Sometimes I work on nursery trees, sometimes I work on client’s trees……and sometimes if I’ve been a really good boy I get to work on my own trees. Hopefully these regular visits will give you an insight into what goes on behind closed doors……….
Studio Stories – Juniper…the Stag who became the Dancer…how’s he doing?
Previous posts telling the story of this tree and it’s transformation were first published on the 13th and 26th October 2013 under “Studio Stories.”
The first picture above shows the tree on acquisition at the beginning of 2005. The second picture shows the tree exhibited at Newstead in September 2006, whilst the third picture is from the end of last year following the re-styling.
The tree has generally been allowed to grow strongly this year but some over enthusiastic shoots were trimmed back as necessary. In the first picture above you can see how dense the canopy has become but when you look at the detailed pictures you can see how strong and healthy this tree really is……just look at it’s colour. In the third picture you can see a more compact image beginning to emerge after the necessary thinning out.
The lower branches are also beginning to strengthen and the tips are extending. The small branch to the rear of the trunk in the first picture was opened out and will be simply left to grow. I need the low branch to the front to extend more to the right of the tree so once again the tips are left unchecked but the rest of the branch is controlled.
This tree is progressing well since the restyle and I really like the developing image. The foliage is just so much more compact when compared to it’s earlier years detailed in the previous posts. The image is becoming much more “Chinensis-like” rather than the long unkempt foliage associated with the yamadorii junipers.
There is no substitute for strong healthy growth and minimal intervention just when it is required.