Join Eric as he works on three examples of mame junipers (mini-bonsai) in three different stages of development.
00:00:18 The oldest of the three junipers is a bit overgrown, but it’s got some great features.
00:00:57 The second tree is only 3 years old and has been in a mini-bonsai pot since the previous winter.
00:01:02 Eric starts with an untrained small juniper, adjusting the potting, making a shari on one side and then wiring and twisting the tree into an initial shape, with emphasis on making a lifeline that twists.
00:05:46 Back to the second juniper – Some shari creation previously adds character, but has not started to roll over to make the trunk shape nicer. Eric wired some of the branching to add movement and interest, but he’s letting the tips run to continue building character in the trunk.
00:06:54 The older juniper now measures almost 4″ tall so Eric decides to clean it up and reduce the foliage mass significantly.
00:09:54 All wire removed, Eric discusses using a different cutback technique than he normally uses on Kishu junipers.
00:10:45 Let the cutback begin!
00:12:30 Cutback done, and time to begin wiring the remaining branching.
00:15:40 Bending the new lower branch into place.
00:16:30 Most wiring completed, Eric starts to do more bending and twisting.
00:20:45 Still tweaking
00:22:00 Adding more wires – 22 AWG annealed copper wire
00:22:50 Restyling completed, Eric discusses the aftercare and what placement of budding he’s hoping for as a result of the cutback.
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