New to bonsai - First Juniper.

krlix

Hey everyone.

I am very new to bonsai, i have been researching into the different kinds of bonsai including species and styles. My aunty has been working with bonsai' for about 20 years now and she is guiding me along and helping me out but i just wanted to ask around for some opinions and advice on which style would be good and all. I purchased the bonsai today, it hasnt been styled or anything yet, it is hard to describe it.. it is around 20cm high and a decent width, it has been grown using a steak but now wiring has been done to it yet. I was also told that it is at the right age to start wiring it and styling/training it. It is a Juniper (Juniper Procumbens "nana"). I have researched almost everything there is to know about care and how to look after them. With the style i am thinking about either 'Formal Upright' or 'Informal upright.' Is there any advice that could be offered when beginning... my aunty will be helping me and she has worked with Junipers before but i am just wanting to get a few different views/opinions.

I have all the correct tools ( i purchased an all in one kit with the different scissor things, this little mini fork type thing and everything you could need to look after them) i also purchased bonsai potting mix, slow releasing fertiliser and a pot. With the pot it appears to be made of ceramic, and is a grey/brown unglazed pot. The juniper is still in its original pot as i am not going to start styling/training it until next weekend. I have read up on how style/train them and i commonly came across this method/practice of 'three around the tree' and it makes sense with the branches and how they should be arranged and everything. Also i read up on how the trunk has to be visible. Is there any info which can be offered on to do with the styling/training of the Juniper?

Thankyou for reading and i look forward to hearing from other bonsai enthusiasts.
Krlix

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krlix

Hi..

Me again... I just went outside and took a few snapshots of my Juniper, i apologise as it is night and the colours on it dont look what they really do....just take into consideration the camera flash. I have a photo of the plant in general and one of the trunk structure so far.. I am thinking of formal or informal upright... what do you think? Any advice? Also, there are no white flowers even though it looks like it, the colour is a few shades darker than that...the normal juniper colour.

Thanks heaps
Krlix

Attached Images

	Juniper-1.jpg (62.9 KB, 48 views)
	juniper-2.jpg (44.2 KB, 34 views)
	juniper-3.jpg (45.1 KB, 47 views)

Joanie

Formal upright seems like it would be hard to do with this tree. Informal would be a better choice, between the two.

Remember...don't get too anxious and do too much at once! Don't prune it and wire it and repot it all at the same time. You'll likely kill it if you do... You have all the time in the world to work on it without stressing it.

Find out what season is best to repot in your part of the world...you could do some pruning and wiring and wait to repot it would seem.

Welcome, good luck, and looking forward to hearing more from you and this tree!

Joanie

krlix

Thank you for the reply, yes i want to take this nice and slow as it is my first time and even just wiring the tree and all you can only imagine the stress it would cause it. I am going to be deciding on a style for it during the week and with some assistance from my aunty i will be changing the soil and re-potting it next weekend as we are 3 weeks into spring and everything is starting to grow and all. With pruning the juniper i do not intend to cut it back and all straight away, i may a little bit of pruning but nothing drastic that will over stress the tree.
With the stule i think i will definately go for the informal. Thank you very much for the reply joanie, as i go along i will be taking photos of it prior to making adjustments so i will have photo's before, during and after.

Regards
Krlix

krlix

Hi, its me again.
I have another question, with another juniper, it is slightly smaller than the one i posted photo's of I was practicing wiring and the like and i didn't/haven't had any luck. I amaware of what thickness of wire to use and when and how to bend and train it into the right position and all. Where would i be able to find a guide to doing it properly or would anyone be able to explain to me or offer some help on the issue?

krlix

Will_Heath

Welcome to bonsai. You'll be able to find many answers to your questions here.
Keep us updated on these Junipers, good luck.


Will

ozzerbon

The LAST RESORT,

I've had to resize the pic a tad, now let me know if you get this one.

Nigel

Attached Images

Juniper.jpg (57.6 KB, 44 views)

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