AusBonsai

Hi all! I have just joined this forum and have been enjoying reading the posts. I recently purchased a Juniper which I am trying to train to be a bonsai. As I am new to the hobby, I am looking for some feedback to improve the tree.

Welcome to the forum.

The first branch on the right i would eventually get rid of but this can be done well into the future. Use it as a sacrifice branch for a few years to thicken up the trunk at the base. If you do this, just allow that branch to grow freely as big as you can.

I think you have done a nice job so far anyway. Once the middle branches fill out a bit it will take a nice shape.

Also, Junipers, when trimming the growth, do not cut with a scissors. The tips will dry out and some leaves near the cut will go brown. If you pinch the growth with your nails and pull off it works much better. I think it has something to do with when you pinch the growth, the cut is pinched closed and it heals better without drying out.

Cutting branches obv a tool is required.

Welcome aboard Daluke,

Lots to learn but no need to make drastic moves with your tree, in time you will develop a plan. The tree will appreciate small steps, keep it healthy is the first thing to learn.
How much water does it need and fertilizer etc.
When it is obvious that it is happy with signs of new growth then you can pay more attention to branch positioning or removal. Look at what others have achieved, visit exhibitions and form a plan for your tree.
I do not like to pinch away all of the new "healthy" growth, preferring to use scissors to cut back to new growth.

Welcome to the site, and the addiction that is bonsai!

I will leave the advice for the more experienced members

Welcome and I started with just one tiny Juniper (a needle juniper) at Christmas 2009. The collection has grown significantly since then. You know you're obsessed when you start to dream about bonsai. I had one I was employed by a known wealthy crim, with a huge bonsai collection, and paid thousands a week to look after them. Then someone tried to steal one, and I tried to stop them, and fell out of bed.

Welcome to AusBonsai and the world of bonsai Daluke.
To maintain your interest I recommend you get another 5 or 6 tree's. Not necessarily anything in bonsai pots but just some extra tree's of varying species so you can continue to play and learn. Check out our wiki too as there are lots of great tips and advice.

Regards,
Steven

I think your bonsai breaks every single rule in the bonsai book LOL , then again bonsai means tree in a pot so maybe thats as much of a bonsai as anything, or maybe bonsai means tree in a pot thats been grown and styled over a period of time according to centuries of oriental tradition in which case you might be in trouble mate

Hi Daluke.

First up welcome to Ausbonsai!

Check out this link here http://www.craftsy.com/class/bonsai-wir ... tials/4616
Will teach you some good wiring skills.

I'd love to know what is happening at the juncture around the 3rd branch from the bottom?

welcome-remember when wiring, put some bends(movement ) into the branches while they are still young

Welcolme.

Hi Daluke
welcome to the forum , as steven says get a few more trees easy ones like chinese elms and figs etc . reason being it's hard to keep your hands off the tree , so if you have a few you can spread the passion . you'll find you want to fertilise and carry on this is where seasol is good it's hard to overdo the seasol anyway good to have you on board it's a great forum to be a part of
regards
peterb

Welcome Daluke,

You'll come to enjoy bonsai more and more through your interactions on this forum. Your Juni looks promising so keep at it.

Cheers,

Brad75 aka Brad Jackson.

ozzy wrote:I think your bonsai breaks every single rule in the bonsai book LOL , then again bonsai means tree in a pot so maybe thats as much of a bonsai as anything, or maybe bonsai means tree in a pot thats been grown and styled over a period of time according to centuries of oriental tradition in which case you might be in trouble mate

Tips/pointers where I've gone wrong?

Thanks for the welcome!

I appreciate the feedback so far. Reading a book can only get you so far.