Here is a shohin size Shimpaku. I reduced the roots by half this winter and it is growing well. I think the foliage is ready for a wiring and then there is the dead straight trunk. Lay it on me....
One dilema you have here is, depending on the view you chose, the trunk grows one way and the foliage is growing in the opposite direction. I have seen some trees sort of pull off this look relatively successfully. However, they were older and refined specimens. What are you ideas for this trees?
The only idea I have had is to put a big bend in the trunk. It is really stiff so I guess a trunk bender is in order or maybe I should split it before bending - have never done either. This is my first Shimp that I got last year. It was a lot taller until I snapped off the main trunk.
Using pic 3 as your front, you might be able to do something like this. Take the top and pull it up and to the right. After it is pulled up, you could even tie it to that section of trunk that protrudes to the right for extra hold. Wait until next spring or this Fall, then style the tree to be a sort of slant/bunjin. Like this.
I see it like this...but it is a long therm project.
I like the movement of the trunk from this angle. You might say...but that is the continuation of the trunk You used as a first primary branch. Many junipers and pines are styled like that in japan...and that is the thing that really shocked me. Just try to make a sharp bend on that branch/apex and bring it very close to the trunk.
Some examples for you.
Neli - I like the look of yours but like you said it is a long term project. My trunk does not have close to enough interest for that in my lifetime
Rob - Thanks, good eye as always. Here it is all laid out. I will leave it strapped up like this for at least a year and maybe longer. When it does get released it will have some nice wiggles in it.