new juniper first style

recently acquired three rather large pre-bonsai nursery grown junipers. this is one that has progressed over the past coupla days to first style level.

this short sequence takes you from arrival through today

just arrived


thinned and potted


past two days. branch selection and wiring underway

closer

chalk marks locations for future trunk work. red means live vein-no carving. blue is where deadwood exists or will be created.
front
other side

clearer

Looks very promising indeed. Aren't you worried about potting and styling in such a short period?

hi

I might say, that's what I'm looking for in a bonsai-nursery stock. With as good a promising material, I can only say, that your achievement so far, with this tree, makes me looking forward to a new season of nursery-stalkning myself ;-)

oh. And merry christmas...

yeah will, you're right. but I get so doggone anxious. can't resist. right now the tree is outside (where it lives) in a warm rain recovering from the assault. warm weather gives us more leeway/faster recovery, than other places. more important is the health of the material resulting from the growers technique. if the tree arrives strong and healthy with a well developed fine root system, one can afford to push the limits. In this case the trees are started in pots to establish shape, planted in the ground for size, then pruned, repotted and grown for bonsai use over a combined period exceeding 15 years. consequently, the root pad is very healthy and thick, but thin enough to go right into a bonsai pot. this is a huge plus compared to what I usually work with - collected material with poor to little roots and feeble health.

yes, I am trying to rationalize irrational behavior, however, most of what I've said is based on actual experience. anyway, its the holiday season, so hopefully the tree guardians will allow this foolish human a little more slack.

merry christmas to you and yours.

sam

continuing progress on new juniper. initial trunk shari. new buds popping