"Dragon Rising' Juniper procumbuns

[MelaQuin]

I purchased the stock plant from Bonsai South in 2004 for a workshop with Glynis Bebb.

Dragon rising 2004-08.jpg

The outcome is NOT Glynis's fault. I insisted time and time again that I did not want a literati. God knows what she thought but I know what I thought over the next year before I flashed the sidecutters.

Dragon rising 2004-09.jpg

Time passed, seasons changed and so did DR's aspect in the pot, trying to find the position that would make this tree a star.

Dragon Rising 2006-07.jpg

I have also spent a fair bit trying to find a pot to suit this tree.... and I still haven't made it.

Dragon Rising 2008-08 a.jpg

The tree has a major problem in that it is healthy and the foliage is growing a treat but it only has roots on one side and wobbles so moving it around is not done lightly. I tie it into the pot if I move it out of the yard. The trunk only has two live veins and, unfortunately, one is not at the front. All the shari is natural and has occurred over the past few years.

Dragon Rising 2008-08 a.jpg

Dragon Rising 2009-10.jpg

At this stage the next step is decided on and, as usual, the angle and the pot will change yet again.

[MelaQuin]

The cost of the tree was $95 in 2004. The various pots I have purchased for it over the years and proved not suitable have practically doubled that figure! The problem is I can't find a pot that 'softens' the lack of flair at the base, even tho I know many junipers don't flare at the base. It just seems to my eye like a very hard landing, so to speak.

[stymie]

I like it. The lack of flair is not a problem with this style. Going well.

[Pup]

I like the two pictures in the round pot.
When I have one sided or weak roots I use chop sticks. I put them across the roots that are there then I tie them though the pot, as you would with wire.
The chop sticks stay the tree from moving at the roots
If the pot has an inner lip it does make it easier. There is a picture in my thread start them young.

Cheers Pup

[MelaQuin]

I was actually thinking of using heavy mesh but you are right, Pup, chopsticks would be less risk to the roots. This tree would be better with a zipper across the soil as it has been in and out of so many pots that I am not pushing it any further. I will find the pot as the latest transformation [still unphotographed] puts paid to the one it is in. I am thinking round or round-oval with a flare from base to rim. I think it needs a flair to compliment the movement in the trunk. I have the sort of pot I want with another juniper in it but I think it is a bit big for Dragon Rising. I can hold it up a bit but no way am I moving this tree this year.

What I might do if tomorrow is not an oven as today was [37 in my backyard] is photograph the two pot shapes I am thinking about, post them and see what you all think about it.

[MelaQuin]

Dragon Rising, now with another chop, is 41 cm high and 32 cm wide.

Dragon Rising 2009-11 a (6).jpg

Dragon Rising 2009-11 a (7).jpg

Dragon Rising 2009-11 a (8).jpg

Dragon Rising 2009-11 a (9).jpg

Dragon Rising 2009-11 a (1).jpg

Dragon Rising 2009-11 a (2).jpg

Dragon Rising 2009-11 pot1.jpg

Dragon Rising 2009-11 pot2.jpg

Have put in two photos with possible angle change. Any root disturbance must wait until spring 2010.

[Pup]

Lee I like picture 5. However the problem I see here is two jins coming of at the same level, and one meeting the one lower down.
Were this mine I would lose the long Jin.

JMHO cheers Pup

I would use the last pot.

[MelaQuin]

I'll play the tissue game and see about your suggestion re the jin removal. I can see your objection and it is quite valid.
Similar reason to removing the larger branch.... it formed a cross with the trunk and the apical branch and I have improved the artistic value of the tree by removing it.

[stymie]

This trunk has wonderful movement from the front and back viewpoints but none when seen from the sides.

[MelaQuin]

Just goes to show ya... perfection ain't 360 degrees in any of us.