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Quote:

Originally Posted by Yandrosxx

It just occurred to me that maybe this design techinique is the solution for how to train that much maligned bonsai prospect juniperus virginiana.

What say you?

There are tens of thousands of them in my area and some absolutely spectacular ones growing in the southern part of my state. But, I have never bothered because they are roundly condemned as an unworthy candidate prone to too much juvenile growth.

Perhaps not. The method everyone is referring to (aka the prune not pinch method) works well for tightly scaled junipers. I am very familiar with the eastern red cedars you speak of and I agree - they seem to revert back to juvenile foliage at the drop of a hat. Perhaps if you have a very interesting and suitable trunk on one you could learn to graft. Shimpaku whips are very inexpensive and are easily attached at points where you want better foliage. Now you have the trunk and root stock that is local to you - and the superior growth and color of shimpaku to style.