AusBonsai

I've dunked it a few times since the last post. I haven't noticed any more significant yellowing. It is even looking a bit greener.

I reapplied the wire, made some branch adjustments, tried to bring the apex closer in line with the base and got rid of weedy looking branch.

I hope I haven't stressed the tree out too much.

Here is the most recent photo;

Looks plenty happy to me Daluke.

Now that the tree is thoroughly soaked you can and must let it dry out some between re-wetting but never let it get bone dry. Once again it is very very easy to kill a bonsai by not enough water - IMO much harder to do so via overwatering.

Junipers don't mind a foliage mist as well.

In regards to your tree.
3 points.

1. The wiring needs some work!
2. Try to avoid the bar branches (see wiki description)
3. You need to incorporate a/some back branches in your trees design to increase depth.

No rush on any of the above - your Bonsai (and in particular Juniper species) doesn't grow that quickly I'm afraid!

Update - Dec

Still green

let it grow over the summer unhindered.

Ken

Update March 2015

Hi Daluke,

Excellent work. I would use the branch on the lowest left side to grow out and thicken the trunk and then remove it when it gets to about half an inch thick. Continue to develop foliage pads on the remaining branches and you are on to a winner.

Cheers mate,

Brad75 aka Brad Jackson.

Hi there Daluke! your tree would benefit greatly from some better back branching maybe some pointing more to the front, this would enhance the 3d image and eliminate the boring 2d aspect.

Hey Daluke, this is just an idea mate so do with it what you will.
IMO: The opposing branches seem to be a bit much to me so i would be removing one of each that has another at the same height on the opposite side.
The trunk still sits out to the right even though the apex has been brought back a fair bit, if the center bend that comes back left was to sit right above the base trunk, the trunk line would be much nicer to look at.
i would also be trying to get some back budding on the branches (the lower 2 especially), but if not I'd be considering trying to put a bend in them in order to make the foliage pad come in toward the trunk.
Also if the trunk height was to be compressed a little the empty space between the branches would be reduced becoming more aesthetically pleasing.
Here is a quick virt i threw together to give you a rough idea of what I'm talking about. So you know I do not own any juniper as bonsai personally and have only been in the hobby for a short time so take what i say as you like, these things are just an idea.

Cheers,
Pearcy.

I definitely like your ideas Pearcy. Your virtual looks less confusing than my design. Less is more.

Taken today.

Hi Daluke,

Now all you have to do is grow the tree on for a few years before giving it the first root chop and putting it in a proper bonsai pot. Well done!

Cheers,

Brad Jackson, a.k.a Brad75

Nice! Good job

Definitely agree with always putting some movement into the branches when you wire them!