My First Trees!

[LiddleBuddha]

Hi Everybody,

Okay, so I finally made the plunge. I went to Lowes last night and purchased my first trees that will be my first bonsai victims, eh-hem, attempts, at bonsai.

The intention was to buy one or two trees. I, uh, picked out, um, FOUR! Hehe.. (2 for me, 2 for my lady.) I figure I'm going to mess up and/or kill one, or both. And they were pretty inexpensive.

I took everyone's advice and spent a good deal of time digging around in their pots to examine roots and trunk structure. I didn't really pay too much attention to the top foliage. (Yup, I looked at just about every single tree, and even endured the strange looks from other customers and store employees. )

I did my best to select trees with decent trunks and roots. However, as you will see, I think there may be only one with pretty good roots. I will have to comb out the roots and hope for the best. If they are not very good, I will at least gain some practice in the meantime. And I suppose they could just end up being lawn ornaments if all else fails.

Anyway, I'm posting pics below. I certainly welcome anyone's/everyone's thoughts opinions. Anything you've got. Bring it on!

I'm going to order soils. So anything from soil selection to pruning style, to re-potting suggestions is all good with me. I've read a number of articles and I've been following various threads. I've also been studying a few books. But I think I've really learned the most from everybody on this forum. So any advice given will here, I will take very seriously.

First Tree (Japanese Juni #1 - The one I like best. I believe it probably has the best roots, correct?):
Pic #1, (Front?) ---
[url=https://img116.imageshack.us/my.php?image=japanesejuni1completetrve4.jpg][img]https://img116.imageshack.us/img116/2664/japanesejuni1completetrve4.th.jpg[/img][/url]

Pic #2, (Back?) ---
[url=https://img249.imageshack.us/my.php?image=japanesejuni1completetrqs9.jpg][img]https://img249.imageshack.us/img249/5589/japanesejuni1completetrqs9.th.jpg[/img][/url]

Roots/Trunk Pic #1 ---
[url=https://img411.imageshack.us/my.php?image=japanesejuni1roots1jpgyh7.jpg][img]https://img411.imageshack.us/img411/4858/japanesejuni1roots1jpgyh7.th.jpg[/img][/url]

Roots/Trunk Pic #2 ---
[url=https://img411.imageshack.us/my.php?image=japanesejuni1roots2jpgkh0.jpg][img]https://img411.imageshack.us/img411/2615/japanesejuni1roots2jpgkh0.th.jpg[/img][/url]

Second Tree (Japanese Juni #2):
Pic #1 (Front?) ---
[url=https://img247.imageshack.us/my.php?image=japanesejuni2completetrxh7.jpg][img]https://img247.imageshack.us/img247/7156/japanesejuni2completetrxh7.th.jpg[/img][/url]

Pic #2 (Back?) ---
[url=https://img442.imageshack.us/my.php?image=japanesejuni2completetril3.jpg][img]https://img442.imageshack.us/img442/2708/japanesejuni2completetril3.th.jpg[/img][/url]

Roots/Trunk Pic (Not great roots) ---
[url=https://img77.imageshack.us/my.php?image=japanesejuni2roots1jpgeg6.jpg][img]https://img77.imageshack.us/img77/1271/japanesejuni2roots1jpgeg6.th.jpg[/img][/url]

Third Tree (Sargents Juni #1):
(Please note, I wasn't super impressed by the roots of either Sargents Juniper, but I thought they'd at least make good practice trees.)
Pic #1 (Front?) ---
[url=https://img77.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sargentsjuni1completetryh4.jpg][img]https://img77.imageshack.us/img77/2944/sargentsjuni1completetryh4.th.jpg[/img][/url]

Pic #2 (Back?) ---
[url=https://img258.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sargentsjuni1completetrux4.jpg][img]https://img258.imageshack.us/img258/7856/sargentsjuni1completetrux4.th.jpg[/img][/url]

Roots/Trunk Pic ---
[url=https://img239.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sargentsjuni1roots1jpgjc3.jpg][img]https://img239.imageshack.us/img239/1306/sargentsjuni1roots1jpgjc3.th.jpg[/img][/url]

Fourth Tree (Sargents Juni #2):
Pic #1 (Front?) ---
[url=https://img444.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sargentjuni2completetrewp0.jpg][img]https://img444.imageshack.us/img444/4237/sargentjuni2completetrewp0.th.jpg[/img][/url]

Pic #2 (Back?) ---
[url=https://img337.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sargentsjuni2completetrwl5.jpg][img]https://img337.imageshack.us/img337/1037/sargentsjuni2completetrwl5.th.jpg[/img][/url]

Roots/Trunk Pic ---
[url=https://img48.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sargentsjuni2roots1jpgwh0.jpg][img]https://img48.imageshack.us/img48/4592/sargentsjuni2roots1jpgwh0.th.jpg[/img][/url]

All right, that's da stuff! Sorry this is such a ginormous post. Again, any thoughts, comments, advice, opinions, knowledge would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
- LB

[JoeLewko]

Sorry this is such a ginormous post.

Ah those are the best kinds

Looks like you have some good stuff here. I like the roots on the first one, the third one isn't bad either, but I like the first one the best.

All this makes me want to go get a juniper or some other stock


Good Luck with everything, and have fun

Joe

[LiddleBuddha]

Hey JoeLewko,

Quote:
Sorry this is such a ginormous post.


Ah those are the best kinds

Oh boy! You are gonna regret saying that! haha. Actually, hopefully I can trim the posts down as I continually learn. It'll be nice when I can finally post my beautiful bonsai masterpieces for everyone's enjoyment and critiquing pleasure! Hah! (That'll be a minute, or a year, or 5 or 10. hehe)...

Looks like you have some good stuff here. I like the roots on the first one, the third one isn't bad either, but I like the first one the best.

Sweet! Thanks for your thoughts and comments. I am thinking the first and third trees will be my first victims.

All this makes me want to go get a juniper or some other stock

Go for it! I must say they were fairly inexpensive (around $5 each.) However, I believe that the ones I picked were the only ones even remotely worthy of bonsai (out of their entire stock for those 2 varieties). But hopefully you'll have better luck!

Good Luck with everything, and have fun

Thanks! I am definitely looking forward to this new hobby, er eh-hem, obsession.

Best,
- LB

[JoeLewko]

(That'll be a minute, or a year, or 5 or 10. hehe)...

Or 15, or 20...

Go for it! I must say they were fairly inexpensive (around $5 each.) However, I believe that the ones I picked were the only ones even remotely worthy of bonsai (out of their entire stock for those 2 varieties). But hopefully you'll have better luck!

Yes, when I went to look for a boxwood that owuld be suitable, it took, a good 25 mins for me to make a decision. Maybe I will go get a juniper a little later in the season (2 months or so), right now I need to get some humidity trays, maybe some pots, as well as build a bench to keep my bonsai on, as right now they're well...they deserve better, let's just say that

Thanks! I am definitely looking forward to this new hobby, er eh-hem, obsession.

Yes, it does become an obsession, especially when you're first starting

EDIT: Don't worry about the long posts. The more you write and discuss, the more you learn

I look foward to see what you do with this stock. It's always nice to see pictures, especially a tree's progression.

[LiddleBuddha]

Hey JoeLewko,

Or 15, or 20...

True true indeed. I'll always be learning and evolving. I can definitely say that any worthwhile accomplishments in life always do take quite a bit of consistent commitment.

right now I need to get some humidity trays, maybe some pots, as well as build a bench to keep my bonsai on, as right now they're well...they deserve better, let's just say that

I could use all of that, and much much more ! I am just beginning to compile tools and accessories. I'm sure we'll need an addition on the house before long. hehe..

Yes, it does become an obsession, especially when you're first starting

EDIT: Don't worry about the long posts. The more you write and discuss, the more you learn.

Cool! That is all good stuff.

I look foward to see what you do with this stock. It's always nice to see pictures, especially a tree's progression.

I actually victimized my first victims last night! I'm hoping to post some pics a little later. They have a long way to go (need wiring, bonsai soil, etc.) and I may have mangled 'em up real good like. But if I didn't kill them then I spose there's some hope. hehe..

Thanks again for posting your comments! See ya.

- LB

[ynot]

Maybe I will go get a juniper a little later in the season (2 months or so), right now I need to get some humidity trays, maybe some pots, as well as build a bench to keep my bonsai on, as right now they're well...they deserve better, let's just say that

Joe,

Do go get some 5$ junis.... They will teach you much:).

RE: The humidity trays you mention, Are these for your outside trees such as the boxwood and future Juni?

LB,

Don't sweat the size of the posts....You ARE actually saying/doing something... So, They are a pleasure to take in and absorb [Though sometimes I do pack a lunch before adventuring off into your p - o - s - t - s.. ;)

After all my posts have gotten considerably smaller over time and as you know my PMs are practically MICROSCOPIC..... LOL

I am glad to hear you got down and dirty while bonsai hunting...It's fun it's fun isn't it ... Always questing for one that's better or has more potential....

I am glad you took a bunch of pics LB [So often we get A single crappy dark shot from an awkward angle and "What do you think?"

I am not in love with the third tree due to that long horizontal 'branch' on the RH side....But we will see what we can make of it.. I like the two LH side branches better actually. [Well what I can see of them.]


There is much foliage in the way but we will try to make a plan with what we can tell.

There is a LOT of new foliage to be pinched on these guys thats for sure.

I know I am too late but I would have pinched the new foliage first, Just to be able to see whats in there a bit better.

I think the most potential in some of these will be found by bringing the branching way back and regrowing it.

If you haven't worked over the remaining trees yet, Do some [lots] pinching. Let me know if it's too too late or your not sure on the entire pinching thing.

A more worthy reply in a while...

ynot

[LiddleBuddha]

Just a quick test to see how this goes... Tried photobucket because imageshack's website has been acting up on me lately... Let's see...

[img]https://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s129/LiddleBuddha/Juni1Front1.jpg[/img]

<a href="https://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="https://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s129/LiddleBuddha/Juni1Front1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

https://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s129/LiddleBuddha/Juni1Front1.jpg

[LiddleBuddha]

Interesting. Can't do thumbnails with photobucket. Dunno if I like that. Maybe I'll give it a go anyway though...

[LiddleBuddha]

Hey ynot,

Don't sweat the size of the posts....You ARE actually saying/doing something... So, They are a pleasure to take in and absorb [Though sometimes I do pack a lunch before adventuring off into your p - o - s - t - s..

Hah! Nice. Glad my epic posts aren't too over the top.

I am glad to hear you got down and dirty while bonsai hunting...It's fun it's fun isn't it ... Always questing for one that's better or has more potential....

Yes indeed! I really enjoyed it. Not sure the staff did though. Oh well.

I am glad you took a bunch of pics LB [So often we get A single crappy dark shot from an awkward angle and "What do you think?"

Thanks! I like taking pictures. Unfortunately I haven't quite figured out the best set-up for photographing the trees. But I'll keep experimenting.

I am not in love with the third tree due to that long horizontal 'branch' on the RH side....But we will see what we can make of it.. I like the two LH side branches better actually. [Well what I can see of them.]

I got ya. Curious to know more.

There is a LOT of new foliage to be pinched on these guys thats for sure.

Hmm... Beginning to think that I did not do things in quite the right order. hehe... (Probably should've left more of the woody growth?)

I know I am too late but I would have pinched the new foliage first, Just to be able to see whats in there a bit better.

No worries. I am not sure my lady is really going to give it a go with bonsai. And if so, I'll just head back to Lowes for more trees!

I think the most potential in some of these will be found by bringing the branching way back and regrowing it.

More curious to know more

If you haven't worked over the remaining trees yet, Do some [lots] pinching. Let me know if it's too too late or your not sure on the entire pinching thing.

I haven't pinched anything off the other 2 trees. If my lady doesn't want to do anything with them I'll get to it. Otherwise I'll get some more trees.

A more worthy reply in a while...

It's all good, my friend. Whenever you have time.

I have to take care of some stuff, but hopefully I'll be back soon enough...

Thanks!
- LB[/quote]

[LiddleBuddha]

AAAAHHHHhhhhhh...

Running out of time. Don't know if I'm gonna be able to post the pics of my victims, er um, trees today. If not, tomorrow's another day.

[ynot]

LB,

Running out of time. Don't know if I'm gonna be able to post the pics of my victims, er um, trees today. If not, tomorrow's another day.

I hope you get to see this but if not.... There is another day..No worries

I am glad you took a bunch of pics LB [So often we get A single crappy dark shot from an awkward angle and "What do you think?"

Thanks! I like taking pictures. Unfortunately I haven't quite figured out the best set-up for photographing the trees. But I'll keep experimenting.

Some photo tips are at:
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3557

I am not in love with the third tree due to that long horizontal 'branch' on the RH side....But we will see what we can make of it.. I like the two LH side branches better actually. [Well what I can see of them.]

I got ya. Curious to know more.

Check it out from the opposite view, I think the backside [as a front] may have more potential...

There is a LOT of new foliage to be pinched on these guys thats for sure.

Hmm... Beginning to think that I did not do things in quite the right order. hehe... (Probably should've left more of the woody growth?)

Rookie mistake my man . Not terminal though and it's your maiden voyage so don't stress on it. I can assure you that everyone who has been at this a while has things they wish they had done differently and sometimes you get to live with those mistakes for years...lol. I love all my trees- Even the red-headed step chilldren types.

It is all part of the learning curve, That's all.

I know I am too late but I would have pinched the new foliage first, Just to be able to see whats in there a bit better.

No worries. I am not sure my lady is really going to give it a go with bonsai. And if so, I'll just head back to Lowes for more trees!

Yep, 'No worries' says it all man.

I think the most potential in some of these will be found by bringing the branching way back and regrowing it.

More curious to know more

You got it

Since leaf size is not an issue here [Needles you know..] I think that the simplest route to having these appear to be powerful trees [Working with fairly small trunks here.] Is to not have a massive amount of foliage perched atop the trunks. You can accomplish this fairly easily and will have total control over the future trees design. This requires some [most likely severe to your eye ;)..] chopping back and the trees will not look their best for a while [During the interim- This however is typical of the process of bonsai.]

Mind you, You need not do this each of them. If you want- Go several different routes [wrt methods] with the various trees and you can see what is more effective for your goals for each tree. Nothing beats experience.

If you haven't worked over the remaining trees yet, Do some [lots] pinching. Let me know if it's too too late or your not sure on the entire pinching thing.

I haven't pinched anything off the other 2 trees. If my lady doesn't want to do anything with them I'll get to it. Otherwise I'll get some more trees.

Ok, Cool

I hope this was more helpful, I sent a PM also

ynot

[JoeLewko]

Do go get some 5$ junis.... They will teach you much:).

Yes, I will once I find some time to go shopping (it can be a bit of an adventure )

RE: The humidity trays you mention, Are these for your outside trees such as the boxwood and future Juni?

Yes.

Joe

[ynot]

RE: The humidity trays you mention, Are these for your outside trees such as the boxwood and future Juni?

Yes.

Joe

Um, Why? A humidity tray is for an indoor environment. They provide a more humid micro-environment in the immediate area of the tree via evaporation.

Outdoors, Air movement [IE: The absolute slightest puff of wind] eliminates any possible benefit of the humidity trays. They are entirely useless.

ynot

[LiddleBuddha]

Hey ynot,

Some photo tips are at:
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3557

Awesome! Thanks for that info. After I finish posting I am going to read the whole thing. I skimmed it and noticed one thing I can do immediately is find a black background. Sweet!

Quote:
Hmm... Beginning to think that I did not do things in quite the right order. hehe... (Probably should've left more of the woody growth?)
Rookie mistake my man . Not terminal though and it's your maiden voyage so don't stress on it. I can assure you that everyone who has been at this a while has things they wish they had done differently and sometimes you get to live with those mistakes for years...lol. I love all my trees- Even the red-headed step chilldren types.

Good to know this. I'll try not to beat myself up too much. Boy oh boy, is it June yet? That's when my beginner bonsai class is. I CAN'T FRIGGIN WAIT! hehe..

Since leaf size is not an issue here [Needles you know..] I think that the simplest route to having these appear to be powerful trees [Working with fairly small trunks here.] Is to not have a massive amount of foliage perched atop the trunks. You can accomplish this fairly easily and will have total control over the future trees design. This requires some [most likely severe to your eye ..] chopping back and the trees will not look their best for a while [During the interim- This however is typical of the process of bonsai.]

I'm not afraid. I'll bust out the hedge trimmers when I get home today. JUST KIDDING. I will study the trees some more and consider what to prune next. Is it recommended to wait a while after the initial pruning?

Mind you, You need not do this each of them. If you want- Go several different routes [wrt methods] with the various trees and you can see what is more effective for your goals for each tree. Nothing beats experience.

I like this idea. I'm going to try to keep a journal/log about each tree w/photos so that I can see for myself what works/what doesn't, what I like/don't like. I'm excited to see how each tree evolves.

I hope this was more helpful, I sent a PM also

Definitely helpful, thanks! It is ALL helfpul to me at this point!

Okay, more pictures in a sec, I hope...

- LB

[LiddleBuddha]

Hi All,

Here are some pics of my first trees' initial pruning. My maiden voyage has DEFINITELY been a learning experience so far...

First Tree - Dwarf Japanese Juniper ---
Japanese Juni - Front of Tree:
[img]https://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s129/LiddleBuddha/Juni1Front1.jpg[/img]

Japanese Juni - Back of Tree:
[img]https://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s129/LiddleBuddha/Juni1Back1.jpg[/img]

Japanese Juni - Top View (Bottom of Pic is Front of Tree):
[img]https://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s129/LiddleBuddha/Juni1TopViewBottomofpicisFrontofTre.jpg[/img]

Second Tree - Sargents Juniper ---
Sargents Juni - Front of Tree (Might be the Back of Tree though):
[img]https://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s129/LiddleBuddha/SJuni1Front1.jpg[/img]

Sargents Juni - Back of Tree (Might be the Front of Tree though):
[img]https://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s129/LiddleBuddha/SJuni1Back1.jpg[/img]

Sargents Juni - Top View (Bottom of Pic is Current 'Front' of Tree):
[img]https://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s129/LiddleBuddha/SJuni1TopViewBottomofpicisFrontofTr.jpg[/img]

Sargents Juni - Branch/Trunk Damage (Where left branch meets trunk at 90 degree angle):
[img]https://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s129/LiddleBuddha/SJuni1TrunkDamage.jpg[/img]

Notes:
I am prepared for a thorough flogging, so LET ME HAVE IT! hehe... I know I have made plenty of mistakes. I want to learn so any criticism, comments, thoughts, opinions is cool with me.

Both trees have yet to be wired. I think they'll look much better once wired. Kinda hard to see what my intentions are in their current state.

I know I need to get them in proper bonsai soil pronto also. I am definitely working on it. Does anyone have any soil suggestions for these trees?

I'm sure I'll have more questions soon enough. Thanks, everyone, for checking out my first trees and for reading my long-winded posts. I'm looking forward to any comments any of you might have. So thank you kindly, in advance!

Best Regards,
- LiddleBuddha