It Once was a Cascade Juniper

[Theodore]

Fellow Ausbonsaiers

I have had this juniper in my collection since about 1991. Probably one of the very first bonsai I ever owned.

As you can see from the series of photos I'm about to add it has changed a bit over the years and you can see when my interest in bonsai waned and when it was strong!

1991 - a stick in a pot


2001 - clearly a cascade here


2006 - pads have thickened a bit


2007 - oops, about to lose one


2016 - oops, lost a few more


Earlier today after some work


You will notice the work is only half done. Why stop? Well I have a drastic idea that my wife has shaken her head at.

My thought (plan) is to create a Jin/shari out of the cascade bit. The shari would follow the curve to the base. The branch off to the right will also be cut off creating a further Jin. The branch to the back and right that is wired would probably also go. Looks to be sticking up and out a bit anyway.

Anyway, your thoughts would be very much appreciated. Here is a close up of the bit I would keep.


Thanks
Theo


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[rodm]

Theo,
Mate I'd be inclined to put it aside and let it regain its vigour. Looks like the tree has a lot of potential, good stuff
Cheers RodM

[Jarad]

You will notice the work is only half done. Why stop? Well I have a drastic idea that my wife has shaken her head at.

My thought (plan) is to create a Jin/shari out of the cascade bit. The shari would follow the curve to the base. The branch off to the right will also be cut off creating a further Jin. The branch to the back and right that is wired would probably also go. Looks to be sticking up and out a bit anyway.

Anyway, your thoughts would be very much appreciated

Thanks
Theo

I completely agree.

I skipped some of the reading and was just looking at the pictures. While looking at the last pic I was thinking almost exactly what you said.

Your plan will certainly accentuate the better features of the tree. At the moment I reckon that the cascade doesn't capture enough attention.

[Jarad]

Double post. Woops.

[Theodore]

Thanks Jarad. I can report the unwired branch to the right has gone and is now a jin. The cascade will live for a few more days yet.

Here it is


Whilst I am fairly certain it will go, there is nothing to be gained by being hasty!

Theo


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[wattynine]

Theo any chance of a full shot? Seems everyone is in agreement about keeping all the tree but we lack a photo of the tree in all its glory. I certainly would not go against the pack but think the crown may be a little tall, and having said that would still grow it out a little for vigour.
Watty

[Theodore]

Scroll up watty!


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[Jarad]

Theo any chance of a full shot?

Hey Watty, large photos uploaded by tapatalk usually get chopped off on mobile devices. If you open the thread on your computer it should show the full photo.

[Theodore]

I only use my iPad and they appear ok on it.


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[wattynine]

Thanks Jarad, you're right, will not give me full picture on the IPad, logged in or not but on the laptop I get the full.
Much better,
Thanks for assisting the ignorant,
Watty

[Jarad]

Are you using the website or the app on your tablet Theo? I'm assuming Watty isn't using the app like myself.

No worries Watty, I've noticed it before.

[Theodore]

I'm using the app. Never had a problem with it really. Should I be doing something differently??


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[Jarad]

No need to worry Theo, it's an issue on our end.

[Theodore]

Plucked up the courage and turned this into a little formal upright! I'm sure the wife will kill me but can't put it back now.

I'm terrible at taking photos but here is what is left. Now I can focus on developing the top of this tree without the distraction of the bottom.

I have left a bit of the cascade to develop into a jin/shari in future. It will likely be shortened back a fair bit but better to leave too much than not enough.

Looks a bit silly in the tall cascade pot, so now on the lookout for something more suitable for the repot later this year.

As always feedback both positive and negative appreciated.

It is 25cm tall from the top of the pot.

Theo


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[Sean M]

I like it. I would probably lower some of the branches to give it the impression of age.