Brisbane box tree rescue

[StreamGrove]

We had some very horrible Santa Ana winds and this tree was damaged so Im trying to make a bonsai from it and save it. It has quite a nice trunk. I think it wasn't initially planted properly and it's rootball was too exposed so it didn't have very strong roots. It seems happy now.

 

[Shibui]

I was expecting to see Buxus (boxwood) but the mention of Brisbane was enough for me to check.
I searched Brisbane box and came up with an Australian native - Lophostemon confertus aka brush box. It's related to Eucalyptus but seems to respond to bonsai culture a little better.
Lots of new shoots after pruning as you can see along the trunk so plenty of options to chop hard if necessary.

No location in your personal profile but I guess from the mention of Santa Anna that you're somewhere in south west USA. Lophostemon will survive with light frost but doesn't really like cold.

 

[StreamGrove]

Yes it makes new growth on the trunk very easily. I'm constantly cutting it so it focuses on the main one. It is very drought tolerant and loves the Sun. I only water it a day after the moss has dried.