In this video Eric shares how to further work on young junipers that are in their third growing season.
If you haven’t already, check out this video first which discusses the steps before this one in small Kishu juniper development:
https://youtu.be/3aH44tlTHkg
00:00:31 – Eric shares an update on a mame juniper that was last worked about one year prior. The mame has grown a little, and Eric has wired a couple branches. He cleans up the bottom of the shari near the base and discusses the design of the tree.
If you want to purchase a tree similar to this one we will be offering them exclusively at the Pacific Bonsai Expo. For more info check Pacificbonsaiexpo.com.
00:03:03 – Eric begins looking at the second tree. The cuttings were taken in 2019 and are now three years old. This tree has been wired a year prior, and Eric reviews how after the wiring, strong shoots at the top took off, while the wired section is a bit smaller.
00:04:35 – Adding shari starts a different process, and determines the core of the composition. Eric elects to wait to strip any bark on this tree.
00:06:30 – Eric adds two wires, concentrating on creating movement in all the new shoots and bending, twisting them. Spreading out the shoots allows the small growth in the middle to get more light and essentially creates horizontal sacrifice branches.
00:07:40 – A chaotic looking result, but this is the right work to further the early development of this and similar trees. No strong tips are removed, as that would slow down the wood production.
00:09:56 – The third tree, also growing in a 3.5″ cursery container. Eric removes it and analyzes the trunk which has had some bark removed to create a shari last fall. The shari has rolled over a little. Eric decides to strip bark on the opposite side of the tree to create two separate lifelines.
00:11:21 Eric is going to start from the bottom on the back. Using his carving tool he gently removes a strip of bark, stopping below the larger shoots that are above.
00:12:40 -Adding wire to shape the branches, similar to the second tree.
00:13:25 – With the tree back in the container we bend the branches to add movement and interest, spreading them out to create more options and movement. You want to avoid straight lines in you bonsai compositions! Even if you end up removing these branches, it’s worth the time to make sure they are not straight.
00:15:15 – Wiring complete and branches are spread out to allow more taper building in the center of the composition.
If you have similar work that you’ve done, share it in the comments! Like and subscribe to our channel!
