JBP and 5NP

[eugen_onegin]

Hey All,

Here are two Japanese Pines that I recently purchased from Julian Adams at the PBF. The taller wired one is a Mikawa JBP that Julian wired and the smaller is a 2 year old(I believe) 5NP seedling. He provided me with a lot of insight into what I should do in the coming years with these two seedlings. But to keep the discussion going and in light of learning and reading as much as I can about bonsai(as I am sure all of us are compulsive in our thirst for knowledge of bonsai) I hope this is also the first progression for years to come.

I post this question: What should I do this particular year with these two seedlings?

5NP - My thoughts, and what Julian recommended, were to leave the 5NP alone for at least another year. So that's what I plan to do. Although, has anyone done any pruning to trees this small?...

JBP - Julian mentioned when I purchased this little guy that I wait about a week and cut the middle candle back about 1/2-1/3 total size of candle. I'm going for a small literati style similar to what he displays with his JBP seedlings and on his website. He also said to allow the two smaller candles to grow freely until next season.

Thoughts?

 

[Paradox]

I would follow what Julian says. Otherwise, let them grow, these two are very very young.

 

[Adair M]

Let them grow.

The JBP with the wire? Bend that section that goes straight up. Else, remove the wire.

 

[Eric Group]

Take the wire off, move them to larger pots/ a bed in the ground where nothing/ nobody will step on them and let 'me go for a while...

OR get HARD with that wire right now, twist the tall one up and go for a twisted trunk.

I would say let them go!

 

[Neli]

Here are some examples for you of what you can do...the first one will be soon like the second.
This is if you want to make a small bonsai...

 

[eugen_onegin]

Adair, thanks for the good eye for composition. I think the top does need a little tilt.

Eric, I have another JBP thats much bigger that I plan on training to become big, thick, and bulky. I'm looking to create a mame sized literati JBP. Something similar to the picture.

Neli, Exactly, that's what I"m thinking. The 5NP was not grafted, it's a seedling that Julian Adams pruned the taproot so he reminded me, like everyone else, that this tree will take forever to develop.

Anyway thanks all for the advice and insight

 

[Hyn Patty]

Here are some examples for you of what you can do...the first one will be soon like the second.
This is if you want to make a small bonsai...

Very nice progression there. Taking notes - I will soon have JBP seedlings coming out my ears so I want to try many things with them.