When deciduous varieties get shaggy in Spring, it’s often a good indicator that it’s time for cutback. To keep these trees strong, I generally cutback to 3 or 4 buds and only remove growth in strong areas. A small number of cuts can make a big difference in appearance. Plum – early May Plum – […]
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Matt Reel bonsai program at Bay Island Bonsai
After an incredible 8 years studying with Shinji Suzuki in Obuse, Japan, Matt Reel has returned to the US as a bonsai professional. Matt with recently styled Western juniper I first met Matt in 2009 – 3 years into his apprenticeship – on a visit to Suzuki’s garden (see “Taikan Bonsai Museum“). Already his work […]
The twistiest of junipers
This is the first juniper I fell for on my previous visit to Meiss Meadow. Twisty Sierra juniper It’s one of the twistiest specimens I know of. The deadwood is great. Deadwood detail From some angles it’s difficult to tell if the trunk line is coming or going. So many twists How large is this […]
Spectacular Sierra junipers
Among my favorite trees in nature is this Sierra juniper. Spectacular Sierra juniper The tree sits on a throne facing East where it enjoys limited protection from the wind. It gives evidence to a protracted and tortuous existence. How big is it? Standing on the rock behind the tree for perspective Pretty big. The deadwood […]
Junipers on the edge
The Sierra juniper, Juniperus occidentalis, is found in pockets throughout the Sierra Nevada. When exposed to particularly harsh conditions like those found at tree line – the elevation above which no trees can grow – junipers can display krummholz. Krummholz is the phenomenon whereby trees are dwarfed or contorted by the elements. Among the many varieties […]