Rmj, how much tree to use?

[wireme]

Midsummer update. Not that there is much to update. A wee bit of minor tweakery and pruning here and there.

Fully settled into the new pot and happy though as far as I can see!

I’m still thinking to move it in the direction of my last virt above in the future

 

[just.wing.it]

tweakery

Good word.
Great tree!

 

[wireme]

I’ve often thought I should have a black background to try out. With the time capsule about to open I figured it was about time I set one up.

Check out the new studio!

Redneck bonsai is kinda no joke around here I guess...

 

[TN_Jim]

I think the tire stand has the appropriate dementions for the size and masculinity of this tree; furthermore, the accent-cat adds balance to the weight of the composition.

Bonsai aside, that’s a great photo

 

[Vance Wood]

Your next step is to get a source of illumination for the tree that comes at it from the side.

 

[wireme]

Your next step is to get a source of illumination for the tree that comes at it from the side.

I could get the truck off to the side and turn the headlights on?

 

[Vance Wood]

I could get the truck off to the side and turn the headlights on?

The advantage of using a black back ground is when the subject of the photo is illuminated. The camera will automatically focus on the strongest source of light, in this case the tree, and in doing so really deepens the black of the back ground. If you want this to really work you need to move the tree more forward away from the black background, this causes the subject to really pop and the background to really deepen. As it is now I can still see the detail of in the black material. You need the depth of field to be shortened to eliminate the detail in the background.

 

[wireme]

As of today, pretty much the same as last pic I guess, that was near the end of the season and juniper growing season just starting up again now. It didn’t do a whole lot last year but that was a repot year and I expect more this season. I’ll be getting into foliage maintenance now and the wires may have to come off, hope not but I’ll be watching. I doubt that I’ll go for a thorough restyle this season but should by next.

The real reason for the update is just to say that I’m very happy to say that the @sorce pot made it through its first zone 3 winter just fine, claw and all!! Sweet.

 

[wireme]

The advantage of using a black back ground is when the subject of the photo is illuminated. The camera will automatically focus on the strongest source of light, in this case the tree, and in doing so really deepens the black of the back ground. If you want this to really work you need to move the tree more forward away from the black background, this causes the subject to really pop and the background to really deepen. As it is now I can still see the detail of in the black material. You need the depth of field to be shortened to eliminate the detail in the background.

Sorry Vance, same old set-up. I did hear you but you know, priorities, it’s still better than nothing. Someday I’ll act on your advice above for sure.

 

[wireme]

Gave it a good thinning the other day.

Before and after below. Doesn’t look all that helpful at the moment but I think it will pay off for next summer.

 

[0soyoung]

Are you thinning or trimming runners to ramify the foliage into pads?
I think it needs the foliage to be a bit more structured. It could still look wild (which I think is part of your objective), but right now the canopy impresses me as a bit of a bad hair day - just threads going every which way, thick or thin.

 

[Vance Wood]

Are you thinning or trimming runners to ramify the foliage into pads?
I think it needs the foliage to be a bit more structured. It could still look wild (which I think is part of your objective), but right now the canopy impresses me as a bit of a bad hair day - just threads going every which way, thick or thin.

I think you are right. The modern concept of ramifying Junipers makes for Junipers that look like the owner has no clue about compacting the foileage. I am a proponent of pinching and I know there are people that say I am ruining Junipers by doing this. Understanding that I have not fooled around with domestic Junipers like this one the concept of pinching and cutting back may indeed be a lost cause.

 

[wireme]

Are you thinning or trimming runners to ramify the foliage into pads?
I think it needs the foliage to be a bit more structured. It could still look wild (which I think is part of your objective), but right now the canopy impresses me as a bit of a bad hair day - just threads going every which way, thick or thin.

I think you are right. The modern concept of ramifying Junipers makes for Junipers that look like the owner has no clue about compacting the foileage. I am a proponent of pinching and I know there are people that say I am ruining Junipers by doing this. Understanding that I have not fooled around with domestic Junipers like this one the concept of pinching and cutting back may indeed be a lost cause.

This bit of work was simply removing the long single interior fronds and weak foliage. The tips and runners were left alone. I’ve found that doing this alone triggers more useful interior growth that can then be ramified after it grows a bit. So, this first, cut backs later with some judicious pinching in select areas. I don’t mind the wild hair day for now. I think I have a good strategy here but it will take time.

 

[wireme]

Comparison of growth since the thinning. A bit over two months, half my growing season more or less. Not bad. I plan on one more season of foliage maintenance pruning before another full wiring. Hopefully that’s enough.

 

[wireme]

This spring I pruned a bit more. Removed some small branches that did put foliage where I wanted it to be but wasn’t satisfied with the route they took to get there. Removed all the wire, it was biting in.

Today started rewiring. I kind of wanted to wait till the tree was more ready as I mentioned in last years post above, but just wanted to see how it would look I guess. Probably about 2/3rds done time wise here I hope.

 

[wireme]

@sorce

recognize that pot between his legs?

I’ll try to get back and update the tree later.

 

[Ruddigger]

These bears are consistent.

 

[wireme]

So.
Maybe some folks are wondering why I’ve haven’t been here posting, chatting..

Well, I guess I live a bit like a bear. Not hibernating but much of my work is seasonal. When the ground thaws and snow melts things can get a bit crazy. This year repotting season came and went and most of my trees hadn’t even been removed from winter mulch yet. Everything I wanted to get done with trees was driving me crazy cause I couldn’t get to any of it. So, made the call early in the season to just stop worrying about it, do what really needed doing and carry on with life. Good call, nice summer, family time, river time. Trees are just fine if a little shaggy and what not. No loss of interest or desire
Next year I giv’er.

 

[wireme]

“I’ll just hide behind this tree, no-one will see me here”.

 

[wireme]

Big guy nice and healthy. They all are.