The result. It’s a Needle juniper (with secondary plants and moss) root-on-rock planting by Noboru Kaneko. All the photos in this post are from our Masters’ Series Juniper Bonsai book.
Something I’ve noticed in my countless hours of internet bonsai journeys, is how seldom you see good root-on-rock bonsai (or root-over-rock bonsai for that matter). I don’t know if this is because this style bonsai has fallen out of favor, or if it’s because accomplishing a good root-on-rock is no mean feat, so most people simply don’t try. Or they try and fail. And then there’s the issue of finding a good rock and suitable plant material.
We’ll just whet you appetite here with a few photos from this masterful construction by Noboru Kaneko. If you want to explore the whole article with its numerous useful photos, it’s in our Masters’ Series Juniper Bonsai book.
It helps to start with a good stone.
A great tree doesn’t hurt either. This one is a Needle juniper (Juniperus rigida).
Attaching anchor wire to the stone is an important part of the process.
You need soil with some sticking power.
Experimenting with placement.
Almost there. Good complimentary plants are an excellent idea.
Done. A good mossing job and the prefect tray provides just the right touches.