Shimpaku Before & after

[John Henry]

This is a Shimpaku first styled with Tony Beb at North West workshop 2009 i have let it fill out and today got stuck in to it

[Steven]

G'day John and welcome to AusBonsai!

You sure have broken the ice nicely for your first post That's a ripper tree! Great base, nice movement, pleasing shape and good use of deadwood
It looks like it has been in training a lot longer than 2 years. What is the history behind the stock?

Regards,
Steven

[kcpoole]

Nice tree John
Love to hear its story

Ken

[Matthew]

thats a very impressive even root spread for a juniper. like to hear its history too

[PaulC]

I am loving the transfomation of this tree !!

Would love to have seen a 360 of before and especially now !!

If I may be so bold may I say a few things ?

Though the original styling of the tree was in a natural form, there was no natural taper, and the balance is to my opionion was not quite right.

My eye is drawn towards the first `branch` in the before picture, and it was not in tune with the tree at all.

The reduction and jinning of this `branch` works very well, and gives the trunk a natural taper, as well as age.

The next thing my eye caught was the straight branch on the left hand side of the tree ( 2nd on the left) which seems to have been heavily wired.

This branch was (is?) far too straight and is unnatural given the pleasant direction of the trees trunk.

The new tree`s style seems to have resolved this though it seems to be hidden well by the foliage that remains, but another picture at pot level may disclose this?

The branch above that also causes some confusion for my eye, perhaps it is too strong and its direction may be incorrect as well ?

The only other thing that grabs my eye is the jin that is on the right hand side of the tree.

Dont get me wrong !! I LOVE jin and shari !!

But for my eye, the jin seems to be not only on the end of the branch.........which never seems to end well on any specimen,
but also seems to be curved, which again, would be unlikley in nature.

One other thing, perhaps the apex could be persuaded to be over towards the right of the tree to give some overall balance, especially in the round pot ?

And while I am on the pot, I must say I LOVE the pot !!

Its dark colour not only compliments the trees bark, but helps to enhance the trees nabari.

Overall, I would like to congratulate you on your transformation, and I look forward to seeing this tree progress and thrive.


Regards,


Paul

[Tony Bebb]

G'day John

Good to see the change and the confidence to do it. Think I remember you not being so keen for major branch removal previously.

New tree looks good and the trunk has more power. Nice pot choice to. Well done.

Best Regards

Tony