Before & After – Cutting a Juniper Down to Size

JuniperB&A

The old Needle juniper, with its distinctively strange shari, belongs to Michael Hagedorn (Crataegus Bonsai).

Here’s some of what Michael Hagedorn wrote about this juniper in a post titled Needle Juniper Restyling: “This tree is too tall. And the branches are a bit leggy, too.
One of the problems we get into in bonsai design is that with time and growth, height and branch length can begin pulling us away from the trunk. Literally destroying the design, making it weaker. And this tree has a nice trunk, which is a good enough reason to consider redesigning it, to compact the design.”

There a lot more on Crataegus Bonsai, both text and photos. A click well worth making.

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Step one... shortening the crown. For the rest of the steps, visit Crataegus Bonsai. That's Michael in this photo btw, one of North America's most accomplished bonsai artists and teachers.

 

before

Before

after

After

Speaking of Junipers…
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Masters’ Series Juniper Book
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In Training, a Photographic Masterpiece

A Sargent Juniper bonsai (in training since 1905) at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum in Washington, DC.

A Sargent Juniper bonsai (in training since 1905) at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum in Washington, DC.

In Training, a brand new photographic masterpiece by Stephen Voss has arrived at our warehouse and is ready to ship. It’s a book that started generating buzz way before it even went to the printer, including at Slate magazine in an article titled, Zen & the Art of Bonsai Maintenance. Since then it has been featured in a number of places in and out of the bonsai world.

Here’s a quote from Ryan Neil (Bonsai Mirai) about this remarkable book, “There’s an intimacy to bonsai that is largely invisible. It exists in those sacred moments between artist and tree in partnership; an understanding of what is and can be as it unfolds over seasons and years. Stephen’s photographs shed a quiet, respectful light on these wonderful moments. I feel fortunate to see such beauty being put into the world with the careful intention these trees deserve.”

Though you may not know it, there’s a very good chance you’ve seen Stephen Voss’ photos elsewhere. Especially if you are interested in intimate portraits of some of the most recognizable and powerful people in the world: Mikhail Gorbachev, Michelle Obama, Henry Kissinger, Desmond Tutu, Colin Powell, Bill Gates, Katie Couric… the list goes on.

Enough said. Enjoy the photos and feel free to order your copy.

A Chinese Quince bonsai (in training since 1975) at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum in Washington, DC.

A Chinese Quince bonsai (in training since 1975) at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum in Washington, DC.

 

A Sargent Juniper bonsai (training date unknown) at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum in Washington, DC.

A Sargent Juniper bonsai (training date unknown) at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum in Washington, DC.

 

A Drummond Red Maple bonsai (in training since 1974) at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum in Washington, DC.

A Drummond Red Maple bonsai (in training since 1974) at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum in Washington, DC.

 

A California Juniper bonsai (in training since 1985) at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum in Washington, DC.

A California Juniper bonsai (in training since 1985) at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum in Washington, DC.

 

In Training

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Old School Bonsai – Clip & Grow

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This massive Trident maple most likely started in a field somewhere and was allowed to grow quite tall (the fastest way to thicken the trunk) before it was cut back. This first cut was the beginning of clip and grow styling (see below). The owner/artist of this outstanding bonsai is German Gomez.

Most large Trident maples and many other deciduous trees are started in the field and developed using the clip and grow technique. The result is usually a heavy trunked tree with gentle curves, often in a more or less S shape. You can see this basic shape in the Trident maple in old field growing post here on Bark. A variation of this S curve also shows up in the pine that is shown in the same post, though it was created by other means (trimming and wiring), as pines and other conifers don’t usually take to the clip and grow technique.

This post originally appeared last November. I added ‘Old School’ to the title. There was a day before wiring became the norm, when most non -conifer bonsai were trained primarily by clip and grow. Some purists still eschew wire in allegiance to the old ways, but their numbers are dwindling; wiring just offers too many advantages.

clip&growThese simple illustrations of the clip and grow technique are from a website called The Bonsai Primer. The left image shows the first cut, the next one shows the second cut, and so forth. If you go to the comments in our previous field growing post, Brian Van Fleet gives an excellent description of exactly what these illustrations are all about.

 

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You can see the large scar from the first cut on this powerful old Chinese elm (Ulmus parviflora) . If you follow the trunk up a ways, you can see the change of direction where the second cut took place, though you can't see a scar from this view. This tree appears in the 1st U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition Album (out of print but 3 & 4 are still available). It was started from a large collected tree in China. The owner/artist is Melvyn Goldstein.

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Green T Will Enhance Your Bonsai Experience & Results

GreenT-mugo

Massive Mugo pine resting comfortably on a Green T professional bonsai turntable. The prize winning tree belongs to Paolo Riboli. The turntable could belong to you.

Green T Professional Hydraulic Lift Bonsai Turntables
will enhance your bonsai experience and results

It’s time for another reminder about a powerful and essential tool that will help you work on your trees more efficiently, comfortably and enjoyably. You and your bonsai will be happy you got one. And the price is right… only 345.00 including shipping (U.S. only. Orders outside the U.S. will be charged shipping).

In Japan hydraulic lift turntables have been the standard for years, but their prohibitive costs have limited their spread in the West. Thanks to professional researchers and the collaboration of well-known bonsai professionals, we are able to offer you a tool inspired by the Japanese turntable and improved in several details, including price.

If you already own a Green T
email us a simple & clear note about your experience 
and receive a 10.00 gift coupon
details below*
wayne@stonelantern.com
please put Green T in the subject line
GreenT is Bigger

The surface is 58cm (23 inches) diameter instead of the usual 50 cm (almost 20 inches). This allows you to work on your largest trees and your smallest trees. You can comfortably use the excess space to have your tools easily accessible.

3

Stronger

The work surface is made out of phenolic marine pine plywood which is painted and coated in solid non slip rubber (4 mm thickness, hardness Shore A 70 ). Lifting capacity is up to 200 kg (440 lbs). Tightening screws and threaded bushes are completely made of stainless steel. All the materials used in the construction of Green T guarantee an excellent outdoor weather resistant turntable.

More Useful

Green T features a metal base with five-star support (five horizontal ‘legs’) for maximum stability and a hydraulic foot control lift that adjusts to a maximum height of 60cm (23.6 inches) and a minimum of 43 cm (17 inches). The swing brake of the table can be disconnected with a simple movement of the pedal. Five removable eye screws, located under the bottom edge of the work surface, allow you to anchor your bonsai to the table (see below).

Fotocomposizione-2-Funzionale-copia

Lighter

Even with the superior features listed above, at 15 kg (33 lbs), Green T weighs the same as its Japanese competitors.

You Save

You price for Green T is 345.00.
This includes shipping and handling
*(U.S. ONLY, international orders will be charged shipping)
This comes to about half the price of an imported Japanese turntable.
NO OTHER DISCOUNTS APPLY. Green T is made in Italy.

GreenT messy

Visit Stone Lantern for more on our

Green T Professional Hydraulic Lift Bonsai Turntable

 

*Email us about your Green T experience. You will receive a 10.00 gift coupon if you provide brief and simple explanations for your opinions or experience. Your comments may be posted here on Bark or on social media. Please put whatever personal info you would like to share with your comment (first name and city are good, though you could include your last name too). Thank you. wayne@stonelantern.com

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A Muscular Little Bonsai & A Muscular Bonsai Tool Sale

blacklead

The thing that amazes me about this muscular little tree is how the base of the trunk almost completely fills the pot and how small the pot is for the overall size of the tree. Not just small for the massive little trunk, but small for supporting the profusion of lush foliage. There just can't be that much room for roots. Of course we know this is a show pot and as soon as the tree goes back to the nursery it will be put back into a larger pot. The tree is a Japanese black pine from our Masters Series Pine Book.
pine2A good way to check out new planting angles. Also from our Masters Series Pine book.

Now that our Pine Book is back
 we can once again offer this extraordinary
 set of 3 Masters Series Bonsai Books
 B1-SET3JUNPINEMAG

 

Creating natural look jin, from our Pine book.

 

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Koyo Tools, Roshi Tools, Yoshiaki Tools, Bonsai Aesthetics Tools,
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Wraparound Bonsai & Two Great Specials End Tonight

pine

This distinctively unusual Mugo pine received Marco Invernizzi's Ichiban* Award at the 2008 Art of Bonsai Awards. The artist is Alfredo Salaccione from Italy.

If you spend a lot of time looking at bonsai, you might come to appreciate unusual features. Features that make a tree not only interesting, but unique. In the case of the Mugo pine above, there are several that stand out.

The most obvious feature, one that immediately catches the eye, is the way the trunk wraps around and frames the tree’s crown. This alone, makes for a very unusual and distinctive bonsai. A bonsai that is unlikely to be forgotten.

Then there’s that powerful downward thrusting jin that pierces the tree’s crown. As if the tree is attacking itself. There’s also the relationship of the crown to the pot; the way the bottom of the crown almost seems to rest on the lip of the pot. There are others features that set this tree apart, but we’ll leave those to you…

If you’d like to see more great bonsai from the 2008 Art of Bonsai Awards, here’s your link.

*Speaking of Ichiban, we expect to have this amazing tool back in stock for the fall.

Nacho

This rugged San Jose juniper planting is also from the 2008 Art of Bonsai Awards. It's by Nacho Marin, a favorite here on Bonsai Bark.

Our immensely popular Masters Series Pine and Juniper Bonsai Books are both back in print. And they are on special…
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Our Masters Series Pine & Juniper Bonsai Books
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Before, After & Midway Through

mugoafter

Mugo pine by Walter Pall. Here's what Walter wrote about this tree: "This one has exceptional potential. Unfortunately, it almost died a few years ago. Now it is recovering and some day it will shine again." From the looks of it, I'd say it's already shining.

I can think of at least four good reasons to feature this tree…
First, the artist is Walter Pall, a favorite on here on Bark and someone whose trees are featured in Modern Bonsai Practice, a groundbreaking new bonsai book. Second, it’s a Before & After, which judging by responses is a favorite topic. Third, it’s a pine and our Masters Series Pine Book is now back in print (the pines featured are Japanese whites and blacks, but it’s useful for any pine bonsai). Forth, it’s a great tree and it has its own story

The photos in this post are from Walter’s facebook feed.

mugobeforeBefore...

mugomidway

Somewhere between before and after. One of several shots in the progression that Walter put up on facebook

A Groundbreaking NEW Bonsai Book
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B1MODERN

Modern Bonsai Practice
That’s a Walter Pall tree on the cover
and there are numerous others inside
plus a famous Japanese maple of Walter’s on the back cover
not to mention a wealth of vital information inside

Now Back in Print
Now on Special
B1PINE605-500x647Masters Series Pine Book
this is our 3rd printing
almost 7,000 sold so far and still going strong

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Art Disguised as Bonsai Pots

H4

These nine pots are but a small sampling of Horst Heinzlreiter's remarkably diverse (in shapes and glazes) collection of bonsai pots.

I hope you enjoy these exquisite examples of art disguised as bonsai pots as much as I do. The artist is Horst Heinzlreiter, a long time favorite here on bark. And even though we’ve shown dozens of his brilliant pots, most of these are new to us.

I spent a year of my youth in Europe, with much of that time wandering around art museums. Two of the artists who stood out are Joan Miró and Paul Klee. if you’re familiar with either, you might see traces of their works in Horst’s pots.

 

HM
Nine more...

horst5

Up close...

SPECIAL OF THE DAY

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B1-SET-JUNPINE-264.90 list price for this set of two famous books
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H6

Mostly black and white....

H1

Nine more...

horst41

Ready for the kiln...

Two Sales End Tonight
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sale ends tonight, July 25th at 11:59pm EDT

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Taking a Covered Wagon to the U.S. Bonsai Exhibition

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There's almost noting more beautiful than a Japanese maple in full fall color. This one is from the 5th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition website.

We just got a notice from Ryan Neil (Bonsai Mirai) about a covered wagon* full of bonsai that will be making the arduous journey from Portland Oregon to Rochester N.Y. for the 5th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. If you’re exhibiting and your bonsai (or your merchandise) needs a lift, here’s you link.

*It’s actually a refrigerated truck. The ‘covered wagon’ is a clever way to grab your attention (and indulge in a little word play).

Time to make your plans! You don’t have to exhibit or sell goods to enjoy the upcoming 5th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. All of the previous Exhibitions were mind stopping experiences and they just keep getting better. The dates are September 10-11 and fortunately the venue is the same as last year (if you were there you understand).

 

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A small part of the vast venue and extensive bonsai selection on display

LOGO-TREE

The 2016 logo tree

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A small part of last year's vendor section

SARGENTS-JUNIPER-page-68-11

Spectacular Sargent juniper from 2014

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The Art of Illusion

penjing

The profusion of such tiny figures make this tree look absolutely massive. This effect is not an accident. Whoever put this together has a masterful grasp of spatial relations, perspective, the art of illusion... however you want to say it. He or she is also a very accomplished bonsai artist. Just the tree would stand alone as a superior tropical bonsai.

We don’t post that often on Penjing tray plantings, but the photo above was just too good to pass up. It was posted by Sanjay Dham on Bonsai Club India. Sanjay’s caption says only “From China Penjing & Scholars Rocks,” with no indication who the artist is or what the tree is.

 

penjing-copyHere's another masterful Penjing. It by Kuanghua Hsiao. We posted it in January - our last post with a Penjing lead.

 

maryzhao-1

Here's a much less ambitious Penjing, but still perfectly put together. It's from Zhao Qingquan's Penjing: The Chinese Art of Bonsai.

five_needle_pine31

I like the simple clean lines and sense of movement and direction in this Japanese white pine planting by Zhao. It's also from his book.

 

B1PENJING6802Here it is - THE book on Penjing

Two Important Sales End Monday night
and two others continue
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ends Monday at 11:59pm EDT
Copper is what the pros use on conifer bonsai
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also ends Monday night

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