Naka Juniper

[Gerard]

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I spent many hours this week thinning cleaning and wiring. The evolution continues!

[Daluke]

Interesting restoration. I like the angle change and negative spaces

[Chris Di Nola]

Thats a great tree mate you have done the tree justice, I would love it in my collection.

[Mojo Moyogi]

Hi Gerard,
I think that your tree is more likely to be J.squamata 'Meyerii' than 'Blue Star', Meyerii grow vase shaped and is strongly upright reaching 4m at 20 years of age and will make a 5-6 inch trunk in that time. The trunk on your tree is very reminiscent of Meyerii's natural strong basal flare and muscular twisting trunk. Blue Star makes much more of a small rounded shrub, compact and dense foliage, I'm not sure Blue Star would have made that trunk even with training and field growth.

It doesn't matter too much, your tree is very good (understatement), I really like where you have taken the design to since you acquired this tree. I was just wanting to point out to those that asked, that Meyerii is a better fit for bonsai, a bit harder to find though since it is not a commonly used garden plant these days.

Cheers,
Mojo

[Boics]

This is a great thread and some fantastic history behind this tree.
Gerard I applaud the work you have done since taking this tree into your possession.
I personally believe the tree to depict a more proud and mighty specimen in it's current evolution.
I've seen this tree before at a number of shows and look forward to seeing it again.
Thanks for sharing.

[Gerard]

Thanks Mojo, after a close look at pictures of foliage I am confident that juniper meyeri is the correct identification. Early on I did consider foliage transformation by grafting but I have abandoned this thought because I have grown fond of the natural foliage.

[Gerard]

naka Juniper feb2019.jpg

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For some time now I have struggled to preserve the deadwood at the base of the tree. I am not sure if I should keep the (now removeable) piece or go with the continued evolution and show the hollow trunk

[MJL]

Excellent thread, wonderful tree. For me the hollow trunk adds even more character and depicts a logical evolution.


Bonsai teaches me patience.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[boom64]

I am with Mark ,the Tree is making the decision for you. Fantastic Juniper ,the bottom branch is something special. Well done.

[Rory]

It looks like a tree you might glance upon in admiration while walking down the fairway, slightly more concerned that you might spill your while attempting to take a photo with your phone, and get hit in the back with a golf ball. But it was worth it.

I would never cut off that lower branch. It gives character, and without it its just another tall juniper with foliage on top.