Shimpaku Progression

[mondies19]

Hi all,

My name is Fraser. Long time lurker, first time poster. I got my first tree midway through 2017 and rapidly became obsessed with the hobby, seemingly a common trend among everyone here Having recently bought a new camera I decided it was time to photograph my trees more often and share a few with the community here.

I purchased this Shimpaku from Bonsai Mujo in Adelaide in early September, 2017. I think it shows the improvement in my skills and understanding, much of which was gained through information found in these forums.

As I got it:

AB1.JPG

First chop and wire (7/9/17):

AB2.JPG

Before today's trim and wire:

AB3.jpeg

After (22/12/18):

AB4.jpeg

I'm fairly happy with the direction this one is heading although I'm unsure what to do about the rough jin's that remain, any suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated. Same goes for a pot shape/finish when the day comes, I've been too busy concentrating on keeping them alive to be concerned with what they're in!

Thanks,

Fraser

[benbonsai]

Mate, fairly impressive for a first tree I’m assuming and first timer?
Much better than my first attempts.

From the first style it can be hard to picture and find a path forward especially when you have the shape and branches you had, but you seem to have found something very decent (I think anyway).
And it looks very healthy... good job.

I love junipers and love seeing threads for them.

[mondies19]

I appreciate the feedback mate! I had a couple already but this was the first one I had a real crack at styling and wiring, I remember thinking at the time that it looked pretty good

[benbonsai]

I appreciate the feedback mate! I had a couple already but this was the first one I had a real crack at styling and wiring, I remember thinking at the time that it looked pretty good

No worries, like I said I love a good juniper.

I’m still fairly inexperienced but if you like to read and research then it doesn’t take long to get the basics down
The hardest thing I found was knowing when to water... still struggle sometimes

Definitely keep updating the thread.

[kcpoole]

The hardest thing I found was knowing when to water... still struggle sometimes

Definitely keep updating the thread.

Nice tree Mondies and big effort for the first tree

Re watering, I keep it Simple,
I water everyday at 7am and on those 40+ days I might do so again in the afternoon for the smallest pots and trees showing signs of heat stress.
a well draining mix and you have few issues with overwatering. I could happily do so 2 - 3 times a day but in substrates there is no need

Ken

[benbonsai]

The hardest thing I found was knowing when to water... still struggle sometimes

Definitely keep updating the thread.

Nice tree Mondies and big effort for the first tree

Re watering, I keep it Simple,
I water everyday at 7am and on those 40+ days I might do so again in the afternoon for the smallest pots and trees showing signs of heat stress.
a well draining mix and you have few issues with overwatering. I could happily do so 2 - 3 times a day but in substrates there is no need

Ken

Since moving to akadama for a few trees I’m having no troubles with watering those as they drain so well, but still have a few trees in organic mix that can be hard to tell haha. More and more confident every day though.

[MJL]

Hi Fraser,

Welcome to the forum. Great first post.

Mate - I have been going at this hobby for 5+ years now and I've only recently got the confidence to go as hard as you at a plant! And look at the results - well played.

My sense is that you have the attitude and confidence to expand your skills and confidence much quicker than timid folk like me.

I look forward to watching this progress.

Cheers,

Mark

[mondies19]

The hardest thing I found was knowing when to water... still struggle sometimes

Definitely keep updating the thread.

Nice tree Mondies and big effort for the first tree

Re watering, I keep it Simple,
I water everyday at 7am and on those 40+ days I might do so again in the afternoon for the smallest pots and trees showing signs of heat stress.
a well draining mix and you have few issues with overwatering. I could happily do so 2 - 3 times a day but in substrates there is no need

Ken

Hi Ken, appreciated! I've got my Conifers in 50/50 split of pine bark and pumice, seems to drain well enough and everything is growing nicely.

Hi Fraser,

Welcome to the forum. Great first post.

Mate - I have been going at this hobby for 5+ years now and I've only recently got the confidence to go as hard as you at a plant! And look at the results - well played.

My sense is that you have the attitude and confidence to expand your skills and confidence much quicker than timid folk like me.

I look forward to watching this progress.

Cheers,

Mark

Thanks for the welcome, Mark. I've definitely been over zealous at times and have run into issues and lost trees but I suppose thats all apart of the learning curve! Hopefully this one recovers well and is ready to be moved forward again soon