Short and Tall JBP

[Elias]

Hi All,

Just wanted to post some pics of these JBP I have recently purchased, always been a big fan of the species but I've only had smaller immature guys, these should be good challenge
Short JBP measurements:
Height : 19cm
Trunk base :5cm

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Tall JBP measurements:
Height 60cm
Trunk Base:6.5cm

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I've done a lot of reading on these trees, but I thought I'd get some styling advice/suggestions from people with more experience, please feel free to comment.

Thanks,

Elias

[BonsaiBoy]

I really like the short one mate. What are you going to do to it?
The big one is pretty good too but I think I just like bigger trees.
BB

[jarryd]

chop the big one down to the first congragation of branches. wire one on the left side up following the preivous movement in the trunk wire a branch on the right down and begin to grow it as the first branch. keep the lower foliage on the trunk as sacrafice and just let it grow wild to thicken the trunk more and create taper. also allow the leader to grow freely till it thickens up whilst retaining the lower branches of the leader to form more branching and a crown. suss the potting mix if its glugy and gross nursery soil get it in a better blend (google soil for bonsai if unsure) i find making your own is best. then fertilise heavily 6 weeks later. giving it a rest before you start your fert regime
cheers jarryd.

[Chris Johnston]

Elias,
Good job on getting a couple of JBPs. They look very strong and healthy.

I like the small one much more than the tall one, since most of its trunk is pretty useless. If you decide to trunk chop the tall one, remove all the branches above your new leader, and saw off the trunk leaving about six inches (150 mm) of trunk to dry out above the cut. The following year you can cut it back and carve it. This will prevent the wound from drying out too much and withdrawing live tissue from the cut. You'll have a more natural outcome.

The shorty there is pretty nice. I see a nice cascade if it's tipped over on its side a good bit, or a possible informal upright if it's tipped the other way just a bit. Either way you will have fun with this one.

Good luck!

Chris

[Elias]

Hi Guys, thanks for the replies.

So this is what I've decided after studying the trees, and reading comments.
The Tall JBP I will attempt an air layer around Oct after the second set of branches from the base( Daviet from this forum has written a very informative piece on this subject already), I have only done some smaller air layers in the past and have worked great, I figure this is better than just doing a huge chop. Once this is done I will let the tree recover and go from there.

The Short JBP, I leaning towards a cascade, only because I believe I can already start developing it towards that style, although I've always wanted to have a nice shohin JBP informal upright, especially after reading Morten Albek's book (page 15 if anyone has it) these kind of Bonsai are awesome.

I will try to keep this thread updated upon progress.


Elias

[jarryd]

it will be interesting to see what you do . ive never tryed to air layer pines but have heard it takes longer then other trees. good luck mate and keep us posted with your progress.

[Elias]

G'day All,

Just wanted to post a few pics of the Short JBP, this what I've come up with so far....

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Any comments appreciated and I hope everyone has a safe and Happy Easter.
Elias

[anttal63]

nice out come on that little one elias! well done. if you are going to layer the other do it now you will get a quicker result. with a pot or collander filled with a good mix and a little chopped spagnum, not spagnum wrapped in plastic:D

[Elias]

Hi Ant,
Thanks for the comments.
I thought about starting the air layer about a month ago, but I didn't know whether it will sufficient time to root as I believe these obviously take a lot longer than decidious trees....I guess my limited experience with air layering on pines reduced my confidence to attempt it.... anyways I was thinking late spring I would have better chances of success....?

Elias

[anttal63]

now pal is the time in melbourne, that top will put on some serious growth in the next 2 months b4 it has a little nap. by spring you will be cutting it off! there are posts by viet and kc having alot of success. i will be doing one this week also. come around and check it out if you like.

[Elias]

I'd love to check it out, if possible could I bring my tall JBP, mats and do the air layer with ya...?

[anttal63]

I'd love to check it out, if possible could I bring my tall JBP, mats and do the air layer with ya...?

cool as this later afternoon or tommorrow morning early is good for me what about you?

[Elias]

Tomorrow morning would be great, I'll call ya today after work. Thanks Ant.

[anttal63]

cant wait!

[John Henry]

HI Eliest,
You are getting hold of great matirial ,you should bring them along to club work shops and take advantage of the wealth of knolage from the long time members.
I hope to visit your nursery shortley.
Regards, John