Juniper Chinese –Intensive Procedure
Chinese Junipers are one of my favorite species for bonsai. I always remember when I was young my father told me, “the character of juniper,” He say: ” Juniper is survive in the highest mountain in Taiwan—YUE SAN — probably from 3400m to 3997m. There, every year was covered by snow nearly 6 months. Update only very strong man can visit in person. Indeed dangerous to arrive.” Junipers are so amazing. Then He taught me how to wire, to preserve lifelines, carve, water, and repot. It is an unforgettable memory.
I was lucky to get this Juniper from nursery stock in early spring 2007.
The tree had grown out of control for many years, nearly nobody wanted to take a look. But I found the lifeline twists, wider and very strong. Parts of the jin were nicely carved many years ago, leaf is vigorous. So I decided buy it.
I started to restyle it in the middle of April 2007. First, I selected the best view from all sides.
After a few seconds, I decided to represent the high mountain style that I had seen in the Taiwan High mountain years ago.
Put wood brick to make the main branch toward to left. It’s a pity some ugly lines came out; both are the same in length and the lifeline is similar to “S” style. So another lovely front should be sought out.
The lifeline is powerful and exposes a more lovely jin.
Now, I think it's the best new front.
In the working process should be make stedfast enough.
back view
Remove parts of twigs, highlighting the trunk & main branch.Cut off branch that is too heavy for the tree.
Cut off branch that is too heavy for the tree.
Cut off branch that is too heavy for the tree.
Two hours work—Carve heavy branch to expose magnificent main branch.
One day passed. The Soul of Taiwan high mountain was released.
Repot the next day. After serious treatment , this juniper is pretty weak. It would be better to put it in half sun, water less and maintain it carefully.
Repot the next day. After serious treatment , this juniper is pretty weak. It would be better to put it in half sun, water less and maintain it carefully.
Repot the next day. After serious treatment , this juniper is pretty weak. It would be better to put it in half sun, water less and maintain it carefully.
Repot the next day. After serious treatment , this juniper is pretty weak. It would be better to put it in half sun, water less and maintain it carefully.
Repot the next day. After serious treatment , this juniper is pretty weak. It would be better to put it in half sun, water less and maintain it carefully.
Amazing view
Amazing view
It is strong enough to style again after 7 months. The low branch is too long and straight, so it is necessary to bend it up
After 4 hours of work.
The lowest point of the branch was bent up nearly 100 degrees. As the work proceeded, the branch separated in to two parts. It will need something to protect it, than it might survive. Normally, we use electric plastic to cover the damaged part. Sometime we have two colors to choose from, red and black. I personal like the red one, because red is easier to see and remove when the time it right. Black is not as easy to see, and you could forget to take it off and hurt the branch.
At the end of 2007.
Trying to plant in this 50 years old Taiwan native pot.
Repot in February 2008. Finally enough of the root ball could be taken off. It would be better to keep humility, one of the easily way is cover by the tower.
Repot in February 2008. Finally enough of the root ball could be taken off. It would be better to keep humility, one of the easily way is cover by the tower.
Repot in February 2008. Finally enough of the root ball could be taken off. It would be better to keep humility, one of the easily way is cover by the tower.
Early may, 2008.
Finally, arrive at the station. Later in May 2008.
Compare Before & After
From April 2007 to May 2008. In the very intensive restyle procedure, this tree has upgraded to another stage. Indeed more work and ideas are waiting to continue to improve it, also infinity interesting will be enjoy by myself also for audience. Not every tree is as lucky as this one. Basics are a healthy tree, right time and season, right technique…..and especiallym “open mind of the creator” are elements to create more advanced trees.
Man & Nature
Taiwan has countless huge junipers in the high mountains, most of them over 3000 years old, and some parts have trees over 4500 years old. ” In their many facets & moods , revel the artistically perfect and breathtakingly graceful hands of mother nature, awe-inspired and instill a great respect.”
This tree is just beginning to catch the essence of YUE SAN junipers. After some years it will full of the Soul of a “Taiwan high mountain style” Juniper. I hope.
( Law of Taiwan Government : It is prohibited to collect any YUE SAN Juniper. –At least 7 years in jail for the stealing one from the mountains.)
Min Hsuan Lo
I really liked this article. I enjoyed the way you let us in on your thought process throughout the entire process. Also how you described your inspiration and why this particular style is important to you.
Thanks for comment.
Hope this article is good for you.
Lo
Hello Mr. Min Hsuan Lo.
I’m a big bonsai enthusiast from the U.S.A. I wanted to visit Taiwan soon and get to know bonsai enthusiasts from Taiwan. Please email me back.