Memory Lane – Newstead Four – John’s Junipers

The picture on the home page of the Junipers on the display bench was taken at our biennial bonsai exhibition Newstead Four in September 2010. This display was put together under the heading “John’s Junipers…..a work in progress”.

Different varieties of Juniper with different characteristics but all making good progress from their original acquisition photographs. I wanted to show visitors how far I had come with these trees but at the same time make them aware that there was still a long way to go. These are far from “finished” trees.

When you acquire or start up a new tree take a picture……whether it be a fine tree from Japan or a “pig’s ear” from the back yard….it doesn’t matter, this is your starting point. It’s what you do from now on that’s really important. So after 5 years if you take another picture and the tree looks exactly the same what have you done with your time…maybe you enjoyed your time with the tree but what have you achieved?……are you satisfied with your efforts?

In 5 years if you apply the correct techniques at the right time to a reasonable piece of material you really can make a difference, you can take the tree to another level. What you have to appreciate is that you can take the best trees this country has to offer, the finest specimen available…..there is alwaysanother higher level to reach. You and I will never have in our possession a “finished” tree.

This might sound a bit daunting but in our game the pleasure is not in reaching the end. Our enjoyment comes from the journey, the ups and downs, the immense satisfaction of seeing your tree develop into something better, something good, something admired by others, something to be proud of, something rather special, something respected……. ……………..it’s a bit like bringing up a child!