Michael came over to my place yesterday to finish off some work we were doing to his cascade Juniper. This tree had been neglected for a few years and a few branches were weak and one had died due to a strimmer incident!
This is it before any work.
The main task to complete was to get the branch structure sorted. There where a few poor branches that needed attention. The tip of the cascade was very weak and straight and this was removed and replaced by the branch above. I also wanted to compact the apex and bring it over the base of the tree more. No fine wiring was carried out. We where not looking to create a finished image. The continued recovery of the health of the tree was more important.
Michael’s not new to bonsai and was keen for his own ideas and views to discussed. This became a great tree to talk through. In many place branches require back budding and in a few other spots we need extension growth. This is the tree after our work.
A shari startiung at the base can be taken the length of the trunk connecting with a few other deadwood areas.
Depending on health and if a suitable pot can be found, it may be repotted into a more suitable pot next year. Here is a pot virtual.
and with foliage added. Perhaps a tad heavy but you get the idea.
Before, after and virtual all together.
We had removed the old needles last Friday night and most of the prep for wiring had been done.
And after wiring.
Hugh was happy with the result. I would consider a few alterations at some point. As they say, there’s always options 🙂 The bottom branch may be optional, a choice for Hugh at some point down the line. Once the image fills, there are several other branches that can be removed, but, as it sits, I think it’s a good start.
We cleared away the surface soil to find about 3 inches of trunk line previously unseen. We wired the main branches and added a little deadwood.
The result after todays work.
Bonsai Eejit 