juniper in training

[sam]

another juniper in training

obtained this stock itoigawa shimpaku about 2 years ago. initially the tree flourished in our climate. after a year of acclimation, it was given a first (light) styling . within a short time the tree began to show signs of stress, so the wire was removed and the tree left to get healthy. another year has passed and strong new shoots have grown all over the tree. yesterday, first styling was undertaken again

best wishes, sam

 

[Brian Underwood]

Very nice as always Sam! I feel the apex could be squished down a little further to make the tree shorter and fill in the top a bit though. Excellent material, it never seems you waste time or money on trees without potential.

 

[JudyB]

You are very talented Sam. Please continue to share with us here, and would be great if you could discuss some of the techniques you use, should you have the time.

Beautiful.

 

[fore]

Beautiful material Sam, like others said, as usual. Also agree, the top could be more compact, but otherwise, very nicely done! Btw, where are you located? What signs of stress did you notice?

 

[Vance Wood]

Very nice as always Sam! I feel the apex could be squished down a little further to make the tree shorter and fill in the top a bit though. Excellent material, it never seems you waste time or money on trees without potential.

Agreed, this tree is wonderfully done. I also believe the top should not be quite so "apexish" as in tending to a point. An old Shimpaku will have a more rounded and squished looking Apex. But of course you seem to know what you are doing and the direction you are going with this tree so--- you can take this advise along with a buck and a half and get a cup of coffee.

As long as we are offering suggestion I do see something you should go after soon as you think the tree is ready to work on: You should remove any growth that is growing straight down off the branches and their ends. This will help thicken the pads and give the growth a more mature look. You may already know this as well------there you go----another cup of coffee.

Wish the tree was mine.

By the way. Is the trunk a phoenix graft (tanuki) or is it the actual trunk?

 

[october]

Another great tree and work.. I would like to offer this.. I am not so focused on the pushing the apex down as much as it's placement. The tree is growing towards the right and then swoops back to the left and thats where the apex sits. It is a little distracting. Also, since it is growing towards the right, the foliage indicates growth towards the left and right simultaneously. I hope you don't mind, but I created a virt. By shortening the branches on the left and by moving the apex slightly toward the right. I believe, it looks more balanced.

Getting back to the apex.. I am not sure that scrunching it down to achieve an immediate aged look might be the best thing in the long run. Left as is, in time the apex will fill in and have a beautiful internal structure. If it is pushed down, the internal structure might be compromised and it might make pruning in the years to come, somewhat difficult to keep the silhouette.

Just my opinions here... either way, it is a magnificent tree with great visionary work.

Rob

 

[0soyoung]

Vance, October,

I find your comments, here, very helpful. This is the kind of stuff I want from a bonsai forum (and guys like the two of you, for that matter).

Thanks again.

 

[sam]

thanks for the inputs, everyone. I appreciate the comments and suggestions. I'll try to answer the questions as best I can.

for october - thanks for the virtual. the long left branch will be shortened in time. this was the strongest branch so the idea was to leave it long for now while the tree recovers and fills out. before much more is done with the new apex, it needs to grow and fill out-then we'll see what modifications are necessary.

vance - this is a itoigawa shinpaku. nursery grown for bonsai. good advice on errant growth. the tree needs to do a lot of growing before anything approaching pads develops. right now, the branches are pretty bare.

fore - the tree did not like the abrupt change from cold weather japan to warm hawaiian sun. A big challenge for cold weather trees coming into hawaii is the lack of winter dormancy. shinpaku will acclimate, however, they need extra time and care ( as I am learning). work on them too early and they quickly go into shock. I thought initially I was going to lose this tree.

judy - thanks for the encouragement. no special techniques. just straightforward bonsai styling
following the lead provided by the trunk and branches.

best wishes for the holidays.

sam

 

[Vance Wood]

thanks for the inputs, everyone. I appreciate the comments and suggestions. I'll try to answer the questions as best I can.

for october - thanks for the virtual. the long left branch will be shortened in time. this was the strongest branch so the idea was to leave it long for now while the tree recovers and fills out. before much more is done with the new apex, it needs to grow and fill out-then we'll see what modifications are necessary.

vance - this is a itoigawa shinpaku. nursery grown for bonsai. good advice on errant growth. the tree needs to do a lot of growing before anything approaching pads develops. right now, the branches are pretty bare.

fore - the tree did not like the abrupt change from cold weather japan to warm hawaiian sun. A big challenge for cold weather trees coming into hawaii is the lack of winter dormancy. shinpaku will acclimate, however, they need extra time and care ( as I am learning). work on them too early and they quickly go into shock. I thought initially I was going to lose this tree.

judy - thanks for the encouragement. no special techniques. just straightforward bonsai styling
following the lead provided by the trunk and branches.

best wishes for the holidays.

sam

I'm sure you probably know this but in case others do not; Shimpakus form wonderful pads almost by themselves but they do have one annoying trait, they tend to pom-pom and abandon internal growth if you do not keep the ends under control. As long as you do not let anything get away and run wild the tree will continue to back bud on itself. With a tree such as this one I feel it is important to start tightening the growth on the ends if the desire is to have growth further down the branches. JMHO

 

[edprocoat]

Sam thats a damn nice looking shimp ! Where the heck do you find a " stock itoigawa shimpaku " like that? Man all the stock plants I find pale in comparison.

ed

 

[NewWorldBonsai]

Very nice as always Sam! I feel the apex could be squished down a little further to make the tree shorter and fill in the top a bit though. Excellent material, it never seems you waste time or money on trees without potential.

Really awesome stock!

I agree with Brian a shorter and smaller design will really make that deadwood feel powerful. That's just one way to go, however.

 

[Tona]

Great material and great first styling.
Tona