Artificial rock juniper planting

Anton78

Sapling
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North Italy
I got this slightly strange artificial rock this year and I'm planning to put some young junipers on it.

IMG_20251115_103342.jpg
16.jpg
 
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In situations like this I tend to make some virtuals to help with the decision. So here's the 1st virtual, one kishu on the rock.virkishu01.png
 
Let's put them side by side for better comparison.
virkishu01.pngvirkishu02.pngviritoigawa1.png

I gotta say I see some potential in all three. This decision won't be easy next spring. Opinions and suggestions welcome.
 
Nice imaging!!

I like the third. All are young enough though to work over time and adjust as needed 🙂
 
Virtuals are misleading in the real world. What is likely to happen is you will get the trees out of the containers and find there is no real good way to get them close enough to the rock to make things look good. Root masses on trees that old tend to be rigid several inches out from the trunk

To get them to adhere as closely as the virtuals will likely entail removing and/or damaging the roots enough to kill the tree

That is unless you’re lucky enough to have one that has an unusual enough root mass that is flexible enough to get on the rock without looking too ridiculous

Root over rock trees are typically planted over rocks as seedlings when their roots aren’t developed. That development takes place ON THE ROCK as the tree is developed. This treatment allows the roots to adhere closely to the rock and fit the rocks contour naturally. If trees with even slightly mature roots grown in another container are used there is always a gap between the bottom of the tree and the rock

Fingers crossed for you. Good luck. The ultimate decision on which tree you should use will be determined by the above probably not by your choice.
 
I like the relationship between the rock and tree best in #3

#1 could work over time but the tree is too small for the rock currently.

#2 the tree seems disconnected from the composition, like it's floating behind the rock.

Looks like a fun project, can't wait to see what you come up with!
 
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