where do I start with this Juniper?

Renee

Hello there,
I've seen other pictures posted here that have well groomed Chinese Junipers so I'm enclosing a picture of mine because I think it needs some grooming...any suggestions?

This is my first bonsai and I'm a bit overwhelmed at the mention of wiring trunks and branches into an artistic piece of work that takes years to coax...

Something simple to start would be just right.

I have front, back and top views...but this is the front. Hope the picture is clear enough, it took a little time to get the lighting right!

Renee
ps Mark if you view this, thank you for the beginner info!

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Rene_Voortwist

Renee,

Can you post a larger picture of your juniper ?

René

Sandi

Hi Renee, I think just pinching the new growth to keep it in shape would be a good start. They grow pretty fast this time of year and you don't want the foliage to outgrow it's trunk. And it's a pretty safe thing to do.

Renee

Okay, how's this Rene? (and everyone else) my name also has the accent mark - c'est tres francais !

Anyway, the light green areas are of course new spindly growth that I need to do something with...
I already have an idea to keep the long branch to the right, but that's about it. I'd love to hear as many suggestions as I can stand!

p.s. thanks Sandi, now I just need to figure out where and how much to pinch back... hmmmmmmm....

Earl

The foilage is so thick that it's hard to give suggestions because I can't see where there are branches. As you pinch back, you might also remove the foilage from the trunk out on the branch just a little so we can start to see the tree structure. Old junipers are not bushy from trunk outward. Usually the area around the trunk is quite sparse. Don't take more off than you have the nerve to do, but you might try getting some kind of branch sturcture showing.

Rene_Voortwist

Hi Renee,

It's difficult to see the branchline, but I think I see a cascade in your juniper. By tilting it and wiring the branches you could make something like this virtual. Its just a newbies idea and I don't know if the foliage/branches will allow for it ofcourse.

regards, René

ps I know my name is French, but the only thing I can produce in French is "deux bieres sil vous plait.."

Renee

I think that's a good idea...it is rather a bushy little tree. So for now, I've got the top view here and I've drawn the main branch formation if it makes any sense.
I wonder if I should pinch off the "brown" branch that is starting to grow under the other...it bugs me. Does anyone just let the branches cross under the others ?

Guess I'll have start on it somehow (ay yai yai!) and post another picture!

Renee

Renee

Thanks Rene, 2 beers, please (lol)

Your virtual gives me an idea and more ideas... I like the cascading effect although I think wiring is down the road aways for me!
I have my mission: I will concentrate on thinning it out (I am gaining confidence!) so there is some branch structure. Then we'll see....

Adieu!