Time to style?

[ianb]

So I've had this California Juniper for about 5 years now. When I first got it the growth was very weak and some of the deadwood had rotted as it was being kept too wet.

Planned to get to styling it a couple of years ago but life got in the way so I think it's definitely ready now. Posting to get any inputs I can, I have an idea what I'm going to do and will post a sketch later. Right now it's time to clean up the deadwood and lime sulphur then clean up the bark, and order wire from Jim Gremel. It's a long term project so will start with deadwood work and main branch placement then move to fine wiring in a couple of years.

So any ideas?

 

[ianb]

Not sure why but the old photo is the second one above.

Rest of the pics:

 

[jkd2572]

Wow great material. That is my dream material to take to a workshop with a professional.

 

[Vance Wood]

If I was you I would take a refresher course by watching a bunch of Graham Potter videos just to get in the mood. Note: He always completes the work on the dead wood before styling the living tissue. That way things don't get in the way with each other. Great material worth of doing it right. If you are unsure of yourself or what you are doing get help these trees are worth it.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Great tree; love the deadwood just as it is. It appears to be quite happy, and I really like the front shown in Photo 2 of the first post. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Vance Wood]

Great tree; love the deadwood just as it is. It appears to be quite happy, and I really like the front shown in Photo 2 of the first post. Thanks for sharing.

You're right the dead wood is magnificent already with the possible exception of treating.

 

[Smoke]

This looks ripe for the Keppler Krumple.

 

[Dav4]

Great tree; love the deadwood just as it is. It appears to be quite happy, and I really like the front shown in Photo 2 of the first post. Thanks for sharing.

You're right the dead wood is magnificent already with the possible exception of treating.

To reiterate- DON'T TOUCH THE DEADWOOD....EVER!!! Seriously, that's one of the best deadwood junipers I've ever seen. Absolutely stunning! Other then dealing with the rot, spend a lot of time contemplating before taking any cutting or carving tool to this beauty.

 

[Dav4]

As far as styling goes, I'd love to see some of the foliage pulled down closer to that awesome trunk...I'd start there if it's a possibility.

 

[bonsaiBlake]

As far as styling goes, I'd love to see some of the foliage pulled down closer to that awesome trunk...I'd start there if it's a possibility.

I was going to say the same thing but feel unqualified to comment on styling yet.
Appears to have a lot of nice strong vertical growth that could be pulled in, down and have some serious movement added. The deadwood is the strength of this tree and the tall fem apex draws the eyes away from what should be the masculine strong focal point of this tree. just MO

 

[ianb]

Brian you must have read my mind. This is what I have in mind, shouldn't be too difficult.

 

[ianb]

Pretty much all the deadwood work has been done over the years, I cleaned out some rot near the base and the previous owners tooling marks and added detail in some areas. I'm still toying with removing the part thats pointing up on the right hand spur.

 

[ianb]

If I was you I would take a refresher course by watching a bunch of Graham Potter videos just to get in the mood. Note: He always completes the work on the dead wood before styling the living tissue. That way things don't get in the way with each other. Great material worth of doing it right. If you are unsure of yourself or what you are doing get help these trees are worth it.

Yeah thanks Vance. I did a carving workshop with Graham a few years ago back on the East coast, really nice bloke and likes a good curry (who doesn't).

Pretty much all the deadwood work is done though just a clean up and lime sulphur. I'm thinking about removing a section from the right side stub. Will also have to remove a jin in the center section so that I can bend one of the branches down toward the front.

 

[Vance Wood]

Yeah thanks Vance. I did a carving workshop with Graham a few years ago back on the East coast, really nice bloke and likes a good curry (who doesn't).

Pretty much all the deadwood work is done though just a clean up and lime sulphur. I'm thinking about removing a section from the right side stub. Will also have to remove a jin in the center section so that I can bend one of the branches down toward the front.

I am jealous of your work with Graham and equally glad you consider him a "really nice bloke". There are few in the world I would even toy with the idea of spending the money and travel time to study with and Graham Potter is he.

I hope I did not insult you recommending you get help. I have no way of knowing what you are capable of, or not capable of. I do know that this tree is a masterpiece waiting to be let lose not rendered into saw dust and the compost heap.

 

[M. Frary]

This looks ripe for the Keppler Krumple.

I'm almost afraid to ask. It doesn't require a pink thing does it. I hope.

 

[drew33998]

Pretty much all the deadwood work has been done over the years, I cleaned out some rot near the base and the previous owners tooling marks and added detail in some areas. I'm still toying with removing the part thats pointing up on the right hand spur.

I'm not sure that I would remove that section. To me it is more interesting than the left hand side. The left hand side feels a little bulky to me, but I still wouldn't remove any of the dead wood as that was exactly how nature has shaped it over the years.

 

[Neli]

I would like to see picture 3 and the last picture...large ones...Possibly post on external server or FB and use the URL to post here... Then maybe I can try.

 

[ianb]

I'm not sure that I would remove that section. To me it is more interesting than the left hand side. The left hand side feels a little bulky to me, but I still wouldn't remove any of the dead wood as that was exactly how nature has shaped it over the years.

This is the section I want to reduce, I know what you mean about the left side, it has been reduced but I couldn't bring myself to go any further.

 

[Bonsai_Bubba]

I really like that spur actually. Just one man's opinion.

 

[ianb]

I would like to see picture 3 and the last picture...large ones...Possibly post on external server or FB and use the URL to post here... Then maybe I can try.

Thanks Neli, just put them on FB and sent you a friend request.

Ian