I enjoyed last week’s discussion of an old procumbens juniper displayed at Yamato Bonsai Kai’s 42nd annual exhibit.
Procumbens juniper
Some commenters suggested a few improvements for the tree. In response, I’d like to invite you to share your ideas graphically by indicating where the primary branches belong and providing an outline of the silhouette. If I get a few responses, I’ll post the results for your review.
Outline of trunk
Bay Island Bonsai meetings occasionally include the same exercise. To see what others have done in the past, see “Where does the first branch go?” from a few years back.
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Zack Clayton says
As I said last week, there is nothing wrong with this tree. Another commentator said it is a “tree tree” – one that I might expect to see in nature. The only tweak I might suggest is to open up some of the foliage pads. This does not include any branch removal.
Joe says
To represent old age, I think your tree looks too wide and the canopy too triangular.
As the trunk is quite slender for the current height, I think you should go for a look similar to this: http://treepicturesonline.com/sequoia-33.jpg
Of course the canopy will be refined, but the general silhouette should have lower branches shorter than the canopy’s “waist”, representing a mature tree with struggling lower branches.
Satori Bonsai says
First of, i love the look of this tree as is! if it where mine i would probably wire it and not change a thing but since its not what i would suggest would be very drastic… some will cringe at this idea but, if you leave the first main branch on the left then remove the first branch on the right side then the second above the main on the left. Then Tilt the tree 20 degrees to the left, that would make the shari a little more believable. i will send a picture of what im thinking
Andy Rutledge (@andyrutledge) says
Here’s my take on the redux. I didn’t reposition any of the branches. Likely more could be done with some wiring work. http://andyrutledge.com/mockupandy.jpg
Kind regards,
Andy
Bruce Winter says
I think Andy nailed it.