[KCPOOLE] Juniper sargentii

[kcpoole]

Species = Juniper sargentii
Size = 50 Cm
Source = Ray Nesci Bonsai Nursery
Cost = $35

I have a plan for a Demo at the School show for later in the year, and this is going to be a "trial" tree for that demo.
I figured that if I am going to do that, then why not enter in the comp with it as well and try to make as good a tree as I can.
the plan will be to split the trunk, wrap with raffia and wire, and bend the stuffing out of it to make Shohin size

Ken

[kcpoole]

I have finally formulated a plan for this one, and executed it last night
It went out about 500mm tall, and cane home about 190

Lots of raffia, wire and elbow grease sorted it out eventually. I have removed the branches not required ( although some more will go too I think eventually). I have wired all the branches remaining, and moved them into place, trimmed the ends of them all a little to start to geet some pad definition happening.

Now it will sit on the bench in full sun and recover for the next 6 months.
ps, I have not disturbed the root system at all in this process, Just added fresh mix into the pot after the work last night.

Ken

[MoGanic]

Looking good mate!

[Ces]

Very nice Ken. Cant wait to see how this develops.

I've got some twisted mini chinensis that wont be ready for work for a few years but seeing this has prompted me to give it a go on larger stock.

Cheers,

Ces.

[Scott Roxburgh]

Great work Ken, I too have some smaller ones going but you have got a good amount of bend in there for a relatively stiff tree type. it takes the bends and grows nicely.

[Neli]

Some bending I would be scared to attempt! Job well done! Looking good!
Now tell me why the wire is cut on the right acute bend, and there is no wire holding it there? I can not figure it.

[kcpoole]

Thanks all. I too hope it works:-). Time will tell.

Only way to Learn is to do it for real

Neil if you at thinking of top, of the tree that is where I cut the wire before applying and left it s little short
If you are thinking of the one below, that is where the second wire finished. there is 2 wires on the lowers section and the shorter one finishes at the second bend.

When bending a trunk like this, use Both hands and bend against the thumbs and you will be able to feel the tree and be able to judge when it has had enough, or about to break. Do not move the wood back and forth, butdo the bend in one movement if possible.

I did not feel any cracks or other trouble so have high hopes.

Ken

[kcpoole]

Well it has been a month, and the tree seems to be happy and survived its torture so far

Ken

[MoGanic]

Excellent result. You're good at this eh heh heh

[woody]

Holy smokes Ken!!!!
That's some serious movement you got there. I know they got some spring in the trunks, but I would never have thought that much. Mucho cajoles!!
And I love the way plants wired with raffia look. Don't know why, just do.
When I see posts like this, and the post Grant just put up, it really inspires me more to test the boundaries.....so thank you.
Woody

[fiveoffive]

Every Time i see a juniper i want to do that.
Love what your doing.

[kcpoole]

Every Time i see a juniper i want to do that.
Love what your doing.

Then go and get one and have a play.

The tree is still happy and green, and coping well
Will stay wired for 12 Months with Raffia, and then probably rewire without the raffia as it will spring back somewhat.

Ken

[bonsaibeginer]

Nice work Ken.
Just a question or two...
Is this a good time for wiring junipers? I have a cpl that I've been wanting to do this to.
And when you say it will stay wired for 12 months would you be doing any other work on it, ie pruning or just let it grow?
Thanks and job well done on that tree,
Grant

[kcpoole]

Hi BB and thanks
I Will not do much else now until I repot in October or so, but if any foliage starts to get too long I will pinch it back.

Junipers ( and Pines) you do either the top or the bottom work at a time. that is why I will wait till i root prune. ( colder climates you wodu wait at least a full year or even2, but in Sydney we get year round growth so I will do the bottom 6 months or so after the top work

Ken

[anttal63]

Way to go Ken !!! Nice one !!!