What Happened To My Sick Juniper?

Thomas_J.

I did a thread on this juniper procumbens last year and I tried to update it so I wouldn't have to make a new thrread but it wouldn't allow me, so I guess I'll have to make a new one after all. I purchased this juniper along with another one back in April of 2002, and of the two, this one really looked weak and I had my doubts that this one would be much of anything.

Attached Images

jun big pot- at purchase 4-02.jpg (45.6 KB, 196 views)

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Thomas J.

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Thomas_J.

This tree was in a nursery container at purchase and I immediately put it into a deep bonsai container to let the roots do their thing and hopefully bring some health back to it. Eleven months later I spent six hours wiring the tree up since it looked like it was coming around and might have a future after all.

Attached Images

jun big 3-02#3.jpg (39.9 KB, 187 views)

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Thomas J.

Thomas_J.

Last week I finally pulled the tree up out of the deep pot and the roots were exactly what I was hoping for, nice and full. I was now able to reduce the pot size and continue with my pinching and ramifying my branch structure.

Attached Images

jun big 1-20#1(11).jpg (36.5 KB, 190 views)

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Thomas J.

DavidN

In the care of your masterful hands the sick juniper is looking great.

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Bonsai Northwest Inc, Melbourne, Australia

Bonsai Flora Nursery in Yarraville, Melbourne

David Yedwab

So, what was sick about it?

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David Yedwab

Thomas_J.

David,
The overall appearence had that sickley look to it compared to the other one which was from the same nursery. The foliage wasn't the same bright green as you would expect at that time of the year. The first picture above doesn't show the weak appearence that you would've have seen in person. Also, my experience working with junipers at the time was very little, and I didn't know whether I would have what it took to keep it healthy.
The tree and I came through it alright though, and we're both happy.

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Thomas J.

Hank Miller

Thomas, I am somewhat curious about why you choose to keep the lowest and the third lowest branch on the right hand side. Removing them, lowering the remaining branches and the tree slightly seems like an option. Below is a quick virtual. I would appreciate your comments.
Hank

Attached Images

jun big 3-02#3v.jpg.jpeg (21.8 KB, 107 views)

Thomas_J.

Hank,
Thanks for taking the time to make a virtual up. Let me see if I can explain my reason for styling the tree the way I did. The lowest branch your referring to, is actually what I would consider an extension of the trunk. It doesn't come off the tree at a 90deg angle like a normal branch would, rather it comes off at about 45degrees and is what's giving the tree the needed depth in the rear that any bonsai would need. To remove this branch would seriously alter the shape of the tree leaving nothing at all in the rear as far as foliage goes. I had to keep this branch for those reasons and somehow incorporate it into the design so as not to be a distraction also, hence the more fuller look rather than the more sculptured design that you have with your virtual.

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Thomas J.