my first bonsai (juniper squamata)

irvine · Post by **irvine** » May 5th, 2016, 6:04 pm

hi everyone,
this is my first post and my first bonsai, sadly I went about the purchase all wrong, I bought on impulse from Bunnings. Once I got home I researched as much as I could fit into my head, although disappointed in my introduction to bonsai (dam you Bunnings) I'm not the sort of person to back down.
I had an idea on the shape and style I wanted from my "twig" and got to work trimming and wiring, ive left all the small branches in order to try and put some kind of thickness into the trunk and also in case they can be used in the future. I've also left the ends quite bushy as its young and also to see what I can play with in a few months time.

thanks for looking,
neil.

time for some pics...

before.JPG

after.JPG

shibui · Post by **shibui** » May 5th, 2016, 8:29 pm

What do you want us to say Neil?
You have bought a retail priced stick with leaves, then worked out the problem and the solution.
I reckon you are right on track - put some movement into the lower trunk then let it grow and develop until you have a trunk worthy to be called bonsai. Then style a tree on it.
Have fun developing this tree but maybe also get some others to play with - hint, chances are not every tree you start will end up as a great bonsai.

Neil

Jarad · Post by **Jarad** » May 6th, 2016, 6:40 am

shibui wrote:hint, chances are not every tree you start will end up as a great bonsai.

There is also a good chance some won't survive.

dansai · Post by **dansai** » May 6th, 2016, 11:50 am

Good start with a small tree. Reading this and your other post it seems you are on the right track and will quickly learn basic techniques. Well done.

irvine · Post by **irvine** » May 6th, 2016, 1:38 pm

Cheers for looking. Yea after researching I've not got my hopes up for my little twig, but I always like to give things a go.
At least I now know what was wrong from the start and I'll not make the same mistake.

Cheers,
Neil

dansai · Post by **dansai** » May 6th, 2016, 2:29 pm

Don't give up on your twig. Most bonsai from proper nurseries in Australia started as a cutting just like your one. There is a lot you can do in the next 10 to 20 years to get it from twig to a good bonsai. Let the journey begin.

Andreas · Post by **Andreas** » May 10th, 2016, 11:12 pm

A good start, have fun!

KirstieWilk · Post by **KirstieWilk** » June 11th, 2016, 2:26 pm

I had one of these that come from Masters - like you it was an impulse buy. Sadly mine died though. I hope yours has more luck than mine did.

AusBonsai

my first bonsai (juniper squamata)

my first bonsai (juniper squamata)

Re: my first bonsai (juniper squamata)

Re: my first bonsai (juniper squamata)

Re: my first bonsai (juniper squamata)

Re: my first bonsai (juniper squamata)

Re: my first bonsai (juniper squamata)

Re: my first bonsai (juniper squamata)

Re: my first bonsai (juniper squamata)