AusBonsai

Yesterday I got myself 2 new trees, the first is this tall juniper styled by John Naka (1977 I think)

Gerard, what are your plans for it?

It does look quite weak, maybe just growth this year to promote back budding?

Scott Roxburgh wrote:It does look quite weak,

Yep, it looks like it needs some TLC. A great tree though and i am sure you will do the right thing with it. Been spending a little money hey.

Scott Roxburgh wrote:Gerard, what are your plans for it?

It does look quite weak, maybe just growth this year to promote back budding?

Yes it is a bit weak, looks like it needs a good feed, today I plan to clean out a few areas where there are dead bits among the foliage.
When health is restored I might consider foliage transformation to shimpaku. A big job but I think the material is worthy!

Great find Gerard (did someone passaway i didn"t hear about)

nice tree
Do you have any of the original derawings of it?
what about the history of the tree? Who did the workshop originally? or was it a demo?

has it been single owner sisnce then?

Ken

I purchased the tree from the original owner, I may get hold of drawings later.

I learned that the tree was originally styled in a workshop with John Naka in 1975. Nursery stock was probably 30-40 years old at that time and about 5 feet tall.
A new sketch was made in 1977 when John returned to Melbourne. The tree also featured in a "Garden Week" feature in the Herald Sun newspaper in March 1987.
This picture was taken by the newspaper photographer.

Great photo Gerard! Always nice to learn some bonsai history.
I think with a bit of a health kick you should be able to get this tree back on a direction towards Naka's vision fairly easily.

Is that Hiedi from Ballarat Bonsai club. She is familiar

better hope it doesn't fall over as I notice it didn't come with little man to hold it upright

Nice tree, great histree

Esie Gras (who was not the owner of the tree) is no longer with us. She was a founding member of the BSV, many of her trees have been passed on to the current generation of bonsai enthusiasts.
Little John has not been seen at the club in recent years but he did pop up at one of Hiro's worshops recently. (not holding a tree)

Is Little John the same as John H?

Grant

NBPCA wrote:Is Little John the same as John H?

Grant

That is him.

Gerard wrote:

NBPCA wrote:Is Little John the same as John H?

Grant

That is him.

What a handsome young lad he was, Now that bloke can Bonsai !!!