AusBonsai

A helping hand was available, heres the Buxus microphylla var. japonica. Dug the first week in january, it will be a while before i do much to it. It has reshot everywhere even down inside the core, guess its all the light, it had a long life as a square hedge. It has 4 main 'trunks' very squarely placed & is about 13cm (5") across at the narrowest point. I have done nothing but dig it, the owners had chopped it to pieces before i got there. They were going to poison it as they didnt like it!

The photos arent the best at showing trunk placement but am thinking major jin on 3 trunks, keeping a pad of foliage on each then pads running up the remaining trunk with an apical jin. Very simple foliage pads so the trunk & deadwood are the feature. Told you i can see them in my head i just cant draw them. Hope that description makes sense. Will try and get some clearer shots of the trunks to give you all a better idea and maybe from that other angle.

Matt

Excellent material to get stuck into Matt! I have a few buxus that were collected from an unwanted hedge too. I find them very rewarding to work on due to their fast growth and a joy to carve .
You may find Harry Harrington's article on Buxus an interesting read - BUXUS species in depth on Bonsai4me.com.

Regards,
Steven

Thanks for the heads up, I have never worked with one so its all new to me. Had a good chat with a mate today on courses of action for this one. As impatient as i can be i have been taught enough times by too many trees to slow down a bit and listen to some advice once in a while Lots of carving on this one down the line, am letting it get a good go on before i start, knowing me there wont be much left once i do.

Matt

One question from reading the indepth. It says that buxus are normally understory plants & as such require a bit of dappled shade. Written from a UK perspective they recommmend more sun. I currently have mine in full sun & has been so since it arrived with no ill effect. Was wondering where others have them growing & would i be better to move it to a spot with say afternoon shade?