Juniper Styling Advice

[Gin]

Hi all,

I've recently purchased a juniper and wanted to get some opinions on the direction I should take it in. As I'm quite new to Bonsai and my collection is only starting, I'm not too fussed about the style. I'm assuming I'll eventually have a tree in every style to accomodate for my indecisiveness haha.

Initially I trimmed and wired it, following its natural form.





A bit unbalanced but I would try to extend the tip as in the quick virt below



I was playing around with the shape while rewiring today, and thought this form was quite interesting.



What were your thoughts??

I also managed to snap the trunk a little while I was reshaping. Am I okay to assume it will heal by itself? It's only a little break in the surface... :/ ?

Cheers,


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[shibui]

The trunk should heal up but it depends how bad the break is. Just leave it alone and see. You will need to be aware that, even after it heals up that spot will always be weaker than the rest of the trunk. Even if you are careful there is a tendency for the trunk to snap at that spot next time you try to bend the tree.

As this tree is very young and really has not developed any character yet, I can't see any particular style or direction that is better. It will be up to you to work toward something, anything, that you like.

Best not to keep changing bends in a tree. Every time we bend it some cells under the bark break. If left for a while they will heal but if you start bending it in another direction too soon the damage can cause sections to die or the trunk may break.

[adge0001]

You need to decide first and then leave it alone. Every time you bend it, it will weaken. Like wire, when you bend it back and forth, it will eventually snap. Same here, except it’s not a hard metal!

If I was you, it twist it a bit (at least half a turn, but I’d try more) then bend it at each branch in the opposite direction (away from the branch direction). I’d do this only after your break has recovered. Get another one to practice on while you’re waiting.


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[kiwibonsai]

Just wondering what the plastic things are for?
Oxygen for the soil?


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[mattgatenby]

[quote="kiwibonsai"]Just wondering what the plastic things are for?
Oxygen for the soil?

Not sure if there are multiple uses but I use them for slow release fertilizer

[shibui]

Yep, fertiliser baskets. Used with organic fertiliser cakes. Stops it washing away too quick. Stops birds, rats, etc from eating it and easier to clean up any leftovers if you want to show the tree, etc