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

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