Large California Juniper Repotted

mike_p

I repotted this California juniper today. I've been hoping that I could remove 2-3 inches from the bottom of the heavy wood root structure to get it into this pot that's 2 inches shallower than the previous pot. It turns out that there were plenty of new roots higher up so I was able to do the "rootectomy"
This pot was a special order from one of the Tokoname potters, and has the makers signature on the bottom. I don't want to talk about the price.
I've been letting this juniper rest since pushing it's development for the WBC 2004. It was unwired and trimmed back after the contest last year. After it's settled in the new pot, all the jin will need to be sanded and limesulfered. Next spring when the foliage has grown more, a complete wiring job will be necessary. Sounds like a job for Valerie Monroe, wire master.
Height from the table is about 40 inches

Attached Images

Harry_11_16_05.jpg (62.7 KB, 89 views)

__________________
Learning the mechanics of bonsai is a matter of rote. Over and over again the processes are practiced until the hands and eyes know the moves.
Learning the art of bonsai may be more like water wearing away a stone, or climbing a mountain where the peak is always shrouded in fog and just out of reach.
Persist, and someday you may see the peak in sunshine. You may pick up the stone and it's a thing of beauty.

MP@BBB Studio

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David Yedwab

Mike,
I think I remember this one and believe it works better planted "deeper" in a shallow"er" pot. But please post the old picture so we can compare. Or the wbc 2004 selected picture.
Thanks

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David Yedwab

Attila

Mike,

This tree always intrigues the heck out of me, every time you show it to us. The only way to solve this is if you sell it to me. (don't say no, just sleep on it a couple of weeks).

mike_p

David, as you requested, here's a merge of the 2004 photo and todays.

Atilla, I couldn't part with this tree. Harry donated it as collected stock to the GSBF 2000 convention raffle. I won it. It developed faster than any California juniper in my experience, and got me into the WBC 100 in '04. It has a place in my heart.

Attached Images

junipermerge.jpg (55.9 KB, 72 views)

__________________
Learning the mechanics of bonsai is a matter of rote. Over and over again the processes are practiced until the hands and eyes know the moves.
Learning the art of bonsai may be more like water wearing away a stone, or climbing a mountain where the peak is always shrouded in fog and just out of reach.
Persist, and someday you may see the peak in sunshine. You may pick up the stone and it's a thing of beauty.

MP@BBB Studio

Adrian_Moss

This tree is absolutely amazing. It's almost unbelievable the growth in just one year. I search this forum over and over looking for experienced bosaist and they are few and far between. I believe you are good at what you do and have a question for you. I have a juniper procumbus that has been "put to bed" for the winter. It just started turn colors on me a golden brown. What is going on and what can i do to change this if it's not normal. I slowed down watering it and fertilized it for the first time ever this morning. I've had it approx. a month. Thank you for your time. Adrian

Joanie

Adrian, it would be more appropriate for you to post your questions in the Beginner Q&A section of the forum, because this thread is for discussion of Mike P's lovely tree. Someone will answer your questions there, I promise!

And yes, Mike rocks.

Joanie

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David Yedwab

Yes, Mike. That's what I remembered ... the new pot and planting depth are perfect. Thanks, as always for sharing.

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David Yedwab

Vonsgardens

Mike,
Marvelous. The pot was certainly worth the investment, really provides a fine touch to a beautiful specimen. John

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"Wiring is simple; However, it is not easy to do it right" Boon

mgodbee

The tree is stunning, we don't get those here in Atlanta.... As for the pot, I like both, but like the first one better...