Useless Juniper

[missybonsai]

hey guys
i got this juni a couple of years ago and ever since then i've been struggling with styling this. one possibility is that there is NO way to make this tree look acceptable. im hopeful that all you genius' out there can help me - after seeing a post about a similar tree that has come a long way. ive posted this on another forum but that wasnt exptemely helpful, but like i said, i have faith in my fellow aussies
anyway any help with the styling is apreciated with this

[Jamie]

theres a tree in here kate, let me get back to you

[anttal63]

Lots can be done missy but how about a bigger photo! 640 by 480 pixels posted to Aus bonsai.. This is a recording. OOps i have just noticed the photo bucket.

Theres a great little tree in that 1st left branch. however it would help to feed this tree up and let it grow for a year and find some more vigour. Then a restyle.

[Jamie]

very simple and easiest way to go mate, but it will have to go in the ground and out of that pot to get this virt, its a simple design but effective, there is a lot more that can be done with compression, angle change and a lot of other stuff

missybonsaijuniper.jpg

jamie

[paddles]

Missy, If it were mine (having just had a crash course in trunk bending) I would wrap this in raffia, then bike tube rubber, then copper wire, then twist, bend and otherwise compress the trunk into a smaller area..., possibly shift it into a growbox for the year to encourage growth....

Do you belong to a bonsai club? I can really recommend this....

[bodhidharma]

That tree has definite potential. I cannot do virts but you should not give up on it. Get into a club and have them help you. I would love to have this tree to restyle it. But first things first, get it into a grow box feed it up and let it have its head for a year or two. That way you get a rest and it gets a rest. Look at it again in a couple of years time with a fresh outlook.

[missybonsai]

thanks guys, i was considering putting it in my vegie patch to give it a rest. now i'll deffinetely do that once i take my tridents out to make room the virts are great and so are the encouragments not to give up - i had nearly done just that . if anyone else has more ideas,, keep 'em comin'! - for a few years in the future of course

thanks heaps,, missy

[dayne]

my advice is grab a styro box and plant it in that or about a 400mm pot and whack it in that use half sifted bonsai mix debco i find good or what ever you can get and half 2-7mm diatomite and plant in that junipers dont allways like to much room with their roots a few of us on here have found they freek out abit once you have done that wait about 4-6 weeks then start a heavy fertilizer program i use thrive every 8-10 days and a seasol or similar every fortnight i have had huge succsess with this allso being in syd maybe consider a semi hot house you will be supprised what you can do with this by the end of spring one the tree has settled in its new box then start to consider compressing the tree i use a cotton bandage that is used to tie trees to steaks wrap tight and bend slowly over the few weeks it takes allso consider carving with a dremel or similar a little shari where the bends are this will help to bend the tree i will show how soon with my literati juniper in the comp
good luck

[Rod]

G`day missy.
Instead of doing a virt for you, I have done 3 small sketches to give you some styling options. Two of the sketches are a literati style and the other a wind swept style, I haven`t added foliage so you can get a good look at the branch structure. You may notice that I have added a lot of bends in the branches. I always think little trees like these should have more detailed wiring , to bring out their best. Another good point to remember is not adding a lot of foliage to these trees. It keeps them more in proportion. I think it is a common mistake that people make with these junipers. If you need any more explanation, feel free to ask. I also agree with the other guys saying that the tree needs to regain some health. This makes great sense. It also helps to have a sense of direction once the tree has regained its health. I wouldn't attempt doing these styles until the tree is healthier. I am pretty sure in the sketches I have shown all the branches which should help you to restyle with one of these options.

Cheers

Rod

juniper sketch resize.jpg

[Jamie]

good advice rod, the one on the left is the one i would go for

[Hawaiian77]

I also agree with Rod and Jamie the one on the left is the one I would go with. Put it in a grow box feed it, give it some time and you'll have a great tree.

-Tim

[missybonsai]

i agree; i do like that left sketch . only one problem. i just realised, the apex in the picture i've given you died so its now a jin. will that affect it? there is a back branch in that vicinity, could that work? heres a more recent pic:

also, if i were to let the lower branches go more than the top ones that would that help to intoduce some taper wouldnt it? thats the main problem i have with this tree: its an "S" shaped telegraph pole!