One of my first junipers

Years ago I saw a demonstration on how to bend a heavy branch or trunk. The technique involved carving ouT the branch so little was left but the live part. then a metal rod was fitted in the hollow, and the branch was wrapped tightly with raffia. Then the bending process began. The metal rod adds strength and holding power, and the raffia prevents the branch from splitting.
When I got home from the demo, I was hot to go on radical bending. I decided to use this juniper to try out the technique. The branch was straight and pointed down at about a 45 degree angle. I took it slow and easy over several months to make the bend. The I left the rod and raffia on for a few months to be sure the bend held.
The juniper was repotted a few days ago in this old Shigaraki pot.

Cool tree Mike!
IMHO the pot is too small and needs to be a "rougher" pot to match the tree.
Congratulations on trying a new techinique ... which worked for you; major risk taking!
How large is the tree?
Best,
Todd

I agree with Todd. But you didn't exactly choose the right time to repot. Hooping for the best.
And one more thing: why does the tree have so little foilage?

I have to ask...

What in God's name possessed you to put THAT tree in THAT pot??????????????

Do you have to tie it to the bench?

Nik Rozman wrote:I agree with Todd. But you didn't exactly choose the right time to repot. Hooping for the best.
And one more thing: why does the tree have so little foilage?

Nik, in my climate, I can repot junipers anytime of the year. Also boxwoods. One of the keys to success is that the tree be very well hydrated. I will soak them for several hours, sometimes overnight before repotting. It works very well for me.

Regarding "so little foliage". i see this tree as a high mountain desert tree, struggling for it's existance.

Todd Ellis wrote:Cool tree Mike!
IMHO the pot is too small and needs to be a "rougher" pot to match the tree.
Congratulations on trying a new techinique ... which worked for you; major risk taking!
How large is the tree?
Best,
Todd

Todd, the tree is about 24 inches tall including the pot.
Regarding the pot. By the usual standards, it is too small. However, I like to push the parameters and see what can be accomplished. To me, part of the 'charm" of bonsai is a tree in a pot that people think can't possibly support it. Then I get to prove them wrong. Sometimes I prove myself wrong!

Mike,,you have to know,,you have done well!! my wife seen your tree and said she loves it !!! very different and the pot.. mine do well to live in training pots....good job take care john

mike page wrote: Todd, the tree is about 24 inches tall including the pot.
Regarding the pot. By the usual standards, it is too small. However, I like to push the parameters and see what can be accomplished. To me, part of the 'charm" of bonsai is a tree in a pot that people think can't possibly support it. Then I get to prove them wrong. Sometimes I prove myself wrong!

My question was less about seeing how small of a pot you can wedge a tree into and still keep it alive, and more about looking ridiculous.

[quote="Russell Coker"]I have to ask...

What in God's name possessed you to put THAT tree in THAT pot??????????????
Because I can! I know. Smartass answer. That's what happens when you get old

Do you have to tie it to the bench?[/quote
It will stand unassisted. However, I keep it tied down with a bungee in case of wind or earthquake.

Mike,
It is a very beautiful tree, i like the bend and foliage distribution. just like the rest of the comment above, the pot doesn't reflect the character of the tree. A rough crescent pot might work.

regards,
jun