Procumbus Nana...Revisited

Vance Wood

Lord Mugo
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I've done it a time or two, the dark brown layer is real thin, the bark underneath is a nice rusty brown like other junipers, it is just a lot of trouble when you start working around the branches. Not sure what you mean about being overgrown, if pruned properly they seem to look as good as any of the other species.
Look at the crown on this tree. It could be the photograph but it is impossible to see the branching other than some of the primaries.
 

Mellow Mullet

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Look at the crown on this tree. It could be the photograph but it is impossible to see the branching other than some of the primaries.

I see now what you mean, I'm gonna try and thin it out some more. I did not want to thin too much at once, sometimes I stop and mull it over before cutting more to keep from cutting too much. Do you have a photo as an example of what it should look like?
 

Vance Wood

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You're right, it is always wise to be a bit cautious. I would start by removing anything as Adir pointed out in Post #38. None of this was meant to be critical of your methods, most people that grow Procumbens Junipers tend to have this problem, the pads they chose to develop are so dense the branching cannot be seen and ultimately shade out the interior of the tree forcing a regrow at some point in the future.
 

WNC Bonsai

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I like that you have opened up the foliage and developed pads. It is now possible to see the individual branches. Also noticed you cut back on the deadwood which seemed a bit much and contrived in the earlier photos.
 

Mellow Mullet

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Update:

Your offering for this weekend is this procumbus nana. I have a love have relationship with this tree, it doesn't photograph well so you spend a lot of time tuning it up and then the photos do not really show how it looks. The twists in the trunk are not the best. When I first started this tree I did not have much bonsai experience and if I had it to do over again, I feel that I might have taken it in a different direction.

Before:

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After:

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sorce

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I don't know that it needed a different direction as much as it needs you to just enjoy the ride!

It has a good feel.

Seems also on the verge of something greater.

The only thing bothersome is the second to last big pic, where you, I, can see the 3 branches. It seems begging for 3 separations of pad.

Sorce
 

Mellow Mullet

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Update:

OK, I will be the fist to admit, this tree does not photograph well, it looks much better in person. I have been looking for a nice pot for it, and would like to give @Don Blackmond a big thank you for offering up this Dale Cochoy pot, I think it goes well with the tree.

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Carol 83

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Update:

OK, I will be the fist to admit, this tree does not photograph well, it looks much better in person. I have been looking for a nice pot for it, and would like to give @Don Blackmond a big thank you for offering up this Dale Cochoy pot, I think it goes well with the tree.

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I think it photographs very well, and I love the pot.
 

HENDO

Shohin
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I think it photographs very well, and I love the pot.
Same here. The pad layering looks awesome, excellent gradual foliage density transition from the first branch all the way to the apex. The new container is just icing on the cake.

I would be tempted to bring the first/lowest branch profile inwards toward the trunk slightly. Perhaps some of the other lower branches. It just feels like the profile need to come in a bit. Like this but perhaps not as severe:

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As a novice I very rarely critique others' trees, but really like this procumbens so wanted to share what I saw as mildly distracting.
 

Mellow Mullet

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Update:
I must admit, junipers are not my favorite, they are high maintenance. But there is this tree, I still keep it up. It started as a Lowes topiary when I got it around 2005. I gave it a little trim today. It ðoes not photograph well, l promise, it looks much better in person.

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Orion_metalhead

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Great Nana. Dont often see these this nice. Youve done a great job on it. Do you have a designated "Front"? Its tough to tell from your photos where the intended Front is.
 

WNC Bonsai

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It always amazes me how fast these can put on new foliage after a pruning. Your pads look great, good separation and definition.
 
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