Juniper from Garden Supply

[Edgarhank]

Hello All!

I’m brand new to Bonsai. I live in DC - so hot summers and at times several weeks subzero in the heart of winter. I’ve been reading everything I can find, so I’m very open to places to look. I recently purchased 2 junipers from Home Depot clearance, $7 each! I attempted a cleanup and first cut. I understand it’s not the best time, but I wanted to get some practice before the spring. I’m looking for feedback.

Photos attached (sorry before photo sucks)

1.) I cut lower branches. Too much? Do I need to paste them?
2.) I tried to cut crowded nodes and branches. Any 3 way intersections I cut down. Any places I missed?
3.) I didn’t wire, I’m pretty worried this was too much for this poor fella. What do you think? Wire okay?
4.) I don’t know what I don’t know. What am I not considering?

Thanks so much for any feedback!

 

[rockm]

Hello All!

I’m brand new to Bonsai. I live in DC - so hot summers and at times several weeks subzero in the heart of winter. I’ve been reading everything I can find, so I’m very open to places to look. I recently purchased 2 junipers from Home Depot clearance, $7 each! I attempted a cleanup and first cut. I understand it’s not the best time, but I wanted to get some practice before the spring. I’m looking for feedback.

Photos attached (sorry before photo sucks)

1.) I cut lower branches. Too much? Do I need to paste them?
2.) I tried to cut crowded nodes and branches. Any 3 way intersections I cut down. Any places I missed?
3.) I didn’t wire, I’m pretty worried this was too much for this poor fella. What do you think? Wire okay?
4.) I don’t know what I don’t know. What am I not considering?

Thanks so much for any feedback!

Your tree will be fine. Wouldn’t worry about what you did

Bigger concern is looking ahead how will you over winter it.?

Dc is a terrific place for bonsai. Multiple clubs National Bonsai And Penjing Museum etc. you belong to a club? You should join lots of experience and resources to take advantage of

 

[Edgarhank]

Thank you!

Haven’t joined any clubs yet. Not sure where to start. But I’ll put some energy into figuring that out this week. Do you have any recommendations?

I visit Penjing often, roughly 20 mins away. And I’m never there enough.

Thanks for the reassurance about the trees health.

What should I consider about winter? I was under the impression that Juniper could handle DC winters well… and they needed the cold dormancy?

 

[rockm]

Thank you!

Haven’t joined any clubs yet. Not sure where to start. But I’ll put some energy into figuring that out this week. Do you have any recommendations?

I visit Penjing often, roughly 20 mins away. And I’m never there enough.

Thanks for the reassurance about the trees health.

What should I consider about winter? I was under the impression that Juniper could handle DC winters well… and they needed the cold dormancy?

Juniper is fine with winters here BUT there are some things to keep in mind. It’s important the tree remains outside and gets watered when it needs it. Dried out soil can be a winter killer. I leave my conifers out set in the ground. Not a lot of mulch. I mulch them not to protect roots but to conserves moisture I generally f
Don’t water them in winter as the hose is frozen or it’s just too cold. I rely on rai/snow for the most part. I have to monitor them for soil moisture through the the winter though

As far as clubs go. The Northern Va club is pretty good. They have regular workshops and demos for all skill levels and exhibits. Also have regular club auctions etc.

 

[Jrmcmich]

I have Only had to water once in 2 winters as well in Ohio since plenty of rain or snow. I have Used a cold frame but sounds like mulching in pot would work

 

[Edgarhank]

Thanks!