the way of the juniper
I bought a large Juniper at the end of 2010. I left this plant and forgot about it for a while. This is a very important part of bonsai - leaving stuff to be. I have killed a couple of maples by just 'doing continuously' and not 'leaving and appreciating'.
After a couple of months I air-layered (it was more an experiment than anything else) two branches.
I used growth promoter on the heart wood; this I covered with moist loamy soil and then plastic and tied the top and bottom with wire. I know that this is a bit different than the process described in books but it seemed to work.
I took off the branches after 3 months and planted it. I left the Junipers to establish as the roots system due to the air-layering was extremely friable and sensitive. Once established I wired both the Junipers into a cascade style. I redid the wiring about one year later as the branch thickening led to the wire cutting into the plants.
I removed the wiring about two years back and tried to keep the shape of the trees with cable ties, but eventually decided to stop with these 2 specimens for a number of reasons (I thought I was not winning with regards to appearance and also the vitality of this plant just never seemed to improve).
When I blog about these projects that happened 2-3 years back, I am so aware of my shortcomings, but I feel, that I have improved in my journey as amateur botanist/bonsai enthusiast.
Remember always keep on testing and trying.
After a couple of months I air-layered (it was more an experiment than anything else) two branches.
I used growth promoter on the heart wood; this I covered with moist loamy soil and then plastic and tied the top and bottom with wire. I know that this is a bit different than the process described in books but it seemed to work.
I took off the branches after 3 months and planted it. I left the Junipers to establish as the roots system due to the air-layering was extremely friable and sensitive. Once established I wired both the Junipers into a cascade style. I redid the wiring about one year later as the branch thickening led to the wire cutting into the plants.
I removed the wiring about two years back and tried to keep the shape of the trees with cable ties, but eventually decided to stop with these 2 specimens for a number of reasons (I thought I was not winning with regards to appearance and also the vitality of this plant just never seemed to improve).
When I blog about these projects that happened 2-3 years back, I am so aware of my shortcomings, but I feel, that I have improved in my journey as amateur botanist/bonsai enthusiast.
Remember always keep on testing and trying.
Comments
Post a Comment