New nursery stock Juniper - 1st styling

[karraway2]

Hi all,

I recently bought some new nersery stock for some simple smaller bonsai work. This is me getting back into bonsai after a very initial forey about 8 years ago with a break of 5 years in between. Whilst i was overseas i lost all my few bonsai's i created due to the person not caring for them properly.

So time to start getting back into it. Here is my first attempt with a twin trun juniper. I forgot to take a photo of the nursery stock but it basically looked like a small xmas tree.

Any ideas/suggestions? I need to increase some of the lengths of the branches on the left but they have been wired in place and will grow in time to complete the shape.

I will now leave this tree until end of winter when i will wire out all the pads ready for the spring grwoth.

cheers.
Andrew

[Trent McKenzie]

I can see where your going with this lovely little tree. You may want to keep in mind removing some of the lower branches in the future, no rush tho.

[bodhidharma]

Here is my first attempt with a twin trun juniper

Hi Karraway, not a Juniper, more likely a Cedar Deodora but the picture cannot get close enough. Nice styling though.

[karraway2]

I certainly agree with this and it was my first thought after relooking at the photo i took. I will use the lower branches to help add growing strength to the tree until all other branches are in place. I guess hte larger trunk definately should have a higher 1st branch than the smaller tree.

My intention was to probably jin the lower left branch....?

Do you think the actual branch lengths at this stage are a little long?

I can see where your going with this lovely little tree. You may want to keep in mind removing some of the lower branches in the future, no rush tho.

[kcpoole]

Nice low trunk separation on that one.

the branches are too long, but is you are only growing the low ones as sacrifice branches, that does not matter as the more rampant the growth on them the more they contribute to the trunk growth.

Ken

[Brad75]

Hi karraway2,

Which nursery did you go to for this tree? I am curious as i am looking for stock.

Thanks,

Brad75.

[karraway2]

This was just a standard shrub from flowerpower as was the japanese box i also posted about, something like $15-$20 or so. I will get the exact species name tonight when i get home.

[Brad75]

Hi karraway2,

Thanks for the info; I am a member at flowerpower so I might head out to Narellan and see what I can get.

Cheers

Brad75.

[stick]

wow, from your experience i migth invest in a watering unit with a timer, i dont know how some one could abandon a bonsai..

[Akamatsu]

Hi Karraway,
Nice start on your tree. Although it has been suggested that you have a cedar tree this, is I am sure, a juniper. The red-brown bark and foliage give it away.
As mentioned earlier also by Ken, I think the design can be improved by shortening or even removing some of the lower branches. With conifers in general the lower branches are rarely the longest. They often become shaded out by more vigorous branches above as the tree gets taller and can die off altogether. When styling a conifer in a tall upright style, try giving it a kite shape. Either tail down or tail up, both look good and are quite natural and pleasant shapes trees can form.

[Trent McKenzie]

Recap:
-Juniper for sure
-Let lower branches grow long to help thicken trunk, then jin if wanted in the future
-Develop top of tree into kite shape to resemble mature junipers in nature
-Don't let other look after the tree
-

[bodhidharma]

. Although it has been suggested that you have a cedar tree this, is I am sure, a juniper.

I can certainly stand correcting but can we clarify what sort of juniper and a clearer photo. Maybe need to check my eye sight

[karraway2]

it is a juniperus Chinensis 'blue point'

[bodhidharma]

it is a juniperus Chinensis 'blue point'

Thanks Karraway, Hmmm, never heard of that one. I hope it performs well for you.

[harry]

it is a juniperus Chinensis 'blue point'

Looks more like a Juniperus africana possible the nana, which has the growth habit you have there. Very early experience with them is that they are rampant vertical growers.
even after 4 years of wire once taken off one week later verticle again.

Gave up on them after that, good training trees for styling and wireing.

Just my