AusBonsai

Hi guys! (my very first post!)

I picked up this stock juniper at the sale a few weeks ago in Boxhill.

Anyway, since it's my first decent piece of stock, I would love some advice on how to take it. The folliage is nice and dense and the movement isn't too bad so i really want to make it a centre piece.

What would you do with this tree? I'm thinking of informal upright at the moment. Nebari wise it seems ok... but it still has a bit to go (no worries, i'm only 17 so i have time watch it grow)

any virtuals/sketches/advice would be greatly aprpeciated =D

sam

Nice pickup, I really like the tight curves in the trunk. You should pick out branches you definitely do not want (where you have more than one branch coming from the same place, inside the curves and stubs and twigs which are dead or almost dead) This will allow more light to reach the interior and therefore will promote more back budding. It will also push energy to the remaining branches. Select a few main branches to wire, the curves should be similar to the trunk. Curvy branches to match the curvy trunk. Give it a good feed and take your time, a basic styleing for now.
Regards
Gerard

not knowing the size of the tree but judging from the shot of your thumb in there i think a major chop is in order. i can understand wanting to use the whole tree i am a bit like that myself yet am learning to creat good trees you need to do some major chops. the trunk itsenf looks quite unifor in thickness.
my recommendation, choose a new leader and take the plunge, twosdale has it right with the fact of getting rid of unwanted growth, this will allow you to see the lines of the tree and will help you decide where to chop. and pick a good line.
once chopped and a new leader chosen you will need to rebuild an apex, this will take a bit but it will get there
post some more picks with some clearer shots of the lines once you have cleared out some of the useless foliage and this will help us help you

Yeahhhh Man, I can see a big haircut coming on for this little one. Nice subject to work with, good workshop tree. Good buy!!

Hi Guys. Did some very minor trimming so you guys can see the tree a tad better. Any comments?

yep robert stevens is here this weekend and that is a rippa tree to workshop with him. you should consider it seriously.

anttal63 wrote:yep robert stevens is here this weekend and that is a rippa tree to workshop with him. you should consider it seriously.

i think that is ya best bet mate we can give you some guidance here but to have someone like robert workshop the tree with you will give you some awesome experience and guide to where to go with this fella

if i could get to workshops like that i would but i am way to far into the sticks for something like that to happen i have been fumbling my way around learning all i can from books and guidance from people. not saying its a bad thing as i have had some great guidance and books can tell you so much, i just don't think it would compare to the hands on experience and knowledge of a professional

regards jamie

I'd Love to, but my exam period starts on friday (English) and i have heaps of other exams for 3 works, so until that's over, i still have to study :\

Here's a good approach:

http://bonsainurseryman.typepad.com/bonsainurseryman/

Paul

63pmp wrote:Here's a good approach:

http://bonsainurseryman.typepad.com/bonsainurseryman/

Paul

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh you good for something after all ??? cause ya no good on plums!!!
great article paul thanks for sharing !!! that is a must do excercise!!! great to get back to basics.