Complete beginner - what should I do with this juniper?

[Sashcat]

I had never bonsaied before, and I am relatively new to growing anything. I had flipped through a couple of books on Bonsai, namely the Dorothy and Vita Koreshoff booklets, and some other beginner stuff at the Queensland State Library. . I had originally intended to wait until later to start and get a plant from a reputable nursery, but this Juniperus Conferta caught my eye in its scrufiness while I was shopping for dustpans and lightbulbs at Ikea. As you can see, it has a long, thinning trunk and lots of branches. The first picture doesn't how it well, it is a bit longer than is visible. It already grows roughly parallel to the ground and slopes down over the edge of the pot. Now that I had brought it home and had it for a week, I realise that it was shortsighted of me to do so. Not having the skills or the refined taste and eye that come with experience, looking at an actual plant my mind boggles. Is it customary or even sane to attempt to grow a Juniper in a cascade or semi-cascade style? Should a beginner even attempt it? How do I even start styling this tree? I don't want to mutilate a tree into a mockery.

[Jamie]

gday mate, and welcome to the site and to bonsai it is an addictive hobby but greatly rewarding.

as for your little shore juniper the first thing you need to do is make sure you can keep it alive and healthy, read as much as you can and the internet is a great source for information and inspiration.
as for the semi cascade or cascade styles they can be hard to achieve a convincing tree yet if done correctly can be absolutely amazing, for now though i would slip pot it into something bigger and get it growing stronger, maybe choose the main trunk and stake it so it grows up first, then think about cascading iff you wish to go down that path, you will find it easier to find an informal upright then a cascade tree even though the shore juniper naturally grows horizontally.


jamie

[paddles]

Hi, and welcome to insanity (Just kidding) my advice would be to advise you to join your local bonsai club!!! having said that, we have all been in the same situation (Well most of us??)

Keeping the tree healthy is one of the first things, after that, get some bonsai wire, and practice wiring....

and finally ENJOY!!