This is 1 of many Phoenix Grafted junipers that are progressing to the trainer stage . It has had 18 months of growth and is basically ready for its initial style .
While these Junipers are quick growers compared to the Sabina Junipers they can handle neglect better 
. This particular item has been left to its own device apart from a basic watering , allowed to grow on unhindered apart from a slip pot during the growing time . 
With the foliage thick enough to cover most of the dead wood trunk , its time to shed a bit of light onto the style . 
There has been some die back of side branches but that’s basically what happen when plants are neglected . I have given the whole project a good work over 
from trimming of the foliage , 
re-carving of the entire trunk base 
and defining and detailing of the grains using a Dremel type carving tool .
The dead wood was the brushed with a power wire wheel to remove the fibrous waste , 
then another application of lime sulfur to preserve the trunk 
and a re-pot into a bigger pot . There has been some structural changes made to compensate for the loss of a couple of side branches . These remaining branches were re- grooved into the dead wood base in a more desirable position . 
after which it was wired and styled for the first time . This now will begin its constant training for the next few years 
using a pinch and grow approach to defining the foliage pads
and outline of the overall canopy of the Bonsai . 
I have looked closely at this deadwood base and can see the possibility of splitting it into 2 separate trunks , 
basically another option for the future , hence a definite front has yet to be chosen .
Cheers Alpineart
