Entry #039
Judge #3: The style pursued in the 1/4 Progression would be my choice.
Juniperus Grey Owl (Juniperus Virginiana)
South Africa
75cm (29.5")
Before
I chose this tree because of its beautiful foliage. It is a lovely colour and texture. I originally thought about a literati style for this tree. It is still young (probably about 8-10years old according to the nursery), so I may decide for a shorter tree that works with the trunk.
One Quarter Progression
The top of the tree was jinned and branches were wired into place. A strong side branch was used for the apex and a top side/back branch. Bottom branches were jinned. Foliage pads were wired and thinned out.
Half Way
The tree was allowed to recover and put on some new growth. Maintenance trimming was only done at this stage.
Three Quarter Progression
The lowest branch was removed and jinned to change the style to a more literati type feel. I felt this needed to be done to balance the feminine look of the trunk and the delicate foliage as the tree looked too heavy. The angle of the tree is tilted to the right.
Final
This tree has gone through three revisions in the choice of style and front/back. I think I am finally settled on this look for the tree. It has responded well to the previous pruning and it should fill in the gaps quite nicely in the next spring. I have wired out almost every branch on this tree that was thick enough to have wire on it. This tree will be going into dormancy now and will be repotted into a training bonsai pot during the warmer parts of spring. I think it looks radically different from its previous versions, but this choice will suit the delicate foliage that will develop once the juvenile foliage is gone.