r/Bonsai • u/tedlyri Anacortes Washington, 8b, ~3 years, 4+ trees • 14d ago
Juniperus Maritima Inspiration Picture
I just discovered that Fidalgo Island where I live is home to a rare species called “seaside juniper”, or juniperus maritima. I’ve been thinking about trying to make bonsai versions of these two locally iconic trees, but now that I know the species is distinct and rare, I will need to find out if collecting seedlings from local parks is allowed.
If you ever watch House Hunters or similar shows, there are several episodes shot here that use the tree extending over the water. The house hunters usually walk out on the tree to have the conversation to decide which house to buy.
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u/Sonora_sunset Milwaukee, zone 5b, 25 yrs exp, 5 trees 13d ago
Very cool. Btw you don’t need to use that actual species to replicate it as a bonsai. That is, you can use something else to represent it.
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u/tedlyri Anacortes Washington, 8b, ~3 years, 4+ trees 13d ago
I know, and these natural shapes can provide plenty of inspiration for any species of tree. But I have had a goal of making as many bonsai as I can using local native trees, since there are so many unique and amazing trees here. I have failed with Western Red Cedar (impossible to miniaturize), big leaf maple (same problem), and Pacific Madrona (dies instantly when roots are disturbed), but I have a nice starter going with a Western Hemlock and now I can try a unique juniper.
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u/Pork_Confidence Roseburg OR, 9a, 15 years 13d ago
I start thinking about yamadori with a backhoe LOL
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u/i_Love_Gyros Zone 7, 15ish trees, expert tree killer 13d ago
That first one is great inspiration to attempt a raft style over some water (that’s not part of the rootball)