. much easier.

I reckon you should leave the lower right stem... it makes the photo look like some kind of weird dancer with funny hair

WOW
Thats exactly the result I was looking for CFNZ. Could you please elaborate on how you achieved the removal stage by stage. Exactly in which sequence did you use the circles.
I thought by getting Lightroom I would find it easy to do things like this. I know I havent given it much time yet, and I will pesevere, so if anyone can recommend any books I'll give them a go.
Thanks
PS
I have got PSE 7 but as I have a 7d its no use. I didnt really want to be using several different editors to process my images. Does anyone think Elements 8 is better or more user friendly than Lightroom 3 ?

Step by step as requested. Hopefully it makes sense, looking at the screen shots I didn't remain consistent in terms of how I had the spots selected.

You should be able to get PSE7 to work with your 7d by updating Camera Raw - I've seen others mention this link. Scroll down for instructions that includes PSE7.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

h14nha wrote in post #10673819
Also with the circles overlapping its showing remnents of the black stem underneath.

Like I said, clone, don't heal.

Thanks both to CFNZ and Rene for your replys and advice. The breakdown of each step was very helpful and I will check out the link for the PSE 7 & 7d later and follow that up thanks.
Best wishes to you both