Creating More Small Juniper

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1,160
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Location
Charlottesville, VA
USDA Zone
7b
Juniper Procumbens
Informal upright
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As usual, prep the pot
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Pliers to pinch the wrapping point together with bottom anchor

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Mesh over hole, wires through mesh

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Fold and press to secure mesh over drainage screen

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Anchor wires (for tree stabilizing/ positioning)

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Slip each end of both wires through mesh and to their respective sides of the pot for tying/twisting off soon

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Add base layer of soil

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When root system has been poked, cleared of soil from outer and inner roots (leaving core untouched), selective reduction of roots and press/rock tree into base layer of soil, getting soil particles deep into root system

Join opposing anchor wires, twist tightly with pliers (avoid wrapping pliers into wire 😇), cut ends with wire cutters, and press them down into the root system/ soil. Complete soil application by pouring and poking/pressing with chopstick/rake tweezers.

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Minor tweak at left to raise foliage and complete left slope to apex, Biogold teabag tied to wire, and the initial styling of composition is complete
 
Looks more than a bit like Napoleon's hat. You're failing to see what this tree can become. Study more juniper bonsai. Choose a show that has trees in it that you like. Consider what it would take to get from hither to yon.
 
Looks more than a bit like Napoleon's hat. You're failing to see what this tree can become. Study more juniper bonsai. Choose a show that has trees in it that you like. Consider what it would take to get from hither to yon.
There is no failure. The tree has become what it desires to be and according to what I desire to contribute. It is what it is, and it is beautiful. Nothing changes that.

Your desire and imagination must remain unique to who you are and is not imposed subjectively.
 
Looks more than a bit like Napoleon's hat. You're failing to see what this tree can become. Study more juniper bonsai. Choose a show that has trees in it that you like. Consider what it would take to get from hither to yon.
Now I can't unsee it 🥲
 
Nice documentation. It looks like you took a lot of roots off. Will you be letting the tree recover this season and style it next spring?
 
There is no failure. The tree has become what it desires to be and according to what I desire to contribute. It is what it is, and it is beautiful. Nothing changes that.

Your desire and imagination must remain unique to who you are and is not imposed subjectively.
For me, bonsai is all about movement, like from hither to yon as @bwaynef said. The state of "it is what it is" is elusive. The tree lives and is constantly becoming a new version of itself. I try to understand and anticipate where and how it will develop. By changing my perception / plan for the tree, I continue to grow too. That's my approach anyway.
 
For me, bonsai is all about movement, like from hither to yon as @bwaynef said. The state of "it is what it is" is elusive. The tree lives and is constantly becoming a new version of itself. I try to understand and anticipate where and how it will develop. By changing my perception / plan for the tree, I continue to grow too. That's my approach anyway.
Thanks! It’s fitting nicely into the style and form for the near future.
 
There’s definitely a time to respect the tree and it’s almost always best to work with the tree. That said, this material is mass produced with no thought to artistry. There’s more to bonsai than potting up nursery material. This tree has no structure. You have to give the tree that.

I feel like we’re approaching things from too different a place that there’s not much conversation that can happen. Enjoy your plant.
 
There’s definitely a time to respect the tree and it’s almost always best to work with the tree. That said, this material is mass produced with no thought to artistry. There’s more to bonsai than potting up nursery material. This tree has no structure. You have to give the tree that.

I feel like we’re approaching things from too different a place that there’s not much conversation that can happen. Enjoy your plant.

This feels like a fairly dramatic response. Plenty of people do clip and grow, it's all subjective.
 
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