Rudd’s California Juniper #2

[Ruddigger]

Third styling. I removed a couple major branches and made the pads much smaller this time around unfortunately I had to rewire the whole tree because of the angle change. But, as it grows into the new design it will hopefully be less and less reliant on wire.

I’m glad I rotated the tree in the pot during the last repot. The upper deadwood is more engaging and the foliage is much closer to the pot.

 

[Ruddigger]

I made a blog about this tree for my website, a lot of it is recapping what's already here.

Designing a Cascade. — Apex Bonsai Studio

www.apexbonsaistudio.com

 

[Ruddigger]

During the last styling I did something I’ve never done before. I started at the apex and worked my way down the tree. Since it’s being shown soon I wanted to make sure the crown was as dense as possible, so I started with the top.

It worked out, but was more challenging was I got to the branches below and the already wired section was in my way.

 

[Hartinez]

View attachment 608656

During the last styling I did something I’ve never done before. I started at the apex and worked my way down the tree. Since it’s being shown soon I wanted to make sure the crown was as dense as possible, so I started with the top.

It worked out, but was more challenging was I got to the branches below and the already wired section was in my way.

Love it Rudd. Great work.

 

[pandacular]

Amazing work, Ryan. I was talking about this tree with your fellow student Ernie this past week when we were studying together—I’m super stoked to see this one getting all the stops for a show!

I notice there’s still a handful of short runners. Are those left on for local strength for the time?

 

[Ruddigger]

Amazing work, Ryan. I was talking about this tree with your fellow student Ernie this past week when we were studying together—I’m super stoked to see this one getting all the stops for a show!

I notice there’s still a handful of short runners. Are those left on for local strength for the time?

Thank you, Ernie’s a great guy.

I’ll prune the runners back just before the show, otherwise they’d just grow out again and cutting them back too often will weaken the tree.

 

[Ruddigger]

Reworked and ready for the GSBF Rendezvous show on 10/24/25. Also mossed it and planted a little sedum in the hollow at the base. Sneak peek.

 

[Ruddigger]

On display at the 2025 GSBF Rendezvous.


After the show I eliminated a front branch to expose more of the lower deadwood.

 

[RJG2]

After the show I eliminated a front branch to expose more of the lower deadwood.

Was this something you had been contemplating, did it come up in discussion at the show, or was it a sudden decision?

I'm not sure which I like better, especially considering the show vs. home photos are in such different light/environments.

 

[Ruddigger]

Was this something you had been contemplating, did it come up in discussion at the show, or was it a sudden decision?

I'm not sure which I like better, especially considering the show vs. home photos are in such different light/environments.

Yes, I was planning to do it after the show. I didn’t want to do it before and have a fresh jin right in the front. During Mauro’s critique he mentioned removing it, so I did it as soon as I came home.

 

[RJG2]

Yes, I was planning to do it after the show. I didn’t want to do it before and have a fresh jin right in the front. During Mauro’s critique he mentioned removing it, so I did it as soon as I came home.

Good call; always nice to get confirmation of a plan too!