Juniper Airlayer 2 for 1

[Tony Bebb]

Hi All

I don't often buy trees but when I saw this one a couple of years ago, I was taken by the base and lower branches as a future small, dramatic Bonsai. The middle section is totally boring with no taper, but there is some nice movement and taper to the top section. As it cost a few bucks I decided I would airlayer the top and do this as an educational progression demo at the BSQ, and get 2 trees for the price of 1.

The layer stayed on too long and has become a bit unhealthy due to lack of food supply and too long in the sphagnum. I decided it would still be better to remove it now while dormant and get it in a pot so it could start to grow in soil in spring, rather than leave it to shoot and then remove the sphagnum, risking damaging fresh roots and slowing its growth even more. I will let the top grow and recover, but will be able to start work on the original tree soon.

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I will do some carving on the original stock trunk and start designing the branches early and root prune in spring to reduce the root mass with a view to getting it in a smaller pot, and into it's final pot next year.

Opinions and discussion welcome

Tony

[Craig]

Very nice Tony, the original tree looks like it's going to be a stunner and the layer , well , cheers for the detailed progress

[Heshian]

Hi Tony,

Great progression so far. Base on the last photo, I can see why you had to buy this material. The layered top also has a great potential to be an awesome bonsai. I can picture it already, lots of jins and sharis. I wish I had my hands on this stock.

Thank you for sharing.

Mario

[Webos]

Gday Tony,
How long was the Layer left on for?

Webos

[Lynette]

Hi Tony,
I have the same question. How long did you leave the layer on and what amout of time do you think you should have taken it off.
I am just about to layer a juniper for the same reason, should I wait until spring or is it a good time now.
thanks,
Lynette

[Tony Bebb]

Thanks Craig and Mario. Looking forward to the layer growing enough to start styling. I have styled and carved the original stock today and will post some pics soon. Even working on my first virt.

Webos and Lynette the layer was done in Oct '09 and really only needed to be on for max 1 year. A lot of layers will be quicker than this but this one had a substantial trunk so needed plenty of roots before separation. Idealy I could have put a pot around it after 6 months to encourage more roots.

Lynette now is not a good time. Late spring after new growth is best, so Oct is a good time and if not too big should be able to cut off in Autumn.

Tony

[Tony Bebb]

I was fortunate today to have a short day, so decided to use the time styling the original stock tree. Got into some carving on the dead wood first and then wired it up. Pretty happy with the result so far with more refinement on the wood and the foliage to come. Great way to spend Monday arvo instead of working

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I will leave the wood to weather for a while before doing any more. No lime sulphut yet as there are too many colours with the darkjer red wood inside. Weathering will even out the colour. Boy did it smell good in the workshop while doing this. I got into the wiring and shaped the tree as I was so inspired.

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The inspiration continued and I thought I would have a crack at my first virt. I had a few pointers from Craig about Gimp and had a play. Thanks Craig Brought the height down and filled it out. Who's a happy boy then

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How did I go? Hope you enjoy.

Tony

[Bougy Fan]

I like the carving Tony - what kind of bits do you use ? I think that's an excellent first virt


Tony

[Tony Bebb]

I use a range of bits Tony. This one was all done with the mini Arbortech and Dremel. Arbortech for the grunt work and detail with the Dremel. Bits varied from small ball and cone bits, thin and thick saw blades, and small router bit and engraver.

Had fun with the virt but will keep practicing.

Tony

[Watto]

Thanks for the progression Tony, I really enjoyed it. I was quite interested in seeing the layered section after an extended period without seperation.
Especially like the lower section and I can see why you wanted this piece of material. If you wouldn't mind, I would like to see the lower section progression over the coming couple of years.
Cheers
Watto

[Tony Bebb]

Cheers Watto.

I will keep you posted.

Tony

[Tony Bebb]

Hi All

Got the tree root pruned and potted today. Wanted to leave some excess root for better development of the nebari. Also want to ensure good sap flow all around the trunk so it limits any dieback on the trunk. The thick root in the middle will come off next year.

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Room to grow for a year and get stronger roots, especially on the right side. Did you notice I also took some more off the jin? Definitely too long, and more refinement will come. Want to replace the low strong branch with the small shoots at its base. The branch is too strong for the tree. 1 years growth and the tree will be ready for the new pot.

Tony

[Watto]

Thanks for the update mate. The prefered pot looks a little small to me, but I will wait and see.
Cheers

[anthonyW]

Fantastic result Tony, will make a little stunner of tree.
cheers Anthony

[daiviet_nguyen]

Hi Tony,

Thank you for the posts. I bet you are very happy with the results I found this post very educational.

I like the two trees too. But I like the layering best

Thank you and best regards.