The Romanian Sabina Juniper gets styled

tony wrote:Battle of Hastings... my 1066 post.

Ahh. Now there's one in the eye!




Haraldur interfecit est.

As has already been said even some of the best Junipers in the world unfortunately have no nebari, but this is an acceptable fault in these wonderful trees. But whose bothered about a nebari on a tree of this quality, there is so much more to look at. The initial styling is superb and this tree is only gonna get better with developement. As one of my heroes once said. "Don`t concentrate on the finger or you will miss all that heavenly glory". Not sure about the future pot though Tony, bit too formal I think. Fantastic tree.

Ian.

Hi Tony,

a great tree already Tony! Enrico did a fantastic job.

First of all I have to note I'm quite reluctant to make any suggestions because 1. I haven't seen the juniper in person, 2. Enrico styled the tree and 3. you've been in the game for a while too. Having stressed that, here's my tuppence.

As far as nebari goes, I second Will's and Alex's view. At least in the pic (https://servimg.com/view/13439704/400) the tree looks much more slender and elegant. The crown is very light in its appearance and it doesn't need a stumpy nebari to support it optically. Trunk a touch longer and slender would work better with the delicate crown IMHO too. Plus, I don't think that in junipers (also olives spring to mind) nebari necessarily has to be the widest point of the trunk because of the amount and character of the deadwood.
Has Enrico said anything about the base of the juniper?

Regarding the inclination, Geoff's pics clearly show it's spot on.

tony wrote:This tree is a totally natural creation, nothing has been changed apart from repositioning and removing some branches. Junipers.. even ones in the ground rarely display nebari, and to imply that this tree is 'lacking' in something is an affront to nature.

Any GOOD artist endeavors to work in sympathy with the natural harmony and bring out the best in raw material that they are working. Enrico Savini is one of if not THE BEST bonsai artists in Europe specialising in Junipers (why else would I let another artist work my tree? Answer: Enrico is better than me with Junipers)

Those that witnessed the creation of this Bonsai marveled at Enricos work in transforming a bush (a VERY nice bush) into a fine bonsai. His reputation is on the line every time he 'performs' and I gave him free reign with this tree to create the best he could, I believe he has done that and I would have been VERY happy if I had done the same

I encourage members to have opinions, comment, discuss, argue... but BACK IT UP don't do a 'drive by' remark and think it clever.

Wow! I think y'all did a wonderful, and rsspectful, job. Who needs shimpaku when sabina is beautiful and there for the taking?

For me, I can easily see it planted at either depth, although I like it at the original level best. I think the jagged piece of dead wood at the soil level on the left gives the base the visual stability it needs, and planting it deeper covers its "story".

Tony, what are your thoughts on the large jin on the right? Judging from the pictures where it is more clearly shown I'd be tempted to shorten it. Was it ever discussed while you and Enrico were working on the tree?

I have stood in front of few bonsai at exhibitions whereby everyone agrees that a tree is 'Perfect' One of the joys of bonsai is that EVERYONE has an opinion... bring it on... its healthy to discuss.

I remember chasing a guy thru the crowd after a 'drive by remark'... "that tree will die"... at an event organised in Scotland by Fiona... I challenged him in front of a large crowd as to why he said this... silence... followed by yet further silence. Just coz you are on the web don't think you can escape

Giomach, your observations and comments are considered and well put, Enricos very first notes were that the tree should be deeper in the pot... and I agree when you see it as the base is confusing...

Russell, what 'story' is beneath the surface you cannot see now? I believe that the lower planing position adds more 'power' to the trunk. As for the Jin I am not in favour of overly LONG jins... lets see how the tree progresses... once it is removed that it forever.

Ian, the Pot is definitely open for discussion however at €175 a pop I will not purchase one too quickly!

tony wrote:Russell, what 'story' is beneath the surface you cannot see now? I believe that the lower planing position adds more 'power' to the trunk. As for the Jin I am not in favour of overly LONG jins... lets see how the tree progresses... once it is removed that it forever.

True, yes, and definitely yes!

tony wrote: I remember chasing a guy thru the crowd after a 'drive by remark'... "that tree will die"... at an event organised in Scotland by Fiona... I challenged him in front of a large crowd as to why he said this... silence... followed by yet further silence.

But in fairness, it is difficult to talk with a Chuhin White Pine shoved up your..... Plus, he was a malicious little git who was spoiling for a fight to further his own agenda - it was nothing to do with the tree. And you weren't even wearing the pink shirt that day!

Interestingly enough, that episode was in 2006(? 2007?) yet you and I and Bob Brunt worked on that "dead" tree just last year.

fiona wrote: But in fairness, it is difficult to talk with a Chuhin White Pine shoved up your..... Plus, he was a malicious little git who was spoiling for a fight to further his own agenda - it was nothing to do with the tree. And you weren't even wearing the pink shirt that day!

Interestingly enough, that episode was in 2006(? 2007?) yet you and I and Bob Brunt worked on that "dead" tree just last year.

AHHHH Happy days

Remember it well.It is still a fantastic tree as is this Sabina ....

"Don`t concentrate on the finger or you will miss all that heavenly glory".

I use that quote to Ian! I usually go for the full version though

Hi Steve, yeah the guy was a genius whichever way you look at it and most people only see him for his physical atributes but his philosophy was exceptional too.

Ian.

TONY ,, my opion you made a great change with this tree!! planting it upright and deeper in the pot is a good change for this tree....i am sure you will be more satified with it now.. good work take care john